Let’s be real: a lot of outdoor gear doesn’t need to be fresh off the shelf.
Some things wear out fast. Some things are built to last for decades. And some? Just way too overpriced for what they are. So we asked our team of seasoned weekend warriors, gear nerds, and warehouse pros:
What gear would you never buy new again?
Here's what we heard—plus a few must-know facts about sustainability and what you should buy new.
Why Buying Used is Better (For You + the Planet)
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Buying used gear cuts carbon emissions by up to 82% compared to buying new
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The textile industry produces more CO₂ than international flights and maritime shipping combined
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Extending the life of outdoor gear by just 9 extra months can reduce its environmental impact by 20–30%
Secondhand gear isn’t just a smart budget choice—it’s a big win for the planet too.
1. Puffy Jackets
Your down jacket is going to end up covered in campfire smoke and burrito grease no matter how much you paid for it. So why spend $300+ when lightly used ones still have plenty of loft?
“Used puffies are a solid secondhand pick. If it doesn’t have holes, you’re golden.”
— Aaron, CEO
2. Kids' Outdoor Gear
They outgrow it before they wear it out. So unless you’re made of money, do yourself a favor and buy used. Bonus: you’ll stress less when it gets dragged through the mud.
“That extra-warm puffy for a camping trip could save the trip, and your kids fingers, but when they only wear it a few times? That’s when used makes sense. Plus, kids' gear holds resale value.”
— Laura, co-owner
3. Base Layers + Fleece
These get washed often and lose resale value quickly—but not their function. That means you can load up for less and still layer like a pro.
“You can find $100 fleeces for $20 if you know where to look.”
— Becca, marketing
4. Shell Jackets
If the waterproofing still holds and the seams aren’t delaminating, a good technical shell can last for years—especially when it’s made with fabrics like GORE-TEX. Buying secondhand means you’re skipping the markup but still getting high-end performance.
“I’ve found top-tier shells that were barely worn. People buy premium gear and hardly use it—take advantage.”
— Tim, customer service
5. Sleeping Bags
Many sleeping bags (especially synthetic ones) have tons of life left in them. As long as they were stored properly and aren’t torn, they’re a solid used buy.
“I've used used bags on everything from quick camping trips to multi-day treks with no issues.”
— Lexi, marketing
6. Skis + Snowboards
Don’t let a few cosmetic scuffs scare you off. Used skis and snowboards are often in great shape and can cost hundreds less. Just check the edges, base condition, and number of prior mounts.
“Unless you’re gunning for a podium, you don’t need brand new sticks. One-mount skis with a recent tune are a steal.”
— Rob, warehouse
What We Do Recommend Buying New
Some items are safety-critical or too difficult to inspect thoroughly once they’ve been used. These are best bought new:
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Climbing ropes – We don’t accept them, and you shouldn’t trust one without a full history.
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Climbing hardware (cams, belay devices, carabiners) – Too much risk, too little inspection certainty.
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Helmets – We only accept helmets that are less than 5 years old, show no signs of damage, and meet modern safety standards. If it's cracked, visibly worn, or older than 5 years, it’s a hard pass—for us and for your safety.
Rule of thumb: If it could save your life, it’s worth buying new.