Idaho is built for outdoor recreation. Home to rugged, diverse terrain spanning forests, mountains and high desert to rivers and lakes, the Gem State ranks high in the nation for both wilderness acres and navigable miles of whitewater. With such convenient access to the great outdoors, it’s no surprise Idaho has inspired entrepreneurs and existing companies to start or relocate their outdoor-recreation-focused businesses here—where they can create and then prove the usability and durability of their products right in their own backyard.
In 2017, hundreds of outdoor-recreation companies called Idaho home. Acknowledging the passion and ingenuity behind these businesses and how they viewed Idaho’s landscapes as both the inspiration and ultimate testing grounds for their products, the Idaho Department of Commerce recognized a unique opportunity to amplify awareness of this flourishing industry story and created the Tested in Idaho program.
Tested in Idaho aims to highlight Idaho’s outdoor-recreation companies that trial and iterate their products in the great Idaho outdoors—from the compelling tales of passion and grit behind their businesses to the stories of creativity and innovation that gets their products to adventurous consumers all over the world.
WHO WE SERVE
Tested in Idaho connects all participants in the state’s outdoor-recreation industry:
- Idaho’s existing outdoor-recreation companies
- Existing outdoor-recreation companies in other states or countries interested in relocating to Idaho
- New companies looking to start operations in Idaho
- Retailers that sell outdoor-recreation products
- Consumers who want to learn more and/or support these companies
THE ECONOMIC IMPACT OF IDAHO’S OUTDOOR-RECREATION INDUSTRY
Idaho’s growing outdoor-recreation industry creates jobs and encourages tourism, fueling the state’s economy.
473
Establishments
5,700
Jobs
$41,613
Average Yearly Earnings
67.6%
10-Year Projected Growth Rate
REGIONAL PROFILES
North
- Terrain: forests, mountains, rivers, lakes
- Industry Clusters: accessories, shooting sports and water sports
- Testing Grounds: Idaho Panhandle National Forest, Lake Coeur d’Alene, Lake Pend Oreille, Hells Canyon
Central
- Terrain: forests, mountains, high desert, rivers and lakes
- Industry Clusters: apparel, accessories and fishing
- Testing Grounds: Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness, Sawtooth National Forest, Boulder-White Clouds Mountains, Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve, Salmon River
Southwest
- Terrain: forests, mountains, high desert, rivers and lakes
- Industry Clusters: accessories, shooting sports, water sports and apparel
- Testing Grounds: Snake River, Hells Canyon, Bruneau Dunes State Park, Payette National Forest, Payette Lake
East
- Terrain: forests, mountains, high desert and rivers
- Industry Clusters: accessories, fishing and snow sports
- Testing Grounds: Bear Lake, City of Rocks National Reserve, Henry’s Fork, Snake River, Teton Valley
HELPFUL LINKS
Looking to relocate your outdoor-recreation company to Idaho or planning an adventure in the great Idaho Outdoors? Find answers, information and inspiration within the following links:
