Thrift stores, gear swaps, and online marketplaces are gold mines for budget travelers — if you know what to look for. But is it smart (or safe) to rely on used gear in the outdoors?

What’s Safe to Buy Used

• Backpacks: Check zippers, straps, and frame. Great savings here!
• Clothing: Fleece, merino, or synthetic jackets wash well and last long.
• Cookware: Titanium pots, gas stoves, and utensils usually have plenty of life left.
• Shelters: Inspect seams, poles, and floors — if it’s intact, you’re golden.

What to Be Cautious With

• Sleeping Bags: Down can lose loft over time; hard to clean deeply.
• Boots: Midsoles degrade, and fit is very personal.
• Water filters: You don’t know their history — better to buy new.

Where to Look

• Local thrift stores (especially near trail towns)
• Online: GearTrade, Facebook Marketplace, eBay, Reddit’s r/ULgeartrade
• Local outdoor store consignment sections

Pro Tips

• Always test zippers, inflate sleeping pads, and check seams for damage.
• Clean everything — especially sleeping gear — before use.
• Ask questions about use history if buying online.

Buying secondhand is sustainable, budget-friendly, and often surprisingly fun. With a little patience and know-how, you can build a full kit for a fraction of retail cost.