In the market for camping gear? Of course, you can visit your local outdoor store or friendly online retailer and pay top dollar for new-model camping gear. But that’s not the only option—you can also find bargain-price new gear from various retailers, buy “pre-loved” camping gear, or rent gear. Read on to find out more about how to choose between new, used, and rental camping gear and for some excellent resources in each category.
New camping gear
Advantages:
- You can find the specific item, brand, functionality, and style you want
- Nearly certain to be in great condition
- Often carries good return/warranty policies
Disadvantages:
- Can be very expensive
- You may commit to a pricey item you don’t really use or need
- Owning gear can require significant storage space
Used gear
Advantages:
- Can be lots cheaper than new gear
- Often is not used heavily – some individuals and outfitters change out gear each season
- You can try out different options before investing in new gear
- Buying used may enable you to afford a top-of-the-line brand
- Better for the earth – reusing equipment and clothing saves water, reduces pollution, and lessens waste
Disadvantages:
- Gear may have been returned because it didn’t perform well
- Gear may have damage, unpleasant stains or odors, or mold/bug issues
- Selection is more limited
- Can’t always be returned
- Owning gear can require significant storage space
Rental gear
Advantages:
- Less expensive than buying
- Packages of equipment are available to suit your needs
- Conducive to trying out new types of gear or activities, like backpacking, before committing to them
- No need to store and maintain the gear
- Rental experts can provide advice about the equipment
- Gear is likely to be in reasonably good condition
- May be better for the earth than buying new gear, depending on how the gear is picked up or delivered
Disadvantages:
- You may not feeI comfortable renting more personal items like sleeping bags
- Costs can still add up
- Less convenient, and tied to a rental schedule
- You may be liable for the full cost of the gear if something happens to it
Below are some resources for campers hoping to find bargain camping gear, used gear, or rental gear.
Bargain sites for new camping gear
- The Clymb
- Steep & Cheap (Backcountry.com’s outlet)
- REI Outlet
- Camp Saver
- Campmor
- Sierra (formerly Sierra Trading Post)
- Outdoor Gear Exchange
Where to find used camping gear
- Local stores, like Seattle’s Wonderland Gear Exchange or Denver’s FERAL
- Outdoor community sales through outdoor clubs and the like
- Facebook groups
- REI Used Gear
- REI Garage Sale (for REI members)
- Gear Trade (online marketplace with 72-hour inspection policy)
- Play It Again Sports (brick & mortar stores)
- MEC Gear Swap (Canada)
- The North Face Renewed (refurbished clothing)
- Patagonia Worn Wear (used clothing and gear)
- Switchback Gear Exchange
- Outdoor Gear Exchange (consignment gear available)
- Arc’teryx used gear
- Amazon Warehouse (returned items)
- Craigslist
- Freecycle
- eBay
Where to rent camping gear
- Local outdoor outfitter stores
- Outdoors Geek (rental cost can be put toward cost of purchasing gear)
- Gearo (marketplace for rental gear)
- LowerGear (rental gear shipped nationwide)
- Arrive (rental gear delivered)
- Gear to Go Outfitters (nationwide backpacking gear rental)
- Mountain Side Gear Rental (camping gear delivered nationwide)
- Some colleges/universities rent outdoor gear to students and to the general public
- Borrow from friends and family!
Finally, check out these webpages that list great ongoing deals on camping equipment:
