Published August 11, 2026 12:52PM
You can buy outdoor gear in one of two ways. There’s the mainstream strategy, which is to purchase shiny new stuff from big-box stores or online retailers. Then there’s the counterculture route: secondhand shops.
Used gear stores are the unsung heroes of the budget backpacking world. They give beginners a low-cost way to try a new sport without lighting fire to their last paycheck, and they give veteran backpackers a way to offload old gear without chucking it in the landfill. They always seem to be held together by duct tape and staffed by dirtbags. To use modern parlance, they’re a total vibe.
The downsides are that secondhand shops don’t exist everywhere, and once you’re in them, you sometimes feel like you’re spelunking. (In fact, bringing a headlamp might not be a bad idea.) In my mind, these places are kind of like shipwrecks: they’re dark, dingy, tough to find, and filled with unidentifiable residue from past explorers. But if you take the time to explore them, you might find treasure.
On top of that, being in one feels different from any other shopping experience. When I’m in big-box stores, I get the sense that they just want my money. In a secondhand shop, I know they’ve got my back.
I’m not alone, either. As part of my research for this story, I made a little social media poll asking the outdoor writers, photographers, and adventure partners in my network for their recommendations. Within minutes, dozens of people had responded. Within hours, I had an avalanche of votes in my inbox. While the suggestions were spread across the US, a few shop names came up again and again. Those are the ones you’ll find below.
Boulder Sports Recycler, Boulder, CO
When it comes to used gear, Boulder has two things going for it: a massive outdoor industry presence and a whole lot of rich people. Boulder Sports Recycler gets the fruits of both—everything from barely worn ski clothes to product samples with the tags still on, all at extremely reasonable prices. Here in the storied outdoor epicenter of Colorado, it’s also not uncommon to find real treasure. Over the years, I’ve stumbled upon first-edition guidebooks, original Dana Design backpacks, and Chouinard-era climbing gear at BSR. Dogs roam the shop floor, and you can buy local art at the counter. While the store no longer occupies its maze-like, two-story space north of town, it now has a larger warehouse-style building in East Boulder. The benefits: more gear, more bikes, and (hallelujah) an in-house repair shop.
Gear Fix, Bend, OR
With more than 20 years in the business, Gear Fix has become as much a part of the fabric of Bend as the Deschutes River. And unlike many outdoor consignment shops, it’s impeccably organized. “The selection of gear is always phenomenal, both in soft goods and hard goods, because they focus on the brands that perform,” says JoAnne Carilli, a lifelong mountain athlete and outdoor industry professional. “The staff is extremely friendly, and they have one of the best consignment programs that I’ve seen in any gear shop.”
Second Wind Sports, Bozeman, MT
Bozeman’s fabulously rickety secondhand shop remains one of my all-time favorites. For starters, it’s been open since 1988, which means it’s got some serious character. But Second Wind also works hard to keep a lid on costs, boasting low consignment rates that favor gear sellers and keep prices affordable for customers. The space is funky, the staff is stoked, and the selection is top-notch. I once got a pair of like-new Patagonia mountaineering pants here for a third of their retail cost. I’ve also found teal jumpsuits, neon overalls, and platform boots. Second Wind doesn’t discriminate: If it’s one of a kind and you can wear it outdoors, you’ll find it here.
International Mountain Equipment Rock and Snow Annex, North Conway, NH
International Mountain Equipment (IME) may be New Hampshire’s most famous gear store, but its basement level is where the magic really happens. The Rock and Snow Annex sells everything from backpacks to apparel to technical mountaineering gear—all high-quality stuff at ridiculously low prices. The place also has deep roots in the local outdoor scene. “The second floor has some really cool relics from historical ascents and stuff,” says Sammy Davis, a former New Hampshire guide and outdoor educator who now lives in Colorado. “Beyond that, the staff are super knowledgeable, and they usually work with customers in terms of pricing and gear fitting.” Bonus: You can get your gaiters and your groceries in the same trip; the store sells produce from a local farm at the counter during the summer.
Regear, Boone, NC
As legend would have it, Rio Sawhill started his business from scratch using a pile of gear in his friend’s garage. Now, he owns and operates Regear, a thriving secondhand shop right in the forested heart of Western North Carolina. Here, you’ll find everything from funky vintage backpacking equipment to nearly new boots at bargain prices. Handwritten signs give the place a home-grown vibe, and friendly staff make it easy to find exactly what you’re looking for.
Outdoor Gear Exchange, Burlington, VT
Proof Outdoor Gear Exchange knows what it’s doing: These folks have been in business for more than 30 years. The shop sells new and secondhand gear, as well as low-cost factory surplus from big-name outdoor brands. So if you want off-the-rack stuff without the off-the-rack prices, this is the shop for you. On top of that, you can buy consigned gear online if you don’t live in the area, a service most secondhand stores don’t offer. “It’s so down to earth, and in it for the true enthusiasts—not just for the folks who want to look cool outdoors for their Instagram,” says longtime customer Kate York. “There’s a lot of factory surplus from great brands like Prana and Dovetail. And also their humans are just so lovely and helpful.”
Gear Room, Salt Lake City, UT
The Gear Room was allegedly born from a coin toss. Two brothers, Chris and Kevin Gmitro, wanted to open a business together but weren’t sure what. The idea that they (and their coin) landed on was a secondhand gear shop. Now, 12 years later, they’re still living the dream: rehoming outdoor equipment, maintaining a massive selection of hiking and camping gear, and helping newbies find their stride. Need another reason to love them? They also maintain and restock the remote wag bag station for the Wasatch’s famed Lone Peak Cirque. Now that’s community commitment.
Next Adventure Bargain Basement, Portland, OR
Lifelong friends Deek and Bryan opened Next Adventure together in 1997. Nearly 30 years later, it’s still Portland’s go-to spot for a bargain. Head to the main floor for new gear and the lower levels for the thrill of the thrift. “They have truly cheap, fair prices, great finds, and it’s locally owned,” says Lauren Broderick, a hiker, outdoors writer, and former Backpacker contributor. “It’s also just one of those places that’s good for a quick stop in to see what’s new. Pretty common to run into people you know there!”
Ragged Mountain Sports, Carbondale, CO
Women-owned since its inception, Ragged Mountain Sports is the beating heart of affordable adventure on the Western Slope. For starters, it’s cute: The space is small but efficient with a garage door, a bookshelf-lined loft, and just the right amount of clutter. It’s the kind of place you’d want to spend an afternoon in—and plenty of people do. “There’s a lot of community around it,” says Jordan Hirro, a multisport enthusiast who works in the outdoor industry in Carbondale, Colorado. “And it really does have an amazing selection of gear for all sports—they’re respectably picky, which I think is key. It’s really that simple.”
Duluth Gear Exchange, Duluth, MN
The Midwest was missing something. In 2019, the founders of Duluth Gear Exchange realized what it was: a dependable source of affordable, reliable, pre-vetted gear. That year, the shop opened its doors. Since then, it’s come into its own as a store, a repair service, and a community hub. The shop is cozy, the staff friendly, and the selection ideal for boaters, bikers, and hikers alike, says Claire Poppendeck Miller, a longtime customer. “Before buying anything new, I always look here first,” she says. Stop by, shop, consign—and be sure to say hi to the shop dog, Filbert.
Wonderland Gear Exchange, Seattle, WA
Seattle’s Wonderland Gear Exchange is all about keeping gear out of the landfill, but it’s also about having a hell of a good time. In-store events—including a regular “pitch your eligible trail partner night”—keep the mood light, and deep community involvement keeps the heart of the business in the right place. While the Seattle store is the original, Wonderland also has a location in Salt Lake City. “They really embody the spirit of accessibility and stoke and inclusivity,” says Connor Ryan, a pro skier and Indigenous activist. “Last year, they donated a whole bunch of brand new helmets for Indigenous kids and families to our Mountain Access Program, and all the interactions were so genuine and positive. Anytime I’ve gone in the store in person, they have an attitude that shows they exist for a purpose, not just as a business.”
Snow, Mountain, River, Flagstaff, AZ
Flagstaff’s quirky Snow, Mountain, River started as a used gear shop but quickly snowballed into something much bigger. Over the years, founder Mike Ohly has tacked on a gear rental program, a climbing shoe resoler, bike repair services, and a custom sewing shop. He runs local trash clean-ups and hosts community events on site. “There’s an indoor skate park and space for kids to hang out and do cool stuff,” one customer says. “It also has the biggest and best inventory I’ve seen of any consignment shop.”
