Feature Image: Courtesy Vail Resorts
While we thaw our way out of this influx of spring storms and dive headfirst into summer sports, it’s crucial to remember the importance of recycling and reusing gear within the outdoor community. Before rushing to purchase brand-new equipment straight off the shelves, why not consider the eco-friendly option of perusing your local summer gear swap for some gently used finds? Not only can you score great deals on bike gear, apparel and outdoor essentials, but you’ll join a community of like-minded enthusiasts who prioritize sustainability. By participating in these swaps, you not only give the unused gear a new lease on life but contribute to reducing waste and preserving the place we cherish most—the great outdoors. Across the US and online, drop by a gear swap and snag some hidden treasures.
Gallatin Valley Bike Swap – May 4, 2024
This one-day event offers a huge variety of consignment items: bikes for kids and adults—mountain, road, gravel and commuter bikes, bike trailers, accessories, parts, tools, clothing and more! There will be bikes for all price points from recreational to high-end competitive models.
WHERE: Gallatin County Fairgrounds, 901 N Black Ave, Bozeman, MT
WHEN: May 4, 9 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
*Unsold items not retrieved by 2:30 p.m. on Saturday will immediately be donated to a local non-profit.
Bend Gear Meet – May 8, 2024
This is a free event, but attendees must RSVP. Everyone can participate, regardless of whether or not they bring items to swap. Plus, a DIY patch and zipper repair workshop will be held.
WHERE: 1777 Southwest Chandler Ave, Bend, OR
WHEN: May 8, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
*If you can’t attend in person, you can send in your used gear via a free prepaid shipping envelope, and all the proceeds go to support the non-profit Outdoorist Oath.
Wilderness Exchange 18th Annual Spring Gear Swap and Sale – May 18, 2024
The WildyX Gear Swap is THE place to find deals on the gear you need for your outdoor adventures. They block off the parking lot behind the physical building and set up tables so attendees can sell their unwanted gear. It’s essentially a massive garage sale for any and all.
WHERE: Parking lot behind Wilderness Exchange @ 2401 15th Street, Suite 100, Denver, CO 80202
WHEN: May 18, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
*If you wish to sell, setup begins at 8 a.m. Please do not come earlier than 8:00 am to give the team time to set up for the event. After 8:00 am, you may check in at the event table and begin displaying your gear for sale. You are responsible for pricing and all transactions; no commission is due to WildyX — you keep all the loot. For those shopping, you will need cash. Most booths won’t have any way to run a credit card.
Grand Valley River Fest Gear Swap – May 18, 2024
The Grand Valley Gear Swap focuses on safety and water gear, but biking and climbing gear are also welcomed. Beware that broken or damaged gear doesn’t qualify for this swap. This also means that all inflatable craft must be inflated by the seller and remain inflated to be sold.
Individual sellers have a maximum of five items, or sellers can purchase booth space within the Gear Swap Area.
WHERE: Las Colonias Park, 1695 Las Colonias Landing, Grand Junction, CO 81501
WHEN: May 18, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
*All Sellers must pre-book items or pay for booth space prior to the event date.
Colorado Outdoor Gear Swap – Ongoing
It’s Facebook marketplace, but specialized. This Colorado-based Buy and Sell Facebook group has a regular flow of postings for discounted, used goods.
New England Ski Swap – Ongoing
Again, Facebook is a great place for gear to find a new home. This New England group, with over 11.5K members, is a go-to for gently used ski gear.
REI Re/Supply – Ongoing
REI members won’t be surprised that second-hand shopping brings in major business. It’s not only great for the environment, but it allows gear to find a new home at a discounted rate. Businesses like REI are listening to what buyers want and leaning into the trade-in market.
Whether you purchased at REI or not, if your gear is part of their online trade-in catalog, you could get an REI gift card in exchange for donating your gently used gear. Check online to see if your gear qualifies, and then drop your stuff off at a local REI or ship it. It really is that easy!
REI members can also shop the ‘Co-Op,’ which is a garage sale-type area for gear that’s been returned or traded in.
Powder7 Reduce, Reuse, Ski-Cycle – Ongoing
Keep your old skis out of landfills by trading in your old sticks with Powder7. At their online portal, enter the information for the pair you wish to trade, and they’ll send you an immediate offer. Whether you’re able to drop by the in-person store in Golden, CO, or you just wanna shop the online store, Powder7 carries a ton of brands that you can spend your trade-in dollars on. It’s the best way to upgrade your setup, especially if you’re a one quiver ski kinda person. Now, you can avoid tripping over yet another pair of skis in your garage.
Gear Trade Consignment Program – Ongoing
Mail your gently used and qualifying gear to Gear Trade. Once they receive your shipment, they’ll price it in 48 hours. As soon as it sells, your earnings can be cashed out to Venmo, PayPal or store credit. From April 5, 2024 – May 6, 2024, sellers earn 70 percent commission on items that sell for $250+ and 80 percent commission on items that sell for $565+.
