Used Backpacking Gear: 19 Best Places to Buy and Sell

© Little Skittle

Buying gear for a thru-hike can get expensive. Fast. But there’s an easy way to cut gear costs in half… Buy used! Whether shopping online or swinging by your local consignment shop, there are plenty of options available today to score first-rate gear at wallet-friendly prices.

Here are our favorites.

1. REI Used Gear

Gear: Camping equipment, tents, clothing, boots, electronics, backpacks, sleeping gear, accessories.

Pros: Changing inventory, less frantic than REI Garage Sale. Items undergo detailed inspection, 100% satisfaction guarantee.

Cons: Smaller inventory, deals aren’t as good as REI Garage sales.

Return Policy: 30-day

Savings: 50%

Selling: No

REI’s used gear program is a website that’s like the online version of an REI Garage Sale. The items listed have been returned in near perfect condition. The inventory updates regularly, and you don’t have to be an REI Co-op member to buy.

Visit REI Used Gear

2. eBay

Gear: Camping equipment, tents, clothing, boots, electronics, backpacks, sleeping gear, climbing gear, winter gear, camp chairs, hammocks, survival guides, bear cans, hydration products, cots, accessories.

Pros: Local or global search, large selection

Cons: Can’t always inspect item, safety, and fraud concerns.   

Return Policy: 30-day

Savings: 30-60%

Selling: Yes

eBay is the digital cousin of garage sales. You work directly with the buyer, there’s a little of everything, and sometimes you can score gear that still has its tags… (people’s hiking dreams don’t always pan out.) 

Visit eBay

3. Outdoors Geek

Gear: Camping gear, sleeping gear, tents, backpacks, trekking poles, kids’ products, awnings, dry bags, stoves, camp chairs, bear cans, hammocks, cooking gear, hydration products, electronics, rain gear, cots, and bike packs.

Pros: Rent before you buy, large selection, top brands like Marmot and Big Agnes.

Cons: Average pricing, limited sizing.

Return Policy: 48 hours

Savings: 40-60%

Selling: No

Strapped for cash or wanting to ease into backpacking before committing to spending $100’s in gear? Renting gear through a company is a good way to test the waters with little cost to you.

A Denver-based company, Outdoors Geek sells and rents new and gently used backpacking gear. The products available are items they’ve retired from their rental program, and many include user ratings and reviews. There’s also a clearance section.

Other rental companies include Arrive Outdoors, Outdoor Hire, Mountain Side Gear Rental or CampCrate.

Visit Outdoors Geek

4. Gear Trade

Gear: Camping gear, clothing, fitness gear, water-sports, bikes, fishing, snow sports.

Pros: Good variety, Gear Trade manages payments for safety.

Cons: Higher prices, payments slow to sellers.

Return Policy: 72 hours

Savings: 30-70%

Selling: Yes

This is an online marketplace based out of Utah where US folks can buy and sell lightly used outdoor gear. The gear is rated as either new, excellent, good or fair. You don’t need an account to browse the site, but you will need to sign up for one to purchase or sell an item.

Visit Gear Trade

5. Backpacking Light Gear Swap

Gear: Camping equipment, tents, clothing, boots, electronics, backpacks, sleeping gear, climbing gear, winter gear, camp chairs, hammocks, survival guides, bear cans, hydration products, cots, accessories.

Pros: High-end products, good for hard to find items, new and used items, FAQ, most sellers cover shipping costs.

Cons: Items sell quickly, expensive, shipping may be slow depending on where sellers located.

Return Policy: Usually agreed upon between the buyer and the seller

Savings: 30-60%

Selling: Yes

Forums and bulletins act as online discussion sites where individuals can post pictures, give descriptions and list items for sale. You can search for specific items or browse through all the listings. Each item has a “thread” (conversation) attached to it between the seller and potential buyers. Each site’s rules are different for buying and selling, so check their guidelines.

Backpacking Light's Gear Swap is a popular online forum among both seasoned and newbie hikers. Around 40 new items get posted a day, and memberships cost anywhere from $7 to $137 a year. Any basic, premium or unlimited member can buy, sell or trade gear.

Other popular options include WhiteBlaze.net and HammockForums.net.

Visit Backpacking Light's Gear Swap

6. MEC Gear Swap

Gear: Camping equipment, climbing, watersports, snow sports, fitness.

Pros: Good selection, 30-day price match policy, product guarantee.

Cons: Higher prices, reports of scammers—read their guidelines to avoid scams.

Return Policy: No time limit on returns, exchanges, or refunds

Savings: 30-50%

Selling: Yes

A Canadian-based Co-Op, Mountain Equipment Co-Op is a place for outdoor lovers to buy, sell or swap their gear—as long as they have a membership ($5 for life). MEC has 16 stores throughout Canada that regularly put on gear swap events. Members can access the online store to shop from anywhere in the world.

Visit MEC Gear Swap

7. Amazon Warehouse

Gear: Camping equipment, sleeping gear, backpacks, trekking poles, kids’ products, dry bags, stoves, camp chairs, bear cans, hammocks, cooking gear, hydration products, electronics, rain gear, cots, survival guides, hiking accessories.

Pros: Fast shipping, good variety, product reviews, easy returns.

Cons: Smaller brand selection.

Return Policy: 30 days, 90 days for “renewed” items.

Savings: 40-75%

Selling: No

There’s plenty of used hiking gear for sale through Amazon Warehouse Deals. The Warehouse is like buying new from Amazon, except here, pre-owned, gently used and open-box products or re-sold at bargain prices. Each item is quality checked by a 20-point inspection, and Amazon explains why each product has been discounted.

Visit Amazon Warehouse

8. Patagonia Worn Wear

Gear: Clothing, daypacks

Pros: Unique pieces, like-new products, great deals on quality clothing.

Cons: Sizing limitations, higher prices.

Return Policy: Return anytime

Savings: 20-40%

Selling: Yes

This is a branch of Patagonia where you can buy gently used Patagonia items at discount prices. You can also trade in your gently used Patagonia gear for store credit. They have items from a variety of seasons, and even a special “Recrafted” line where pieces get created by combining and re-designing old items.

Visit Patagonia Worn Wear

9. The North Face Renewed

Gear: Clothing, jackets, vests

Pros: 1-year warranty, free shipping, unnoticeable repairs, high-end pieces, lots of options.

Cons: Limited colors, sizing, and item selection.

Return Policy: 60 days

Savings: 50%

Selling: No

A collection of renewed North Face clothing available at discount prices. Each product that’s sold gets professionally washed, mended (if needed), and then quality-checked before being put up for sale. All products come with a one-year warranty and free shipping.

Visit The North Face Renewed

10. RockSolid by Arc’Teryx

Gear: Clothing, jackets, footwear, packs, accessories

Pros: Changing inventory, current and past seasons.

Cons: Limited colors and sizes

Return Policy: 60 days

Savings: 40-60%

Selling: Yes

Like Patagonia and The North Face, Arc’Teryx also joined in on reviving old products and putting them back up for sale. All products come with a limited warranty, and Arc’Teryx will let you trade in old items for store credit.

Visit RockSolid

11. OfferUp

Gear: Camping equipment, tents, clothing, boots, electronics, backpacks, sleeping gear, climbing gear, winter gear, camp chairs, hammocks, survival guides, bear cans, hydration products, cots, accessories.

Pros: Easy to use, good variety, can set-up notifications when specific items get posted.

Cons: Location can affect inventory, fraud and safety concerns.

Return Policy: 48 hours

Savings: 30-50%

Selling: Yes

Being the largest mobile marketplace for local buyers and sellers, loads of gear is always getting posted for sale on OfferUp. The app is free to use and sellers post pictures and provide in-depth descriptions of items they’re selling. You can search by zip code. To learn more about a product, you can message the seller directly.

Visit OfferUp

12. Letgo

Gear: Camping equipment, tents, clothing, boots, electronics, backpacks, sleeping gear, climbing gear, winter gear, camp chairs, hammocks, survival guides, bear cans, hydration products, cots, accessories.

Pros: Easy to use, local deals, unique items.

Cons: Location can limit selection, safety and fraud concerns.

Return Policy: Final sale

Savings: 30-50%

Selling: Yes

Letgo is a free app that lets users buy or sell unwanted gear locally. Each item posted has pictures, a short description, and there’s an in-app chat system that acts as the platform for bringing buyers and sellers together. Deciding how to close each transaction, either by cash or PayPal, is up to each party.

Visit Letgo

13. REI Garage Sale

Gear: Camping equipment, tents, clothing, boots, electronics, backpacks, sleeping gear, climbing gear, winter gear, camp chairs, hammocks, survival guides, bear cans, hydration products, cots, accessories.

Pros: Huge selection, great prices, quality gear.

Cons: Crowded! Get there early to wait in line. Items go FAST.

Return Policy: Final sale

Savings: 50-90%

Selling: No

At REI’s garage sales, gear that’s returned, lightly used, or cosmetically flawed is available at discount prices. Each product has a tag explaining exactly why it’s marked down. Garage sales take place on specific days, and you need to be a Co-op member to purchase gear (one-time $20 fee).

Visit REI

14. Thrift Stores

© Brad.K (CC BY 2.0)

Gear: Camping gear, clothing, jackets, backpacks, kitchen supplies, accessories.

Pros: Large inventory, cheap, good for basics or items you don’t mind putting wear and tear on.

Cons: Gear could be outdated and heavier, location makes a difference (ex. Denver store vs. Dallas.)

Return Policy: Varies

Savings: 50-70%

Selling: No

Finding quality backpacking gear at a thrift stores is a little bit like finding a needle in a haystack. Stores like the Salvation Army and Goodwill have the advantages of holding a large of inventory that renews quickly. However, chances that you'll find lightweight, functional gear are low. They're a good place to find cheap and no-fuss hiking clothes, though.

15. Garage Sales

Gear: Camping gear, clothing, jackets, backpacks, kitchen supplies, accessories.

Pros: Large inventory, cheap, good for basics or items you don’t mind putting wear and tear on.

Cons: Gear could be outdated and heavier, location makes a difference (ex. Denver store vs. Dallas.)

Return Policy: Varies

Savings: 50-70%

Selling: Yes

You may not always find top-of-the-line hiking gear in someone’s garage, but they’re still good spots for purchasing clothing, kitchen supplies, and camp accessories. You can find an especially large, quality selection of gear in cities with thriving outdoor communities.

16. Facebook Marketplace

Gear: Camping equipment, tents, clothing, boots, electronics, backpacks, sleeping gear, climbing gear, winter gear, camp chairs, hammocks, bear cans, hydration products, cots, kayaks, accessories.

Pros: Changing inventory, big selection, good way to connect with other hikers.

Cons: No warranty or guarantee of product since you’re buying from a stranger.

Return Policy: Varies by seller

Savings: 30-50%

Selling: Yes

Facebook Marketplace is an excellent resource for shopping gently used hiking gear. You buy direct from the seller and can shop either locally or globally. A quick search for “hiking groups” or “Outdoor gear exchange” on Facebook will pull up tons of leads. Some groups are open to the public, while others make you join their group before shopping.

Here are popular groups to get started:

• Backpacking Gear Flea Market
• Super Ultralight & Ultralight Hiking Gear
• Bearfoot's Hiking Gear Flea Market

Visit Facebook Marketplace

17. Craigslist

Gear: Camping equipment, tents, clothing, boots, electronics, backpacks, sleeping gear, climbing gear, winter gear, camp chairs, hammocks, survival guides, bear cans, hydration products, cots, accessories.

Pros: Local or global search, large selection

Cons: Can’t always inspect item, safety, and fraud concerns.   

Return Policy: final sale

Savings: 30-60%

Selling: Yes

Craigslist is a modern day treasure trove. There's a bit of everything, for everyone. Keeping your search local will allow you to inspect the product before buying it, but you may have better luck broadening your search to include cities near popular hiking destinations. And don't miss out on Craigslist's "free stuff" section if you're on a budget and don't mind items settling for gear that's a bit worn out.

Visit Craigslist

18. GearFix (and other local shops)

Gear: Camping gear, clothing, hiking, snow and mountaineering boots, climbing shoes, winter gear, backpacks, tents, kayaks, climbing gear, accessories.

Pros: Great inventory, personalized store assistance, in-person gear inspection, repairs.

Cons: Website’s difficult for online shopping, best shopped in-person.

Return Policy: Final sale  

Savings: 25-50%

Selling: No

This popular outdoor shop in Bend, Oregon has a HUGE inventory and gets “new” used gear in almost every day. If there’s something specific you’re looking for, just call and they’ll check their stock. The store resells high-quality gear on consignment, along with offering repairs on damaged gear. They hope to expand and even offer repair classes soon.

Local gear shops like GearFix are awesome spots for loading up on used backpacking gear. Asking locals is always a good way to get an inside scoop on the best ones around, but you can also use Google to pull a list of nearby stores by running a search of “used hiking gear + your location.” Don't be shy in asking your local merchant if they have any damaged or returned items in the back you could take off their hands.

Visit Gearfix.com

19. Family and Friends

Gear: Whatever they’re selling!

Pros: Trusted source, better prices (hopefully), honest product insight, good option for buying your first gear.

Cons: Outdated, worn or heavy gear.

Return Policy: Varies 

Savings: Varies

Selling: Yes

When you buy used gear from someone you know, you’re purchasing from a trusted source, knowing exactly where the gear came from and can hear real experience on the pros and cons of an item. Not to mention… you might get that “bonus” friends and family discount. You might also know someone who's not planning a trip anytime soon and would be willing to lend you their gear for a few months.

Tips for Selling Used Gear

Buying used gear isn’t just good for your wallet, it’s also good for our planet.

Both big and small companies everywhere are restoring used products and getting on board with the “reduce, reuse and recycle” mentality.

With minimal effort, you too can recycle your gently used gear and score some extra cash.

Whether you choose to go through a consignment shop or sell directly to a buyer, either is easier than ever to do.

Here are some tips to get you started.

• Research what similar items are selling for.
• Emotional attachment aside, think how much you’d be willing to spend on your item.
• Sell seasonal items right before or in-season. Not after.
• Clean and repair your gear.
• Take lots of photos and capture unique details.
• Write in-depth descriptions, provide measurements, weight, etc.
• Share first-hand experiences about why the gear’s worked so well for you.

Depending on condition, you could expect to earn anywhere from 40-60% of the item’s original MSRP.