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Nowadays, the stigma surrounding buying second hand goods has gotten better because consumers are becoming more conscious about their spending habits and carbon footprint. This trend can be observed among nature enthusiasts as platforms and communities for the trade of used camping gear thrive and expand.
Suppose you’re interested in saving money and the environment, but the thought of buying a second hand tent, apparel, or sleeping bag makes you hesitate. In that case, we’re here to explain the perks and drawbacks so that you can proceed with an informed decision.
And if you decide that you’re on board with this idea, you will also find in this article valuable tips and reminders to guide you while shopping for used camping gear.
The Benefits of Buying used camping gear
1) Significant savings
Most people buy previously owned goods to cut costs. Quality often comes with a heavy price tag, but that doesn’t have to be the case for you. If you know where to find them, you can cross things off your camping gear wish list for a fraction of the price.
2) Rare or unique camping gear
Camping brands phase out classic products for various reasons. Some may choose to do so to push new technology or go along with the current or upcoming trends.
People who feel nostalgic or prefer the older designs may find what they are looking for from their fellow travellers who have no more use for such items or want to upgrade their equipment.
3) Good for the planet
Purchasing second hand gear shows your support for a sustainable and ethical approach to camping. The manufacturing process has negative impacts on our limited resources and waste management.
Reusing and recycling camping equipment lowers the market demand. Doing so also prevents them from ending up in a landfill when they could have had a second life with bargain hunters or beginners like you.
The Negatives of Buying used camping gear
1) Risk of getting scammed
Fraudulent sellers don’t disclose the actual condition of the item, while others deceive the buyers with fake versions of the gear. Either way, you will not be getting your money’s worth, and they might cause safety issues later.
2) The quality is uncertain
Inexperienced campers might have a hard time distinguishing a great bargain from a waste of time and money. They might think that a missing tent accessory isn’t a big deal, but it can be if the replacement is expensive or not available in the market anymore.
3) Fewer choices
If you have specific requirements or your size is below or above the average, searching for the right camping gear in the second hand market can be time-consuming and with little to no guarantee of success. You’re essentially limited to what the owners deem as worth reselling.
When is it a Good Idea to Buy Used camping gear?
If you want to go camping but don’t have a lot of room in your budget, pre-owned outdoor gear will reduce your expenses without sacrificing your safety and comfort during the trip.
You can get more substantial savings if you time your purchase well—for instance, by waiting for campers to sell their equipment when the camping season ends.
Similarly, if you’re on the fence about whether or not camping will become a new hobby, you might be better convinced to experience it if you don’t have to spend so much to get things started.
Some shoppers want to “test drive” the equipment before proceeding with the purchase. Buying second hand outdoor gear offers this opportunity while also sparing your wallet. You can wear or set up the used gear on a brief outdoor trip or backyard camping. If it didn’t deliver its promised benefits, you likely wouldn’t feel remorseful because of its low price.
Reasons why you might not buy used camping gear
1) A high degree of safety is important
Camping in destinations with extreme weather requires durable gear with multiple layers of protection. Though used equipment may also possess these qualities, you can’t verify every aspect until you have field-tested them.
For example, the tent poles might look fine when you inspect them. However, failing to notice hairline fractures or subtle signs of corrosion can lead to a collapsed tent during a storm or blizzard.
2) Hygiene and cleanliness is top priority
Yes, the seller can clean and sanitize used outdoor gear before they offer it in the market. That doesn’t erase the fact that someone could have once vomited inside the tent, or that the hiking boots had been used by someone else. Moulds and mildew can also be a significant deterrent since they ruin the aesthetics and may cause illnesses.
3) You want your used gear to last a long time
Since the item has been pre-owned, you won’t have total reassurance that the camping gear will last for as long as it should have, according to the manufacturer. Even if the seller claims they have handled it carefully and cleaned it well afterward, the only thing you can do is trust their word or move on with other options.
Where can you buy used camping gear?
1) Directly from the retailer
Some retailers like Patagonia, Arc’teryx, and The North Face accept preloved gears from their customers in exchange for store credit. They clean, repair, or refurbish as needed and then resell the goods to others at discounted prices. This can be a good choice if you like their products but can’t afford the brand-new items at full price.
2) Websites online
E-commerce platforms, such as Amazon UK and eBay, feature not only the established brands but also camping gear resellers.
These sites offer intuitive search features wherein you can type a general description of what you’re looking for and filter only those that are pre-owned, near your location, and/or within your budget. Many also provide secure channels for sellers and buyers to communicate and finalize the payment and shipping.
3) Used camping gear exchanges
These exchanges allow owners to drop off unused camping equipment and sell it on their behalf under a consignment agreement. The outdoor gear exchange is a popular example.
They inspect the item for the necessary cleaning and repairs, offer affordable prices, promote sustainable camping, and give back to the community through their donation program. If you’re not satisfied with your purchase, you may receive a full refund, too.
Top 3 tips for buying the best used camping gear
1) Gather information about the seller and the gear itself
Perform due diligence by reading what other buyers have said about the seller. Pay attention to red flags, such as non-responsiveness or inaccurate details about the camping equipment.
Beware of ridiculously low prices, too. Check out the features and reviews of the product—brand new or pre-owned—to get a better idea of what to expect in terms of a reasonable price.
2) Consider if the damage can be repaired or not
Don’t be disheartened at the sight of small tears or stains. Minor issues can be resolved with the proper technique and some patience. Take note, however, that major defects like extensive mildew on waterproof fabric or large holes in a tent should be taken as signs to pass the offer and walk away.
3) Negotiate the price after inspecting the actual condition of the used gear
Support your request for a better deal with your observations during the inspection. It would be even more helpful if you could immediately point them out to the seller. They might not have noticed the damage or stain themselves, so acknowledging these other faults can make them more amenable to your request.
FAQs about buying used camping gear
Some individuals attempting camping for the first time turn to used gear so that they can start without having to invest significantly in the camping essentials. On the other hand, frequent campers browse through the second hand market for great deals. Some also do it to find camping gear not sold in the local market or to gain better access to the premium products of their favourite brands.
We prefer to buy used outdoor gear online because it’s convenient, has more comprehensive selections, and provides secure payment channels. However, we understand that some prefer retailers because they vet the merchandise, and you can inspect them right away in the store. Those who want great deals and bargains tend to go for peer-to-peer transactions, but you’d have to be extra careful because you’re dealing with the seller on your own.
Before purchasing any previously owned gear, evaluate the overall condition of the item. It will not be in perfect condition, but that doesn’t mean you have to settle for worn-down goods. Check for missing parts, rips, or corrosion. Use your nose to check for mildew and look for signs of moulds or pest infestations, too.
In general, pre-owned outdoor clothing tends to be popular among campers. You can find apparel made specifically for summer or winter explorations. Shops also categorize camping clothes according to gender, age, and body size. Backpacks and luggage are also common in this market, followed by tents and various survival accessories.
All you need is warm water and soap if it requires minor cleaning. However, extensive or ingrained dirt and stains typically require special chemicals to get rid of them. You might also have to apply protective waxes or coating to preserve its condition. Regardless of how you clean it, remember to dry well the camping gear before packing or using it for the trip.
That depends on your preferences, budget, and where you’re heading. For example, some brands specialize in tents on a budget, while others stick to creating the top-of-the-line albeit expensive gear. Take note that the price doesn’t necessarily equate with quality and reliability. As you can see in our recommendations, a few brands have managed to balance cost, reliability, and accessibility in their products.
The camping essentials for beginners include a tent preferably with a rainfly, groundsheet, and stakes in case of strong winds. Sleeping bags, pillows, and lanterns with extra batteries should also be brought for the trip. If you want to cook outdoors, bring a portable stove, supplies, and utensils. The ideal apparel depends on where you’re heading. We suggest moisture-wicking and quick-drying fabrics, wool or synthetic sock, and boots.
To ensure your comfort while camping, consider bringing foldable chairs and tables so that you don’t have to sit on the ground all the time. A hammock can also be a great addition to avoid getting wet from ground moisture. If your tent doesn’t have a vestibule or mesh divider, we recommend getting them to keep things organized.
Conclusion
Buying used camping gear requires a keen eye, patience, and an open mind. Given how the trends promote sustainable living, there are more varied choices nowadays, from outdoor retailers and e-commerce websites to our fellow campers.
We hope our discussion of the pros and cons of purchasing preloved camping gear has enlightened you on whether or not this is the right choice for you. As we have explained, it’s not for everyone, and not everything can be bought as second hand goods.
However, if the apparent benefits of reusing camping gear sound alluring to you, you’ve got to learn how to recognize which one deserves a new lease on life. After all, you cannot just focus on getting a bargain when you must also ensure your safety and comfort while exploring what nature has to offer.
If you want to start your journey into the camping world, we advice browsing here to buy second hand camping gear.