Here's the Secret to Not Paying Full-Price for Name-Brand Outdoor Gear

Online marketplaces like Patagonia Worn Wear make it easier than ever to find high-quality used outdoor gear while reducing your environmental footprint.(Photo: Patagonia/Canva)

Buying used outdoor gear is the definition of a win-win. Most obviously, you won’t have to pay hard-to-swallow retail prices. But the benefits of shopping for used gear aren’t just financial—they’re environmental, too. When you give a piece of secondhand gear a second home, you keep it out of the landfill. Plus, you’re not purchasing a brand-new product that’s likely sourced, at least partially, from nonrenewable resources. Environmental pundits often point out that no matter how sustainably sourced a new product is, buying a used one is always a more eco-minded strategy.

It isn’t hard to understand the allure of shopping used, but it can be hard to find high-quality used gear. To aid you on your quest to save money and Mother Nature alike, we’ve pulled together 13 of our favorite places to shop for secondhand gear. Whether you’re in the market for a specific piece of equipment or just want to learn the lay of the land, give these used outdoor gear hubs a gander before your next shopping spree.

Craigslist

The original mall for dirtbags,Craigslistis full of deals and steals on pre-loved equipment. Of course, you can find everything from roommates and missed connections to imported Japanese vehicles on Craigslist, so don’t get distracted—head straight to the sporting goods subheading in the “For Sale” section. Lastly, it’s easy to get burned on Craigslist, so make sure to inspect gear in person before you buy—and don’t be afraid to negotiate!

Facebook Marketplace

Like Craigslist,Facebook Marketplaceis a rabbit hole that’s full of oddities and the occasional score. We actually prefer Facebook Marketplace to Craigslist. Why? Well, Craigslist is completely anonymous. Facebook Marketplace at least requires a profile, so you’re less likely to come across a creep, and it’s a little easier to vet that you’re talking to a real person. Again, inspect used outdoor gear in person and be ready to bargain.

Let the bidding wars begin! Unlike Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist, you don’t have to meet sketchy strangers on the internet when you shop oneBay. And the bidding feature means that savvy gear shoppers can luck into ridiculously priced outdoor gear. There’s also a30-day money back guaranteethat offers welcome peace of mind.

Arc’teryx ReBird

TheReBirdprogram gives outdoor enthusiasts a chance to own world-famous Arc’teryx gear without paying infamous Arc’teryx prices. Not only can you shop for used Arc’teryx gear, but you can also trade in your own Arc’teryx gear or get it repaired by qualified professionals.

Patagonia Worn Wear

Patagonia’s always been one of the biggest proponents of sustainability and ethics in the outdoor industry, as evidenced by the brand’s longtime B Corp status, a storied commitment to Fair Trade manufacturing, and constant innovation when it comes to eco-minded materials. While that responsible supply chain yields top-tier gear, it also means top-shelf pricing.Worn Weargives Patagonia patrons a rare chance to scoop up used apparel and gear for cheap. The program also encouragestrade-ins for store creditandrepairs.

Geartrade

Geartradeis hands down one of our favorite places to shop for used gear. Unlike Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist, Geartrade is a third-party seller that’s essentially an online consignment store. Folks send their used gear to Geartrade, where experts price and photograph said gear before uploading listings. In our experience, the deals are stellar, and you’re much less likely to end up with a lemon. Plus, there’s a 14-day, no-questions-asked return policy that you just don’t get on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace.

Before we move on, we’ve got to add that Geartrade is also one of our preferred places to sell used outdoor gear. It’s quick, easy, fair, and doesn’t necessitate haggling with strangers from the internet.

Stio Second Turn

Second Turnoffers Stio loyalists an opportunity to shop for used gear and trade in pre-loved gear for store credit. Additionally, they have a section of the site that focuses onNikWax garment care, as cleaning outerwear and treating fabric with a tech wash is a smart way to revitalize old gear. After all, repairing or revamping your own gear is even cheaper and better for the environment than buying used!

Like New Lululemon

Cheap Lululemon is a “jumbo prawn” level oxymoron. But smart shoppers can score yoga and fitness apparel from Lulu at affordable prices on the brand’sLike New page. We can confirm that saving money on yoga pants makes savasana all the more relaxing.

New Balance Reconsidered

Shopping for used shoes is always a bit of a guessing game, butNew Balance’s Reconsideredprogram eliminates some of that guesswork. Each pair of Reconsidered kicks is graded as “Like New,” “Excellent,” or “Good,” so there are no surprises when you make a purchase.

The North Face Renewed

If you’re looking for The North Face gear that’s half off (or more!), head to theRenewedoutlet. Here, you’ll find discounted duds, backpacks, and more, all graded by The North Face so you know what to expect when gear arrives at your doorstep. We also recommend checking out theREMADEsection, which is home to one-of-a-kind patchwork totes, chalk bags, and puffies galore (including the iconicNuptse down jacket) that are stitched from scrap fabrics and unrepairable returns.

RE.KEEN

Whether you’re on the hunt forsummer sandalsor a backpacking boot for spring, KEEN has you covered. Head to theRE.KEEN sitefor lightly used gear, and be on the lookout for clearance finds from the factory that are brand new and priced to sell.

Cotopaxi X Thredup

Cotopaxi wants you to clean out your closet like Eminem circa 2002. TheCotopaxi X Thredupprogram asks Cotopaxi customers to send in underutilized clothing and gear for store credit. Shoppers who are looking for Cotopaxi’s stylish apparel and classic colorblocked wares can stock up on affordable, used gear, extending product lifecycle and keeping it out of the landfill.

Articles in Common

Last but not least, we’ve got to shine the spotlight onArticles in Common. An online marketplace with an emphasis on conservationism and community, Articles in Common offers secondhand shoppers a rad selection of used outdoor gear, footwear, and even vintage duds. It’s also worth checking outOutside in Common, a repository of gear repair shops, upcyclers, and like-minded outdoor outfitters so you can find a shop in your neck of the woods.

Honorable Mention: Your Local Gear Shop

While this article is focused on online retailers, don’t forget brick-and-mortar. Some of our favorite acquisitions over the years have gone down perusing the aisles of our local gear shops. An added bonus of shopping local? There’s no shipping required, further reducing environmental impact.

Honorable Mention:REI

REI members are welcome totrade in lightly used gearfor store credit, which is a sweet perk of membership. However, you can’t actually shop these returns and trade-ins online, and you need to visit your local REI store in person to sift through the subsequent mountains of used outdoor gear.