
If you are here, you might be probably already in view of buying used gear for camping as you are planning yours next. But still not sure how it works? You are no longer alone, and here we cover up some important things to know before buying used camping gear.
It is truly going to be a way to cut down some serious expenses but only as long as you are careful enough. Here are our top 7 considerations in this piece of writing.
- Do not overlook footwear
- Smell before you buy
- Do not worry about small tears or dirt
- Bring your own batteries and canisters when you shop
- Check carefully with the discoloration of the tent poles
- Avoid buying certain things
- Keep an eye on shops on social media
Opening a brand new package of gear would be beyond exciting but smart deals on used camping gear can spare you plenty of dollars to use differently. To steer right in the used-gear trial, you need experts’ words. So let’s move ahead with some significant things to know before buying used camping gear.
Be smart and never let small things mislead you from best deals!
Do not overlook footwear
Some gear loses its value quicker than others and shoes come in that category. Even a pair of shoes is very new; it easily loses half of their value with their first use. And that is one reason why many people put off the gear like camping shoes in which someone has pushed their perspiring, stinky feet in. But if you can make your mind to just pass it over, you can definitely earn some steep deals.
When you buy used camping footwear, make sure to check the uppers and treads of the road/ trail runners and the hiking boots. In fact, they are inclined to display wear and rip clearly. And experts say you should also look inside the shoe.
Smell before you buy
Just as you catch it here, your sniffer can find the revealing hint of mildew. And this is highly important when it comes to most waterproof gear that is used before. If you catch the growth of mildew in clothes you are looking to buy that means the fabrics are weakened and leave bad stains.
You cannot spot the growth of mildew just by looking at the gear you buy, so smell them and if they stink plenty to keep your face away from reach near, you should not buy them.
Do not worry about small tears or dirt
When you are looking to buy used camping gear, it is possible that you come across some with a little dirt or with repairable points. But if you are just ready to ignore those, you can really make good deals. Think like outerwear a bit stained but you can turn it to be perfect with re-waterproof. Or just think about a tent that is too expensive when it is bought brand new but can get very cheap and all that is needed is a small patchwork.
Stuff with small tears or repairable points or some dirt is very common when it comes to buying used camping gear. But if you do not take them so seriously, you have a lot of chances for smart deals. And there are simple fixing options for holes common in tents, packs, or jackets, and for that, you do not need much expensive stuff or sewing skills.
Bring your own batteries and canisters when you shop
Those who look the best are not the best when it comes to functioning. So testing prior you invest is a must and that needs little things prepared by your side.
Most of the gear stores have no tester fuel canisters and you should definitely bring one with you when you are going to buy a camping stove. In fact, to know that it works right, you should definitely fire it up yourself.
And the same rule applies when you are going to shop battery-operated items from a store with used stuff. There, you should have your own batteries to verify that headlamps, flashlights, or whatever you are looking for are working well.
Check carefully with the discoloration of the tent poles
When you are going to buy used tent poles, you have to be very careful about their discoloration. Even if they appear to be good and working in the look, check carefully whether they have faded in the spots.
Discolorations of the tent poles mean they have gone under heavy stress and could easily break when they are loaded into the ground. Keep this an important consideration and just leave discolored poles behind.
Avoid buying certain things
Even accomplish things to know before buying used camping gear, there are certain items you should avoid buying. With used gear, you can save a lot of money and be eco-friendly too. But there is certain camping gear that is not worth buying when used. The followings are some on the top.
Hiking undergarments: Buying used underwear is not a good idea at all in any incident of life including camping. On the top, this can lead to a major hygiene issue. And in this category, camping socks are too included that wear out so fast and would not be able to save an expected amount by taking used
Safety gear: That gear stands for safety should not be taken used. In fact, any gears that are designed for safety like life jackets, helmets, harnesses and etc should not be taken use as they may risk you with quality. These gear are mostly applicable for activities like climbing and recommended buying the safety gears very new
Electronic items: These are coming in the most expensive category of gears but unfortunately should not buy them used. Electronics are wide-ranging and include GPS watches, walkie-talkies, solar panels, etc. In fact, with used electronics, you could not get the right working conditions of them and should spare some money if you want them to assist in your adventures. In case you find some good but used electronics from a person you are in contact with, you can keep some high assurance
Keep an eye on shops on social media
Being first at the stores where you can buy used camping gear is so much beneficial to win quality perspective. So there, be in touch with social media and catch the amazing deals.
Popular dealers like Level Nine Sports, trendy thrift stores, and other delivery shops come with all their top offers and discounts on social media channels and those who are in touch could easily win the best.
Note: Consider buying in person if you get the right deals to know more about the gear you are going to buy
Pros on buying used camping gear
Saving cost up to 75%
By buying used gear, you can save a certain amount rather than buying things at the prices they are labeled with. But the best will come with what you are going to purchase.
Environmental-friendly
By adding some piece of used camping gear to your pack, you become more environmentally friendly. Although unsaid, producing outdoor gear put a high impact on the planet. So buying even some gear that is used can change things better over time specially considered long-run. There, contribute to the reduction of the carbon footprint of certain equipment.
From where to buy used camping gear?
If you decide to buy used gear for the next camping plan, you should then start looking from where to buy the used camping gear for your needs. So following are some of the top options for you to try out.
- Local listings and Facebook marketplace
- eBay
- Thrift stores
- Gear manufacturers
- Outdoor retailers
What should you check before buying used camping gear?
Be a smart shopper if you are planning to buy used gear. In fact, it is definitely going to be a challenge even if you are supported with some research and a reliable buying guide. So when planning to go with buying used gear, make sure you consider the following.
- Certain features of the gear you are going to buy
- Evaluating the quality and the functioning state of the gear
- Considering the wear and tear on the used gear vs its usage
- Check for all the gear accessories and consider the missing parts
- Value for what you pay
Is the warranty valid for used gear?
When you purchase something new, it is covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. But here you find no such thing as a no-strings-attached warranty, regardless of how much the seller might like to advertise their supposed lifetime guarantee. The reality is warrantying are applied for limited time periods. There, you have to face the warranty issue when buying used camping gear. But you can find some gear that has only been used for months and is still under the original coverage of the warranty.

However, there is a big question about the warranty coverage of used gear as they are not transferable to a second owner. With that, most of the warranties void when the items are transferred to some other. But, there is no universal guideline on warranties and they tend to vary from one manufacturer to another. So be sure you check in with the company’s warranty policy prior to purchasing your second-hand gear.
Find the right gear, within the right budget and quality; let’s make camping more!
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