Camping can be a great way to connect with nature. However, getting the right gear can be a big investment. Luckily, buying second-hand camping gear is a great alternative option. Not only can buying second-hand gear save money, but it also reduces waste. You can find quality tents, backpacks, sleeping bags, and more, and often the gear is in great condition! Whether you’re a seasoned camper looking for an upgrade or a beginner assembling your first setup, this guide discusses the best places to buy used camping gear online and locally. Get ready to outfit your next adventure sustainably and on a budget!

Where to Buy Second-Hand Camping Gear

Facebook Marketplace

Facebook Marketplace is one of my favorite places to buy second-hand camping gear. You never know what someone is going to post. People posting on Marketplace are likely cleaning up and looking to get rid of their items as soon as possible. When navigating Facebook Marketplace, I recommend searching for specific items or brands to find what you’re looking for. It isn’t the best place to browse non-specific camping gear unless your recommended listings are highly curated for camping based on previous searches.

OfferUp

Like Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp offers high-quality, lightly used items at a fraction of the retail price. I also recommend searching for specific items or brands to find what you’re looking for. If you’re looking for affordable gear, OfferUp is a great option to pick up bigger items like tents, camping stoves, bear canisters, or camp chairs. I have found that more people are open to counteroffers on OfferUp compared to Marketplace.

Craigslist

Craigslist can be a great resource for second-hand camping equipment. I have found that OfferUp and Facebook Marketplace have better pictures and more options. However, many people don’t use Facebook or OfferUp, and Craiglist is a common alternative. Like OfferUp and Marketplace, I recommend searching by item type or brand. There is not a designated category on Craigslist for camping gear. If you’re looking for something specific, I recommend checking Craigslist after Marketplace and OfferUp.

eBay

If you’re looking for second-hand camping gear, but don’t want to leave the comfort of your home, eBay can be a great option. Since eBay does not offer local pick-up, you need to pay for shipping on most occasions. I recommend reserving items that you would rather check the quality of in person, or bulky items that are difficult or expensive to ship for some of the other options on the list. However, eBay can be a great place to find outdoor clothing from popular brands such as Duluth, Patagonia, Outdoor Voices, The North Face, Columbia, etc.

Thrift Shops

Don’t overlook your local thrift shop when searching for camping gear on a budget! Whether your go-to thrift stop is a local charity shop or a chain like Goodwill, you can often find an eclectic mix of camping and outdoor supplies in the sports section. You might also get lucky looking through the clothing section as well. I have found plenty of Duluth, Patagonia, Marmot, The North Face, and other great outdoorsy brands hiding on the racks in thrift shops. Depending on where you’re located, you may be able to find a second-hand or resale shop that sells outdoorsy gear exclusively. While it takes a bit of patience to sift through thrift shops and the inventory can be a hit or miss, you never know what you might find!

Garage Sales

Another budget-friendly option for buying second-hand camping gear is garage or estate sales. Often, sellers are eager to clear out items that they rarely use. You can find great gear that you can negotiate the price on for even better deals. If you are only interested in camping gear while garage selling, I recommend scoping out pictures on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace to see what selection there is. If a specific garage sale seems to have a variety of gear options or a specific item that you are interested in, leave early! The best finds can sell fast.

REI ReSupply

If you are looking for a reliable source for second-hand camping gear, REI ReSupply can be a game-changer. This program offers gently used items that meet REI’s high standards. You can feel confident that you are getting durable and quality products. The gear is offered at discounted prices and there are return options. There are often sales, especially for REI Co-op members, so that you can save even more money on the gear that you are looking for.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should you buy second-hand camping gear?

Absolutely! Buying second-hand camping gear can save you money, reduce waste, and help you gear up for new adventures. Oftentimes, camping items are built to last and can be found in great condition. People are always looking to upgrade their gear and want to recoup some of their money from previous gear. You can find great deals for items that you may already be buying for your trip.

What second-hand camping gear should you not buy?

If it is a matter of safety or hygiene, always opt to buy new! A few examples of gear you would not want to buy second-hand are:

Climbing gear such as ropes, harnesses, and carabiners because you don’t know the history of the gear and it’s important for your safety. Wear and damage that may compromise safety is not always visible.
Helmets can hide damage well and are important for your safety to protect against head injuries whether you’re biking, climbing, or spelunking. Always buy your helmet new!
Life jackets are another piece of gear that is important for your safety if you enjoy boating, kayaking, paddle boarding, or another water activity. Don’t risk buying a used life jacket because there may be hidden damages that can affect the integrity.
Water filtration systems can sometimes contain bacterial buildup or mold that you’re not able to see. Since you are going to want clean water if you need a water filtration system, opt to buy this item new.
Hydration bladders can sometimes harbor mold or bacteria and can be hard to clean. To ensure your water is healthy to drink, opt for a new hydration pack so it can be thoroughly sanitized.

Tips for Buying Second-Hand Camping Gear

Inspect your gear for any wear and tear before purchasing them. Be sure to check zippers, insulation, pockets, etc. to confirm that everything is in working order. You can be selective. If you’re not sure about the quality or integrity of an item, keep looking.
If possible, test the product before you buy it. If you’re buying a tent, set it up. If it’s a sleeping pad, inflate it. You don’t want to guess whether the gear is in working order and then not be able to return it if not.
Always clean and sanitize the gear thoroughly before use after buying second-hand. You don’t know the history of the item.
Patience is key when shopping for second-hand camping gear. You never know what you’re going to find when browsing resale websites, thrift shops, or even REI Resupply. If you’re looking for a certain item (for example, a bear canister for an upcoming backpacking trip), give yourself lots of time. New listings are always being posted, and gear is always being donated.