Reindeer herding is probably the most important source of livelihood for the Nenets. While the forest Nenets living in the taiga keep only a small number of reindeer, the largely treeless northern tundra areas are ideal for long-distance migrations with larger herds. Unlike other groups in northeastern Siberia, the Nenets also use reindeer teams for transportation in the summer, with the sleds gliding over the slippery ground. Their sleds also differ from those used in other areas of Siberia.

In addition to reindeer herding, fishing is also an important source of food for the Nenets, given the abundance of fish in the rivers and coastal waters. Special types of boats with appropriate equipment are used for this purpose.

The clothing of the Nenets, which consists largely of reindeer skins, is well suited to the extreme climatic conditions, especially on the edge of the Arctic Ocean, where there is little protection from the icy winds in the treeless zone. Special attention is paid to warm clothing for children and different types of boots, which are usually made from the particularly warm skins of reindeer legs.

For a long time, tools and household items were mainly made from natural materials available locally. With the development of trade relations with the Russians, parts of tools were initially replaced by metals and more recently by plastics.