Used vs. New: Your Guide to Buying Outdoor Gear

Whether we like it or not, many outdoor activities are heavily reliant on gear. You won’t get a good night’s sleep in a leaky tent, and you can only get so far in boots that weren’t properly broken in. But quality gear often comes at a pretty penny, and getting fully equipped for your next outdoor adventure can snatch a small fortune from you.

There is also outdoor gear that has seen some use, cheaper and time-tested, but it also comes with its peculiarities. In this guide, we aimed to address a common question outdoor enthusiasts face: should you buy new or used? Instead of giving you a definitive answer, we’ll explore both options to see their pros and cons.

The Benefit of The New

Everything’s pretty simple with the new items. They have seen no use and even haven’t been touched by anyone. Brand new, likely to have been produced not too long ago, such items have their performance potential at maximum value. They cost accordingly, of course, but nonetheless may sometimes sport innate defects. Knowing that you are the first owner of the item spares you much worry, but again, maybe you prefer things with stories. In any case, here are the pros and cons of buying new outdoor gear.

Benefits of New Outdoor Gear

Latest Technology and Features: Buying new often means buying the latest. New gear might feature cutting-edge technology developed by the brand or its partners, thus guaranteeing you a more efficient and enjoyable outdoor experience. Improved materials, new design features – you won’t find it in a model from 10 years ago.
Quality and Durability: Brand-new items are generally more reliable and durable because they haven’t seen any wear and tear yet. They’re less likely to break down or malfunction during your adventure. That is, if you didn’t buy a defective product. Since you are the first user, the role of a tester also lies with you.
Warranty and Customer Support: Now, even if you happen to buy faulty gear, it doesn’t mean you wasted your money. New outdoor gear usually comes with a manufacturer’s warranty, offering protection against defects and malfunctions. Plus, you’ll have access to customer support services if you have any issues or questions about your gear. That’s rarely the case with items you buy from other people.
Personalization: When buying new, you have the freedom to choose from a variety of models, sizes and colors to suit your personal preferences and needs.

Drawbacks of New Outdoor Gear

Higher Cost: The main downside of new gear is its higher price tag. The latest models with advanced features can be quite expensive, which might not be ideal for people who are on a budget.
Environmental Impact: The whole production cycle entails a lot of steps that are harmful to the environment: resource extraction, manufacturing and shipping – all of these stages contribute to environmental degradation. By buying new, you’re indirectly contributing to these impacts. Of course, the item has already been produced so it’s not like you not buying it would revert the harm that has already been done. But you not buying it could encourage the manufacturer not to produce more items, at least if there are a lot of people like you.
Break-in Period: Some new gear, like hiking boots, usually require a break-in period. You’ll need to wear them for a while before they become comfortable, which is pretty inconvenient. You’ll probably have to do this before setting off for your outdoor adventure, which means you’ll either have to circle miles walking in your room or wear them as regular footwear.

De-mystifying Used Outdoor Gear

On the other pan of our scales lies used outdoor gear. Pre-owned and having seen some action, it has its own stories to tell. It’s not uncommon for people to imagine all used gear being exploited to tears and even on the edge of being completely broken. This misconception encourages many to shun such goods, favoring newly produced items instead. The truth is, used gear may come in all sorts of conditions. Dishonest sellers are not uncommon, of course, but there are also people who stopped needing the item while it was still in good condition. A person might have bought a tent only to receive a better one for their birthday. A failed skier sells their skies having found out they aren’t ready to fight their fear of heights. The stories can be numerous, and you can learn them while talking to the seller. Here are a few reasons why you might or might not want to buy used outdoor gear.

Benefits of Buying Used Outdoor Gear:

Cost Savings: One of the most significant advantages of buying used gear is the cost savings. Used items are much cheaper than new ones, allowing you to get high-quality equipment at a fraction of the price. Everybody likes a good deal, and with used gear, you are quite likely to snatch it.
Environmental Impact: Buying used gear helps reduce waste and environmental impact in several ways. Firstly, by reusing gear that’s already been produced, you’re extending its life and keeping it out of the landfill. Secondly, you don’t financially support the manufacturing cycle, thus not contributing to all the emissions and resource depletion.
Trying Out-Of-Your-Budget Brands: Used gear marketplaces often have items from top outdoor brands that might otherwise be out of your league. This allows you to get high-quality, durable gear at a more affordable price. Sitka remains Sitka even after years of use.
Lack of Regrets: If you’re trying out a new outdoor activity, buying used gear can be a low-risk way to get started. If you decide the activity isn’t for you, you’re not stuck with expensive gear you won’t use. You could very well sell it, but why overpay for something you might end up not using?

Drawbacks of Buying Used Outdoor Gear:

Wear and Tear: Used gear is, well, used, it’s literally in the name. The trickiest thing is that there are many degrees of being used, from “unpacked and didn’t like it” to “have been used by three generations”. You’ll need to carefully inspect any used items to ensure they’re still in good condition and safe to use. Photos, especially those used on a product page, may be deceiving.
Limited Selection: The selection of used gear can be limited, especially if you need a specific item or size. After all, used items don’t come in batches, with all possible sizes and colors for you to choose from. It’s one specific thing, so you may not always find what you’re looking for.
No Warranty: Most used gear doesn’t come with a warranty. If something goes wrong with the item, you will need to have it repaired using your own funds. If you plan to do so, of course.
Potential Hidden Issues: With used gear, there can sometimes be hidden issues that aren’t immediately apparent. For example, a waterproof jacket might have lost its water-resistant properties and you won’t find this out before the first rain. If the item is said to have some specific attribute you need, it might be smart to test it for this feature.

Tips for Buying Used Outdoor Gear

Buying used outdoor gear is a great way to save money and reduce your environmental impact, but there are many places where one could trip. Here’s how you can stay on your feet and shun potential scammers:

Understand What You Need: Before starting your search, know exactly what you need. Influencers and sellers would have you think you need more than is actually sufficient. Doing preliminary research will not only save you money but also space in a backpack. If the thing you’re looking for is not a backpack itself.
Inspect Before Buying: If you have an opportunity to check items before paying the money, you absolutely should do so. Look for signs of wear and tear, especially on clothing, footwear and goods made of fabric.
Buy From Reliable Sources: Consider buying from outdoor consignment stores or reputable online platforms. These places often inspect the gear before selling it, providing an added layer of security. There are also many reliable accounts on socials like Instagram, but you will most likely need to simply take their word for it and check their reliability by taking the risk.
Consider the Item’s Lifespan: Some gear, like tents or waterproof clothing, have a limited effective lifespan. Be cautious when buying these types of items used, as all their useful qualities can long be gone.
Take Advantage of Local Resources: Look for local thrift stores or consignment shops that specialize in outdoor gear. You can often find great deals, and you’ll have the chance to inspect items in person.
Ask for Advice: Don’t hesitate to ask for advice from more experienced outdoor enthusiasts. They can provide valuable insights into what to look for and potential red flags. Reddit alone contains countless threads dedicated to outdoor gear.
Be Patient: Finding the right used gear can take time, so be patient and don’t rush your purchase. Waiting for the right item to come along can save you money and ensure you get gear that will last.

Conclusion

We did the informing part, the rest is up to you. Both used and new gear have their pros and cons. Whichever aspect tips the scales for you, be sure to get quality gear. Price, however alluring, sometimes makes for a poor adviser.