12 Used Camping Gear Tips.

Looking for used camping gear or used hiking equipment can be a hit or miss proposition. First you will want to make sure the used camping gear you are getting began life as high quality equipment. The older gear gets the more likely it is to be damaged. Normal wear and tear, sun damage, abrasion, poor maintenance and improper use can all take their toll on what started out as good gear.

Check backpacking or used camping equipment...

1. Is the stitching intact at the seams?

2. Are there any cuts, holes, or burns?

3. Does it fit its intended purpose well and does it work well?

4. Has new gear made it obsolete?

5. Will you be able to fix it if it breaks?

6. Are parts easy to find?

7. If it's clothing or footwear, etc. is it comfortable?

9. Why is the owner selling?

10. Was the gear maintained properly?

11. If it's a tent, ask how old it is, how many days it's been outside, and if it's usually been used in the shade or direct sunlight (sunlight will over time degrade plastic-based tents).

12. Will the used gear be easy and enjoyable to use, or will it be frustrating?

13. Be as choosey about used gear as you are about new stuff. Remember, if it fails it will probably be when you most need it. After all, it doesn't matter if a tent leaks badly if it never rains, but when it pours you'll regret having bought it no matter what you paid. Always get good quality equipment, you'll thank yourself later.

If you're currently looking for used camping gear, these sites may help...

Ebay

Craigslist

freecycle.org

Also take a look through your local classified ads and/or Goodwill. Just keep in mind, in buying used camping gear some manufacturers won't honor the warranty with anyone except the original purchaser.

If you would like to know what's important to look for in camping tents, hiking footwear or other gear, have a look at the home page.

I hope you found this used camping gear information useful.