Is Second Hand Camping Gear Worth It?

Camping is a broad range of activities that require different gear during the trip. So, I wouldn’t like to buy used or second hand personal items such as sleeping bags, innerwear, and filtration stuff.

Also, I don’t invest in any inflatable items like used sleeping pads or pillows.

But you can consider something like a second-hand tent in good condition and under an affordable budget. For camping or festivals, I want something spacious with a porch. Based on the type of camping, there are down-market brands that can work fine.

So, if you’re planning to buy second-hand camping gear, you need to read this piece.

Pros of Buying Second-Hand Camping Gear

Cost savings

I have done lots of camping, and almost all of my gear is used. You can get camping gear at 30–70% less than retail.

As long as you see gear and find it in good shape and condition, or at least that the price matches the condition, you cannot escape grabbing the deal.

I don’t think it’s wrong to buy used clothes. It saves you money without paying the massive profit margins.

Eco-Friendly Choice

When lots of campers don’t buy new gear, companies don’t need to manufacture any more gear until it wears out and needs replacement.

This helps reduce waste and carbon footprint. So, reusing gear keeps it out of landfills.

Remember, a lot of companies market stuff for camping, but don’t necessarily need camping-specific items to manufacture.

For example, you can use cookware and plates, utensils from a normal household, which are available on second hand item stores.

Access to high-quality brands

Though it should not matter when choosing the brands, unless they provide durable and high-quality gear, based on the price.

But that’s not possible. The gear with an effective, cool design and durability comes from brands that cost more. So, many campers cannot afford them under their tight budget.

What’s the way out of it?

Buying used or second-hand! You can get premium tents, backpacks, and sleeping bags at affordable prices, but used.

Beginner-friendly

As a camper, I feel it.

A beginner or a new camper cannot invest big money in a pack of gear all at once. Also, they don’t have enough user experience and expertise to spend lavishly.

If you’re only getting into the camping activity, I believe it makes sense to start out buying cheap or used gear until you gain more experience.

Once they use the tool, they get the idea of the ins and outs of each piece of equipment or gear, and you can decide if you want to upgrade to higher-end stuff.

Cons & Risks of Buying Second-Hand Camping Gear

No Warranty

Once the gear is out of function, you cannot claim under warranty to repair it, as you’re not the original customer.

If you luckily have the warranty receipt, you have several verifications to pass. And many vendors and stores don’t even bother about anything related to warranty.

Once you buy products, they aren’t obliged to be responsible after that. No repairing service and no return!

Hidden Damage

Many times, buyers suffer from malfunctioning and damaged products inside.

In the store, everything seems authentic and fine, but it is revealed to be the opposite when delivered.

Zippers, tent poles, and waterproof coating issues are some prominent examples.

Hygiene Concerns

You cannot reuse the dirty, sweaty, and unhygienic gear.

Using old sleeping bags, mattresses, or backpacks can lead to several other problems, such as bug infestations or unpleasant smells, which are unbearable for many.

Besides, many cooking gears have already clogged with debris or have gotten lots of food imprints due to oil. Sometimes, they are hard to clean up.

Missing Accessories

When you’re getting so much at a cheap price, you’re likely going to receive fake or incomplete tools.

Sometimes, the vendors send the gear with missing accessories knowingly or unknowingly. Stakes, straps, or repair kits are often missing when delivered.

Older Technology

Second-hand or used gear means old equipment. As the tool ages, it needs to be upgraded in terms of technology or design.

Some work, some may fail after purchasing, and ultimately, you need to decide when to stop using them.

So, you need new gear as newer ones may be lighter, more efficient, or safer.

What to Check Before Buying Second Hand Camping Gear

You need to test anything used on at least 3 local overnighters in various weathers before you approve for bushwhacking and expedition-style trips.

If it’s an article of clothing, but you’re not sure what it would look like under a black light, don’t buy used ones.

Also, don’t buy a piece of gear that routinely gets soaked in sweat.

Suppose it’s a mission-critical gear or your safety depends on it, and you lack the resources and expertise to ensure the proper function and integrity of the gear.

I don’t recommend the second-hand gear in this case.

Anything with waterproofing eventually loses its capacity, so you need to avoid used or old gear.

Mostly, backpacks are imprinted with sweaty backs and smell like crap no matter what after use. And you can’t clean them completely.

Besides, Merion wool clothes wear out quickly, so you need to be very choosy when buying.

Here are some ways you can better check the gear before purchasing second-hand gear.

When to Buy New Instead of Second Hand Camping Gear

I don’t have a problem buying anything used or second-hand. But there is an exception for what I consider “personal items.” That being clothing, shoes, or boots.

Besides, I have no issue buying second-hand as I don’t have to worry about them getting muddy, torn up, etc.

Same with kitchen gear if they are relatively modern-built. For instance, I’m comfortable using a 50-60s vintage Coleman pump stove or lantern.

I’m talking about Coleman dual-burner liquid-fueled stoves. Their design hasn’t changed in decades and is sustainable.

You need to avoid non-stick pans. Especially, older pans are heavy-duty and last longer. So you can target heavy-duty stainless steel or cast iron.

Also, I’m fine with tens, but I need to check them beforehand. They can have rips, damage, rot, etc.

My simple rule is how long something lasts and how easy it is to clean.

• Sledge Hammer, Axe: You need to replace the handle, but it’s well worth it.
• Shovel: Consider only if the handle is in good condition.
• Saws: You must check the condition and know how to sharpen them.
• Non-folding Knife: An old, great knife is better than a new mediocre one.
• Folding knife: I find these wear out faster until you get a great condition. Or you have extreme brand loyalty to a brand that is no longer manufactured.

You can also consider totes and containers.

But it’s a 50-50 decision for tents and tarps. If you really find a great deal and then the tarp is in great condition, you can go for it. But it’s a temporary shelter, so mostly campers have new ones.

If you care about warranty, I strongly suggest you get brand new gear.

Many brands and manufacturers offer a lifetime warranty, like Sierra Designs and Marmot. If you’re the second owner of the gear, you cannot claim the warranty.

One way you can get around the above is to have the seller hand you a copy of the receipt. But then, you need to lie to the manufacturer.

Sometimes, they may accept it if you claim that you have received the gear as a Christmas gift.

But the chances are high for them to reject the claim if the name on the RMA and the name on the receipt differ. So, it’s better to get new gear instead of all these tantrums.

Don’t compromise on safety-related gear, including climbing ropes, harnesses, and life jackets.

Also, you need to invest in items with strict hygiene, such as water filters and certain cookware.

Besides, you need to consider new lightweight gear, where newer designs matter.

• Sleep system: It is hard to clean and degrades with cleaning and age. So you need to get something new.
• Cots: The longevity depends on the surface level it is used on and how carefully the user uses it. So, I recommend getting new ones.
• Boots. Shoes mold to the foot wearing them, so I purchase new.
• Bottles that are hard to clean
• Disposable or consumable items

Where to Find Reliable Second-Hand Camping Gear

I’m not going to influence anything here, but I want to share my experience with purchasing and using second-hand gear.

I have used hiking shirts and shorts from a thrift store. They almost sell Nalgene bottles for $1 or less. The lanterns and 16-oz propane fuel tanks are available at estate sales.

Second, I have tried a backpack and a camping stove at a garage sale (the former owner was a Scoutmaster).

It is wise to befriend those who have aged out of scouting and have lost interest in the outdoors (which they have a strong passion for).

Also, there are lots of used or second-hand gear shops in towns that see a lot of outdoor traffic.

They have lots of gear they can give you for free or at a nominal price.

There was my good neighbor who told me he couldn’t do any serious backpacking anymore, so he let me rummage through his attic.

That was one of my best deals. The only item I couldn’t cut corners on was a good pair of hiking boots.

Besides, you can consider the following:

• Specialized outdoor retailers with used sections (REI Used Gear, Patagonia Worn Wear)
• Online marketplaces (Facebook Marketplace, GearTrade, and  eBay)
• Outdoor gear exchange events
• Thrift & consignment stores
• Local camping communities (Facebook groups and forums)

Final Thoughts

Second-hand gear has both pros and cons, so the campers can decide to buy based on the quality, camping safety, and budget.

You can get the best deal when you shop off-season for lower prices. If there is an opportunity for negotiation, do it politely.

Before buying anything, research original retail prices. Also, buy bundles of gear to have a coupon and a discount, and test gear before paying.