Things to Consider Before Buying Used Camping Gear

Camping gear is expensive, we all know it. And we're all in an economic pinch right now. We hate to pay more for anything than we absolutely have to – regardless of what the item is. But sometimes, it really pays to get the thing new, to be the first owner.

This is very true if you are considering buying used camping gear. There are things you need to think about before buying and using used camping gear – or selling it – so let's talk about them.

We All Think About It – Let's Say It

First of all, there is the “ick factor.” You will be using someone else's things. Now, if it is your brother's sleeping bag, maybe not so much “ick”. You probably slept next to your brother for years. But if it is some hiking boots you bought at a garage sale of a stranger, do your toes really want to share germs with the toes of whoever came before? Maybe not so much.

“Ick” is easy to see when it comes to buying used camping gear that will be used close to the skin, especially if less easily washed. But some items don't have much of an “ick factor” at all. For example, there isn't much of a big deal to most people about using a used lantern (as long as you check it out and it still works, of course), or a used walking stick. As long as it still works fine, fine. But if it will be up close and personal, think twice. It might be worth it to budget a bit more and get your own new, rather than just “new to you.”

Safety Considerations

The other major thing to take into consideration is the safety of the item. Just like how you wouldn't want to buy a car seat for your baby that might be unsafe, so you would tend toward a new one that you know is safe, there are camping gear items that buying used might be dangerous. Though the danger might not be life threatening, what's the point of buying it – even low price, used – if it won't be safe? For example, some walking sticks can collapse if they are made with the old type of springs inside. Be careful buying them used.

How Long Will They Last?

Beyond “ick” and safety, think about how long the camping gear you want to buy used will last. If it isn't going to last out the season, or it is questionable, maybe it would be worth it to buy it new, where you will get a warranty. There's no warranty if you buy used camping gear, none at all.