Best Places to Sell or Give Away Your Used Camping Gear

camping equipment for sale

You bought the tent, the sleeping bag, the trekking poles. Used them a handful of times. Now they're sitting in your garage collecting dust.

Sound familiar?

Good news: there are plenty of ways to get that gear out of your house and into someone else's hands. Whether you want cash or just want it gone, here's a breakdown of your best options.

Online Marketplaces

If you want to reach the most buyers, start online.

GearTrade is one of the most popular spots for outdoor gear specifically. People there are already looking for used outdoor equipment, so you're not trying to convince anyone. You can list your camping equipment for sale and connect with buyers who actually know what they're looking at.

Facebook Marketplace works great too, especially for bulky items like tents or camp chairs that you'd rather not ship. You can meet locally and skip the hassle of packaging.

eBay is worth considering for gear with a well-known brand name. Buyers search by brand there, so a used Osprey pack or a Big Agnes tent can fetch a decent price.

Craigslist is older but still useful. It's free to list, and you can close a deal the same day if someone local wants it.

Outdoor Gear-Specific Platforms

A few platforms focus entirely on outdoor and camping gear. These tend to attract buyers who know the value of what they're getting.

REI Used Gear lets you trade in gear at certain REI locations. You won't always get top dollar, but it's fast and convenient.

Geartrade.com (mentioned above) lets you set your own price and keeps the process pretty simple.

The Clymb and Steep and Cheap are flash sale sites that sometimes buy used gear from sellers too, though their processes vary.

These platforms are a solid option if you want to stay within the outdoor community and deal with buyers who understand gear.

Local Options Worth Trying

Don't overlook your local area. There's often more demand than you'd expect.

Gear swap events are common in cities with active outdoor communities. Colleges, hiking clubs, and outdoor retailers sometimes host them. You bring your stuff, set up a table, and walk away lighter.

Local hiking or camping Facebook groups work well too. You're talking directly to people in your area who are already interested in the outdoors. Deals happen fast here.

Thrift stores like Goodwill or Salvation Army accept donations. You won't get any money, but you'll clear the space quickly and someone in need might find exactly what they were looking for.

Give It Away for Free

Sometimes you just want it gone. That's perfectly fine.

Freecycle.org and Buy Nothing Facebook groups are both excellent for this. Post what you have, and someone nearby will usually claim it within a day or two.

Local shelters and nonprofits sometimes accept outdoor gear, especially sleeping bags and warm jackets. Call ahead to check what they need.

Schools and scout troops often welcome donations of camping gear too. Kids go through programs that take them outdoors, and good gear makes a real difference for them.

camping equipment for sale

Tips Before You Sell or Donate

A few things to keep in mind:

  • Clean the gear before listing or donating. A quick wipe down makes a big difference.

  • Take clear photos from multiple angles if you're selling online.

  • Be honest about any damage or wear. Buyers appreciate it and it builds trust.

  • Price used gear at 30 to 50 percent of its original retail price as a general starting point.

FAQ

Can I sell used camping gear if it's slightly damaged?

Ans: Yes, as long as you're upfront about the damage. Many buyers are looking for budget options and are fine with minor wear. Just describe the issue clearly in your listing.

How do I know what price to ask for used gear?

Ans: Search for similar items on eBay or GearTrade to see what they're selling for. That gives you a realistic idea of current market value.

Is there a platform specifically for donating camping gear to people in need?

Ans: Organizations like Gear Forward and Outdoor Empowered collect used outdoor gear and distribute it to underserved communities. A quick web search will help you find one near you.

Do I need to ship gear when selling online?

Ans: Not always. Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist are set up for local pickup. If you'd rather avoid shipping, stick to those platforms.

What gear sells the fastest?

Ans: Backpacks, sleeping bags, and tents tend to move quickly. Smaller items like headlamps, cook sets, and water filters also sell well because they're easy to ship and in constant demand.
Location: 1887 S 3230 W, Salt Lake City, UT 84104, USA

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