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Discovering Hidden Treasures: A Guide to Finding Quality Second-Hand Adventure Gear




I am a gear junkie! I think that's what make adventures so fun! There are so many cool gismos and gadgets whether your backpacking mountain tops or beach bumming underneath palm trees, secondhand gear is not too far within reach.


As a mom of two adventure kiddos, I refuse to pay full prices for all of our gear. One, it's just too expensive. Two, why pay full price when you can find gently used gear for a fraction of the retail price. Buying second hand, contributes to protecting our Earth from the overwhelming amount of waste in our world. Any outdoor enthusiast, strives to reduce, reuse and recycle to keep our planet green!


Today, we will be talking about how to find secondhand gear in person and online, how to ensure your gear is durable and will last years to come, and ideas on what to buy secondhand. Let's get this adventure started!


MY STORY


I grew up thrift shopping with my grandma and mom. Mostly because we were a relatively large family and a single mom can't afford full priced clothing and gadgets for 4 rambunctious kids. I didn't take any mind to it at all. It was natural to me and so fun! Walking into an indoor Fleamarket was like walking into a candy store. The possibilities and treasures were endless. It wasn't until I had my own kids and realized how expensive kid's clothes, shoes, toys, gadgets, etc. are, that I returned to my roots and started buying secondhand. There is absolutely no shame in it at all.


When we lived in New Mexico, I was needing winter layers, winter coats, boots, every 6-months because that's how fast my kids were growing out of their clothing. I refused to pay $60 for snow boots, another $50 for a snow jacket, another $50 for buntings and snowsuits. I headed to my local children's consignment store and found some amazing winter items for a fraction of the price! I was hooked from this point on. Adventuring was now even more possible because I didn't break a leg to afford good quality winter gear for my kids.



Camping with Kids
Used Patagonia Jacket, used Columbia Toddler Jacket , Used Rainboots

WHERE TO BUY SECONDHAND


There is an abundance of places you can find secondhand. Let's start with online.


ONLINE

  • Poshmark

An online store where you can buy and sell used clothing, shoes, accessories. I love this page because it's safer than others out there, they only have priority shipping and you can find some amazing things here! I sell some of my used items as well. I have been using them for years and have never had any issues with my purchases or sales. I found a baby bunting for $10 on there once! You can also make an offer on the item and pay less than asking price.

Some other online forums include;

  • Facebook Marketplace (be sure to always take someone with you when meeting up with someone through this avenue. I never pay ahead of time either. I only ever pay cash.

  • Mercari (similar to Poshmark)

  • Patagonia Worn Wear

  • NorthFace Renewed


IN-PERSON

  • Children's Consignment stores (I have been to Other's Mothers and Once Upon a Child) Both are very organized, and clothes are color coordinated. I have found lots of nice clothes, baby carriers and rain boots at these stores.

  • Goodwill (Hit or miss for me but I found some nice vintage binoculars for my son and all of our mud kitchen supplies)

  • Thrift Stores

  • Yard Sales

  • Facebook Marketplace

  • Surf shops

  • Used Sports Stores



Used baby bunting

HOW TO INSPECT YOUR USED GEAR


Some websites sell the item already inspected and washed (Patagonia, etc), others it's best to wash them yourself.


If you're in-person, you can inspect the item for holes, frays in the threading, unrepairable damage. Check the zippers, tie straps, buttons, etc. If any threading is frayed, it's probably a good idea to pass them item up. If there is anything you can fix, like sewing on a button, might be a good buy.


When it comes to kayaks, surfboards, canoes, boats; check for cracks or any signs of prior repairs. Get the history and make sure if the item has had repairs, it hasn't taken on water.


GOOD ITEMS TO FIND USED


  • Baby carriers

  • Backpacking packs

  • Winter clothing (baby buntings, snow boots, snow overalls, snow jackets)

  • Rain gear (boots, jackets)

  • Outdoor play equipment (climbing domes, swing sets, rock walls)

  • Tents, camping gear

  • Kayaks, canoes, small boats

  • Surfboards, stand up paddle boards


ITEMS WE HAVE PURCHASED SECONDHAND


  • Vintage binoculars

  • Backpacking pack

  • Snowboards, skis, snowboard boots

  • Baby buntings

  • Women's Swimsuit (I found this beautiful Acacia Rashguard and it retails for over $300. This mama can't afford that, so I bought it used in perfect condition for <$100.

  • Rain boots

  • Patagonia jacket

  • Toddler hiking carrier


Used beach gear
Used Rashguard in perfect condition


Used Osprey Baby Carrier
Paid $50 & it was in perfect condition!

In conclusion, opting for secondhand adventure gear is a rewarding endeavor that not only allows outdoor enthusiasts to equip themselves for new and exciting experiences but also promotes sustainability. By carefully researching, assessing the condition, and utilizing online platforms or local events, individuals can discover high-quality gear at affordable prices.


Embracing the secondhand market not only provides financial benefits but also contributes to the reduction of environmental impact by extending the lifespan of outdoor equipment.


So, whether you're a seasoned adventurer or a novice explorer, consider the sustainable path of secondhand gear acquisition for a budget-friendly and eco-conscious approach to your outdoor pursuits.


Happy adventuring!


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