Keep Gear in Circulation: Why Second-Hand Shops Matter
At Adventurous Threads, we’re proud to offer durable, quality outdoor gear. But we’re not the only ones working to keep adventure equipment in use longer—and that’s a good thing. Supporting second-hand shops is just as important as buying from us. Why? Because we’re all part of a larger mission: keeping quality gear in circulation, reducing waste, and giving outdoor lovers access to functional gear without constantly buying new.
Whether it’s a jacket, pack, sleeping bag, or pair of hiking boots, second-hand gear allows you to adventure responsibly. Here’s a roundup of some excellent options across the U.S.—and online—where you can buy, sell, or trade your gear.
Local & Regional Shops
Outdoor Gear Exchange – Burlington, VT
https://www.gearx.com/consignment
Gear Again – White River Junction, VT
https://www.vtgearagain.com/
Gear Traders – Woodstock, VT
https://geartradersvt.com/
Outdoors Geek – Denver, CO
https://www.outdoorsgeek.com/
Switchback Gear Exchange – Grand Rapids, MI
https://www.goswitchback.com/
Next Adventure – Portland, OR
https://www.nextadventure.net/bargain-basement
Headwall Sports – Jackson Hole & Big Sky, MT
https://www.headwallsports.com/consign
Boulder Sports Recycler – Boulder, CO
Wilderness Exchange – Denver, CO
Recyclist Unlimited – Doylestown, PA
High Tor Gear Exchange – Charlottesville, VA
https://www.hightorgearexchange.com/
The Hoarding Marmot – Anchorage, AK
https://hoardingmarmot.com/
Online Options
Gear Trade – https://www.geartrade.com/
REI Re/Supply – https://www.rei.com/used
ReRouted – https://rerouted.co/
Patagonia WornWear – https://wornwear.patagonia.com/
The North Face Renewed – https://www.thenorthfacerenewed.com/
Isella Outdoor – https://www.instagram.com/isellaoutdoor/
The Pros Closet – https://www.theproscloset.com/
Out & Back – https://outandbackoutdoor.com/
Arcteryx Used Gear – https://www.usedgear.arcteryx.com/
MEC Gear Swap – https://www.mec.ca/en/explore/gearswap
Backcountry Essentials – Bellingham, WA
https://backcountryessentials.net/pages/used-gear
Gear Hut – Reno, NV
https://www.gearhutreno.com/
Gearage – Fort Collins, CO
https://gearageoutdoorsports.com/
Public Lands – Online
https://www.publiclands.com/s/outdoor-gear-trade-in
Second Wind Sports – Fort Collins, CO
https://www.secondwind-foco.com/
Buying second-hand isn’t just about saving money—it’s about supporting a network of responsible outdoor businesses. Each shop, local or online, helps:
Keep gear in circulation longer – fewer items end up in landfills.
Provide access – quality gear for people who may not afford new.
Support local economies & communities – many of these shops employ locals, host events, and sponsor outdoor programs.
Encourage sustainability practices – by choosing repair, resale, and reuse over new production.
By shopping across multiple platforms—including ours at Adventurous Threads—you’re participating in a larger ecosystem that keeps the outdoor community thriving.
Tips for Responsible Second-Hand Shopping
Inspect gear carefully: zippers, straps, insulation, and seams.
Ask about repair history: many shops fix gear before resale.
Support local stores when possible: shipping impacts add up.
Share your finds: when you trade, resell, or repair gear, you help keep the system moving.
Complement new gear with second-hand items: maximize durability while minimizing waste.
Second-hand gear keeps your adventures sustainable, your budget happy, and the planet a little safer. At Adventurous Threads, we champion quality gear that lasts—but the mission extends beyond our shelves. Supporting other shops is just as critical: we’re all working to keep gear in circulation, strengthen outdoor communities, and encourage responsible adventure.
Together, we make outdoor exploration smarter, cleaner, and more accessible for everyone.
