Gear Trade

Buying a used tent can save you hundreds of dollars, but knowing how to fix common problems will make your purchase truly worthwhile.  Most tent issues are simple to repair at home, and with the right approach, your second-hand shelter can serve you reliably for many camping seasons ahead. Why Repairing Used Tents Makes Financial Sense Tent repair costs significantly less than replacement. A new quality tent ranges from $200 to $800, while most repairs require materials costing under $20. You can fix tears, replace zippers, and waterproof fabric using basic tools and supplies from any outdoor store. Professional tent repair services charge $30-60 per hour, but you can learn these skills yourself. Most common tent problems take less than two hours to fix , making DIY repair both practical and economical. Common Problems You'll Find in Used Tents Fabric tears represent the most frequent issue in second-hand tents. Small holes from branches or wear spots near high-stress areas need...

Your used running shoes have been your faithful companions through countless miles, but now you're wondering how much life they have left.  Most running shoes last between 300 to 500 miles , but figuring out exactly how many miles remain in your used running shoes can save you money and prevent injury. Why Tracking Your Shoe Mileage Matters Running in worn-out shoes puts you at risk for injuries like shin splints, knee pain, and plantar fasciitis.  Your shoes lose about 40% of their shock absorption after 300 miles of use .  When you know how to calculate remaining mileage, you can plan ahead and replace your shoes before they cause problems. Methods to Calculate Your Shoe's Remaining Life The Tread Wear Method Look at the bottom of your shoes. Fresh running shoes have deep grooves and clear patterns . As you run, these patterns wear down. Here's how to check: Compare your shoes to a new pair of the same model Look for smooth, flat areas where the tread used to be deep C...