You don’t have to be young, a famous athlete — or even an actual athlete in some instances — to qualify as a brand ambassador for an outdoor gear company.

Brand ambassadors might be out of their twenties, working full-time jobs while they pursue their outdoor recreation on weekends, campaigning for conservation, fulfilling their dreams as wilderness guides, or competing in lesser-known sports.

And the benefits vary across brands and ambassadors, from getting gear for testing out to a paycheck.

Today, brands are building relationships with a variety of people who share their passion for time spent outside.

“We can’t always do the talking ourselves,” said Rick VanderLeek, senior manager of brand partnerships at Topo Designs, a Colorado-based company that makes outdoor packs, bags, clothi

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