Innovation Unleashed

What better place to run your outdoor recreation technology business than a state where you can field test products right outside your back door?

Idahoans are turning their passion for the outdoors into business success, and outdoor product manufacturers are taking note. Recreation technology companies in Idaho have some of the most rigorous testing grounds for the products on earth. From the backcountry to whitewater, single track to powder, outdoor innovation is born in Idaho.

Throughout the state, you’ll find a business environment that lets you operate at a fraction of the cost of other states. Idaho is home to hundreds of companies testing their products, and our workforce is dedicated and highly skilled — plus, they’re using outdoor products every day, giving them a level of expertise you won’t find anywhere else.

Quick Facts

$441.8 million GDP (2023)

Idaho’s outdoor recreation technology industry generated $441.8 million in GDP for the state in 2023.

Source: Emsi Lightcast, 2023

3,318 jobs

The outdoor recreation industry employs over 3,000 across the state.

Source: Emsi Lightcast, 2023

$67,893 average wage

The outdoor recreation technology industry has an average wage of nearly $67,000.

Source: Emsi Lightcast, 2023

Tested in Idaho

Idaho’s Tested in Idaho campaign showcases the stories, innovation and quality behind the companies creating industry-leading outdoor products, and the places in Idaho that inspire and put those products to the ultimate test. Learn more about this campaign here.

Outdoor Recreation Technology Companies in Idaho

NRS

Located in Moscow, NRS is the world’s leading manufacturer of paddlesports equipment and apparel. NRS has become a major force in the outdoor industry, inspiring and equipping everything from rafters, paddleboarders and more.

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Cordova Outdoors

Located in Nampa, Idaho, Cordova Outdoors creates premium hard-sided coolers and other accessories that are crafted with skill and care by its team of artisans.

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Waterworks-Lamson

Located in Boise, Waterworks-Lamson is the industry leader in the design and manufacturing of premium fly fishing reels. It specializes in innovating, inventing, designing and engineering their fishing reels unlike any other.

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More Recreation Technology Companies in Idaho

Resources

The Idaho Manufacturing Alliance, or IMA, is an organization created by manufacturers, for manufacturers committed to advocating for the industry and positively impacting public perception of manufacturing across Idaho. The organization provides a key resource for manufacturers in Idaho.
Great work requires great partnerships. That’s why the Idaho Workforce Development Council collaborates with more than a dozen partners across the state to reduce duplicate work, promote efficient use of funds, and ensure that Idahoans have top-notch services available to support their career.
TechHelp Manufacturing Specialists help Idaho manufacturers, food processors and entrepreneurs/inventors improve their competitiveness through continuous product and process innovation. Our consultants provide services statewide from our university-based offices in Boise, Post Falls, Twin Falls, and Pocatello.

Want to know what else Idaho has to offer?

View our incentives guide. Still have questions? Contact us.

Incentives Guide
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