Rock Sport Protection Products Market

Rock Sport Protection Products Market Outlook (2025 to 2035)

The global rock sport protection products market was valued at USD 121 million in 2024 and will expand at a noteworthy CAGR of 3.0% to end up at USD 167.5 million by 2035.

When it comes to recreational climbing, unfortunate injuries are most commonly due to loss of balance and falls. Therefore, protective helmets, gears and other products are mandatory while climbing activities. Balance and safety are very important to balance the fun of rock climbing and during its training. Rock sport protection sets and products such as rock sports shoes, allow climbers to climb comfortably and safely.

The market for protective products in rock sports is primarily driven by the growing popularity of the climbing sport resulting in an increasing number of climbers. The climbers who wear protective products are less likely to be injured.

The global market is well established in various sports industries, but some protective gear that is currently in the launching phase of the market is more likely to gain popularity in the forecast period.

Report Attributes	Details
Rock sport protection Products Market Size (2024A)	USD 121 Million
Estimated Market Value (2025E)	USD 124.6 Million
Forecast Market Value (2035F)	USD 167.5 Million
Global Market Growth Rate (2025 to 2035)	3% CAGR
North America Market Share (2025)	25%
United States Market Growth Rate (2025 to 2035)	3.2% CAGR
Key Companies Profiled	Amer Sports Corporation; Black Diamond Equipment Corp; CAMP USA; Decathlon S.A.; EDELRID GmbH & Co. KG; Evolv Sports; Mammut ; Metolius Climbing; Other Prominent Players;

Historic analysis (2020 to 2024) and future (2025 to 2035) pathway analysis for the market

The market grew at a CAGR of 2.6% from 2020 to 2024 and the market was valued at around USD 121 million in 2024.

Historical Report Attributes	Details
Market Size (2020A)	USD 109.3 million
Market Size (2024A)	USD 121 million
Historical CAGR (2020 to 2024)	2.6%
Forecasted CAGR (2025 to 2035)	3%

• Short Term (2025 to 2028): During this period, the market is driven by increasing participation rates in rock climbing sports and activities. This in turn, will positively influence the market growth.
• Medium Term (2028 to 2032): In the medium term, the market will experience significant growth driven by the rising popularity of rock sports and advancements in protective equipment technologies. Enhanced safety features, sustainability, and eco-friendly materials will be key factors, as consumers increasingly demand high-performance, durable gear. The market will benefit from stronger safety regulations and greater awareness of outdoor adventure risks, fostering innovation and expanding the consumer base.
• Long Term (2032 to 2035): During this period, the market will be shaped by advanced range of products that will provide maximum safety and reduce the risk of injury during the rock climbing activity will propel many participants of this sports to use protective products, which will thereby increase the demand for rock sport protection products.

On the back of the aforementioned facts, the market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 3% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2035, According to the Fact.MR, a market research and competitive intelligence provider.

Market Dynamics

What are the factors propelling global demand of rock sport protection products?

“Increasing awareness about athlete’s safety to increase the sales of rock sport protection products”

Rock sport protection products are used to protect athletes from accidents in adventure sports such as rock climbing and hiking. Such protection products provide protection against sudden external impacts and drops. Various sports federations in consideration of the safety aspects of adventure sports and to avoid injury or harm to athletes mandate these types of protective products. It is not surprising that safety equipment and goods are in great demand as these activities are becoming increasingly popular. These factors have forced the market to grow terrifically.

“Inclusion of rock climbing as a fun activity to elevate market growth”

Rock climbing is considered as a fun activity due to its increasing popularity in adventure sports, tourism and the growth of sports culture among the general population. Vacation packages that include outdoor physical activity and adventure sports such as rock climbing and hiking are getting increasingly popular amongst health-conscious travelers and sports enthusiasts.

Artificial rock climbing is now offered at various adventure clubs, malls, and even gyms. The promotion of such sports through tourism activities or in malls will boost the market for protective for rock sports.

What are the challenges encountered by manufacturers of rock sport protection products?

“Low quality products may hamper the growth of the market”

The protective products should only be made from high-quality materials. Typically, consumers choose to purchase unbranded goods over expensive ones. The majority of the materials used to create these affordable goods are substandard.

Low-quality materials increase the risk of failure of the products. Such incidents increase the number of accidents that may lead to severe injuries or even fatal deaths. Studies have estimated the prevalence of climbing-related injuries ranges from 10% to 81%, regardless of cause. Rock climbing is considered as a dangerous sport. The risks associated with it cannot be completely eliminated but reduced largely by using good quality protection products during the rock climbing sport.

Country-wise Insights

Why is there a substantial demand in the United States?

“Enhanced government efforts for sports and outdoor activities to push market growth”

The market in the United States is estimated at USD 25.3 million in 2025 and is projected to expand at a CAGR of 3.2% through 2035. This market is projected to generate a USD 9.4 million absolute opportunity from 2025 to 2035.

The United States is the largest market for sports protective gear in terms of value because of the hosting of numerous sporting events and the construction of infrastructure to draw an increasing number of people to engage in sports.

Plentiful important athletic events over the past few years have fueled the expansion of market in recent years. Enhanced governmental influence on sports and outdoor programs and increased spending of consumers on sports safety equipment are likely to boost the market growth in the U.S. to a phenomenal extent during the forecast period.

In 2023, the number of participants in climbing (traditional/ice/mountaineering) in the United States amounted to approximately 2.6 million. This was an increase of roughly 4.9 percent from the previous year.

The U.S. has certain dedicated rocks for climbing activity purposes. Some of the major and most attractive places for rock climbing are RED Rock, Red River Gorge, Yosemite, Indian Creek, Joshua Tree and Shawangunks (The Gunks) among others.

Why is France a lucrative market for rock sport protection products manufacturers?

“Popularity of national and international competitions to bolster demand”

Considering the geography of France, it certainly has some of the best climbing area in the world. Hence, the sport of rock climbing is in high demand in this country. There are numerous options for rock climbing and mountaineering in the French Pyrenees. Pene Haute, Sinsat and Superpene are among the sport climbing crags.

The country is witnessing enormous growth in the popularity of national and international competitions, which attracts lot of athletes each year and drives up demand for businesses that supply related goods and services such as sports protective products.

In recent years, France recorded 110,449 licenses and other titles for participation in mountain climbing and sports activities. The organization of various sports events, such as European Championships Munich 2023, provided opportunities for athletes to participate in the sport at international levels. All these opportunities offered to the participants in rock sports activities will increase the penetration of protection products used for these types of sports.

Category-wise Insights

Which product type is expected to gain traction during the forecast period?

“Increasing demand for helmets as safety awareness grows in climbing sports”

Demand for helmets is projected to increase at a CAGR of 3.1% from 2025 to 2035 and the segment is projected to reach a market valuation of USD 32 million by 2035.

It is expected that helmets will witness a large demand in the market in the forecast period. This growth has been due to rising awareness regarding safety in climbing and mountaineering activities. Helmets offer protection from head injuries caused by falls or rock falls. As participation in climbing rises, particularly with the inclusion of climbing in the Olympics, consumers are becoming more safety-conscious and prioritizing protective gear.

Advancements in helmet technology, such as lighter materials, better ventilation, and enhanced shock absorption, have addressed comfort concerns, making them more appealing to climbers. Tightening safety regulations in various regions are pushing climbers toward certified protective gear.

What would be the outlook of the sales channel segment?

“Online sales channel will continue to dominate the global market during the forecast period”

Online sales channel is estimated to account for 27.7% share of the market in 2025, and the segment is projected to reach a market valuation of USD 47.2 million by 2035.

E-commerce platforms provide convenience to customers by enabling retailers to offer all their services and products from one point. The usage of e-commerce platforms and technology is likely to increase during the forecast period. Retailers have experienced a surge in consumer preference to purchase online due to the high degree of convenience and cost effectiveness of online platforms.

Hence, they have begun utilizing e-commerce platforms to facilitate client browsing for their goods and services as well as to make it simpler for them to connect with customers who are located far away. Businesses are focusing on online sales now since customers prefer online retailers like Walmart, Amazon, Alibaba, E-bay and others.

Competitive Landscape

Key players in the market are Amer Sports Corporation, Black Diamond Equipment Corp, CAMP USA, Decathlon S.A., EDELRID GmbH & Co. KG and Evolv Sports among others.

Companies devote a significant portion of their revenue to R&D to resolve problems and offer creative solutions to draw in new customers and stay competitive. Companies are developing customized offerings for issues that meet industry-specific needs to compete with other players.

• In May 2024, Red Chili, a brand under EDELRID GmbH & Co. KG, launched the VOLTAGE X, a high-performance climbing shoe designed for dynamic bouldering and steep terrain. Featuring the RC-TENSION S midsole, it provides aggressive pretension and exceptional sensitivity. The Vibram XS Grip sole ensures superior friction, while the anatomically shaped heel and large toe patch improve precision for toe and heel hooks. With its slipper design and fast-lacing system, the shoe offers a comfortable, adjustable fit. The VOLTAGE X expands Red Chili’s premium climbing footwear lineup, catering to climbers seeking sensitivity and performance on challenging routes.

Segmentation of Rock Sport Protection Products Industry Research

• By Product Type :

  • Helmet
  • Climbing Shoes
  • Belay Gloves
  • Nuts
  • Hexes
  • Camming devices
  • Tricams

• By Sales Channels :

  • Independent Sports Outlet
  • Franchised Sports Outlet
  • Modern Trade Channels
  • Direct to Consumer Channel
  • Online Sales

• By Buyer Type :

  • Individual
  • Institutional
  • Promotional

• By Region :

  • North America
  • Latin America
  • Western Europe
  • Eastern Europe
  • East Asia
  • South Asia & Pacific
  • Middle East & Africa