WildernessCrate

Used Camping Gear Checklist: What to Buy, Where to Find It, and What to Avoid

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Used Camping Gear

Looking to gear up for your next outdoor adventure without breaking the bank? Buying used camping gear is a smart, eco-friendly, and budget-conscious way to get quality equipment at a fraction of the price.

In this no-fluff checklist-style guide, you’ll discover:

  • ✅ What used camping gear is worth buying
  • 🛍️ Where to find reliable second-hand camping equipment
  • ⚠️ What to avoid when shopping pre-owned
  • 💡 Pro tips to make sure you’re getting solid gear

 What Used Camping Gear Is Worth Buying

Not all gear needs to be brand new. Here’s the essential used camping gear you can safely buy second-hand:

🎒 Backpacks

  • Great investment when gently used
  • Check for: sturdy zippers, shoulder strap padding, and no rips inside

⛺ Tents

  • One of the best budget items to buy used
  • Inspect for: holes, bent poles, missing rainfly, or moldy smell

🛏️ Sleeping Bags

  • Often sold barely used
  • Look for: intact insulation, no funky odors, and a working zipper

🔥 Camp Stoves

  • Durable and easy to test
  • Ensure: fuel connection is solid and the flame ignites properly

🍳 Cookware & Mess Kits

  • Pots, pans, utensils are easy to clean and reuse
  • Just check for: dents, rust, or missing handles

🪑 Camping Chairs & Folding Tables

  • These don’t wear out fast
  • Test: stability, joints, and folding mechanisms

What NOT to Buy Used (Or Be Extra Cautious With)

While cheap outdoor gear sounds tempting, some items are risky when bought second-hand:

  • ❌ Water Filters or Purifiers – They expire and can be unsafe
  • ❌ Inflatable Sleeping Pads – Hidden leaks are hard to detect
  • ❌ Base Layers & Underwear – Hygiene matters here
  • ❌ Electronic Gear (Lanterns, GPS, etc.) – May have poor battery life
  • ❌ Climbing Gear – Never compromise safety

👉 When in doubt, invest in these items new.

Where to Buy Used Camping Gear

Ready to grab some good deals on used camping gear? Here’s where to look:

🛒 Online Marketplaces

  • Facebook Marketplace – Local deals you can inspect before buying
  • eBay – Great for finding specific brands and gear
  • Craigslist – Hit or miss, but worth checking

🌐 Specialty Resale Websites

🏪 Local Outdoor Stores & Thrift Shops

  • Some outdoor stores take trade-ins or sell returns
  • You might score high-end gear at bargain prices

How to Inspect Used Camping Gear Before Buying

Avoid surprises with these quick inspection tips:

  • 🔍 Tents – Set it up. Look for bent poles, torn mesh, missing stakes
  • 🔋 Electronics – Test with fresh batteries
  • 🎒 Backpacks – Fill it and wear it to test comfort and stitching
  • 🧼 Sleeping Bags – Unzip fully, check insulation, and smell test
  • 🪄 Cookware – Check for cracks, rust, and warped surfaces

💬 Ask the Seller:

  • Why are they selling it?
  • How often was it used?
  • Any original packaging or manuals?

Bonus: Selling or Swapping Your Own Used Camping Gear

Got extra gear? Turn it into cash or trade it for something new:

  • Sell on Facebook groups, GearTrade, or REI Re/Supply
  • Clean and photograph clearly
  • Be honest about condition to maintain trust

Gear Up Smart with Used Camping Gear

Whether you’re camping solo, with friends, or taking the family outdoors, building your setup with used camping gear is one of the smartest moves you can make.

You save money.
You reduce waste.
You still get dependable performance.

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