8 Places to Save Money on Outdoor Gear
We are gear heads — outdoor gear, that is. Our garage is filled to the brim with backpacks and shoes, paddling gear, and bikes, gathered over years, even decades. When our son grows, something wears out, or the tech changes so much that one item can do the work of five, we go hunting for replacements and sales — because gear can be expensive.
We like to find deals and save money, too — that savings can go straight toward the adventures the gear is meant for. After a while we realized that chasing sketchy coupon codes wasn’t paying off, so we started shopping smarter and finding consistent, reliable places to get what we’re looking for. Here’s our list of favorites when we need a break on outdoor clothing and gear:
Steep and Cheap. Many people know its bigger sibling, Backcountry.com, but fewer realize this off-shoot is home to some deeply discounted gear and clothing. You might find obscure sizes or last-season colors, but when you find something that works, it’ll be at a great price.
Facebook Marketplace. If you don’t live in the heart of the sport you love — say you’re in the Midwest but love snow sports — widen your search radius and be willing to pay for shipping. You may be surprised what turns up to fill the gaps in your gear closet.
Eddie Bauer Gear Rentals. Eddie Bauer’s rental program covers the basics of a backpacking or camping trip and keeps adding items — shoes, tents, pants, packs — at a reasonable price per day, shipped to wherever you are. On vacation and don’t want to haul a tent for one overnight? Rent it and have it sent to your hotel. It’s also a great way to try gear before you buy.
Used / Consignment Gear Stores. We discovered these on a long road trip out West. Obvious if you live in Moab, Eugene, or Colorado Springs — but we don’t have them where we live. We hit the jackpot on kids’ jackets and winter gear, and loved it so much that now we sometimes take a box of gear to consign when we head West.
Gear Shop Sale Racks. More and more new-gear shops keep an evergreen sale section year-round, not just during a seasonal event. Poke around — it might be hiding upstairs, downstairs, or in a corner.
Patagonia Worn Wear. One thing we love about Patagonia is its commitment to environmental stewardship: long-lasting gear, solid warranties, and repair options. Worn Wear lets owners pass along gently used gear to buyers looking for exactly that — at a good price.
REI Outlet. Just as Steep and Cheap sits within Backcountry, REI Outlet lives within the REI site and app. Find last season’s clothing, coats, panniers, harnesses, goggles, and packs for much less — and REI’s return policy is generous if it doesn’t work out.
REI Garage Sales. No longer a hush-hush secret. It’s other REI members’ returned gear at a steal — get there early, because regulars know exactly what they want. You must be a member (worth it for the 10% annual dividend). Update: in-person mega-sales paused during the pandemic, but stores now sell used gear you can browse anytime, you can shop used online, and you can even trade in gently used gear for REI gift cards.
We love our time outside and the adventures that reliable, high-quality gear makes possible — finding savings here and there just extends the exploration. What are your favorite ways to save when you’re hunting for gear? We’d love to hear your tips.
