REI used gear can save money on equipment for hiking, camping, and other outdoor trips, but the listing price and condition label won’t tell you everything you need to know. Check the exact model, signs of wear, included parts, fit, and any limits on returns before deciding. Pay particular attention to equipment that protects you from falls, weather, or water: hidden damage or an unknown service history can matter more than the saving. A good used purchase is one that suits your trip, works as intended, and can be checked or tested before you depend on it.
REI’s Re/Supply resale listings offer a changing selection of previously owned outdoor equipment. Each item is individual: its condition, age, included accessories, and remaining useful life can differ from those of an identical model. A condition description is a helpful starting point, not a guarantee that the gear will suit your body, your trip, or every situation you plan to use it in.
Start with the listing for the specific item. Confirm the product name and model, size, colour if relevant, condition notes, photos, and what is included. If a detail that affects use is missing, don’t fill in the gap with an assumption. Contact REI before buying if possible, or choose a listing that provides enough information to make a sound decision.
Also read the terms that apply to that item. Return eligibility, deadlines, and exceptions can change, and used gear may not follow the same terms as new products. Don’t assume a manufacturer’s warranty transfers to a secondhand purchase; verify that separately if it affects your decision.
| Gear | Inspect or confirm | Think twice when |
|---|---|---|
| Hiking shoes and boots | Size, outsole wear, tread, seams, lining, and whether the heel or upper has lost its shape | You can’t check the fit, or the sole is worn unevenly or separating |
| Backpacks | Capacity, torso fit, buckles, zips, seams, straps, hip belt, and frame parts | A key adjustment or support part is missing, damaged, or incompatible |
| Tents and shelters | Poles, clips, zips, seams, fabric, rainfly, footprint, and the exact included components | You can’t confirm that it pitches fully or that essential parts are present |
| Sleeping bags and pads | Bag loft, fabric, zips, pad valve, leaks, and whether the size and warmth suit your trip | Insulation is badly compressed, a pad won’t hold air, or the item’s condition is unclear |
| Rainwear and outdoor clothing | Fit, closures, seam condition, fabric wear, and signs of peeling or delamination | You need dependable rain protection but can’t assess the garment’s condition |
| Stoves and water-treatment gear | Included components, model compatibility, visible damage, and whether function can be tested | Parts are missing or you can’t establish that the item works safely for your setup |
The table is a screening tool, not a substitute for checking the exact model’s instructions. For example, tents and stoves can require specific parts or compatible accessories; don’t assume a generic replacement will work.
Fit matters more than a bargain. With used footwear, inspect the outsole for worn tread, uneven wear, cracks, or separation from the upper. Check the heel counter and lining for deformation or damage. If you can try the shoes on, do so with the socks you expect to wear outside and walk around long enough to notice pressure points. A listing’s stated size can’t tell you whether the shape will suit your foot.
For jackets and trousers, check zips, snaps, cuffs, hems, seams, and high-friction areas such as the shoulders, elbows, knees, and seat. Peeling or flaking fabric can be a warning sign of deterioration. A garment that looks clean may still have reduced weather protection, so don’t treat appearance alone as proof that it will keep you dry. If reliable protection is essential for your route or forecast, consider a new item or a used garment whose condition you can assess more confidently.
For a backpack, verify that its capacity and adjustment range suit your load and body. Look closely at shoulder straps, the hip belt, buckles, zips, seams, and any frame or support components. If you can inspect it in person, adjust it and add a representative load; a pack that looks intact on a hanger may still feel uncomfortable when worn.
A tent needs to be checked as a complete system. Confirm what comes with it and whether the poles, clips, zips, and fabric are intact. If possible, pitch it and check that the parts fit together, doors close, and the shelter stands as intended. Look at seams and the rainfly for wear or peeling, but don’t assume that a visual inspection proves the shelter is waterproof. A test pitch at home is much better than discovering missing pieces at camp.
For sleeping bags, inspect the shell, lining, seams, and zips, and look for uneven or heavily compressed insulation. For an inflatable sleeping pad, check the valve and leave it inflated long enough to see whether it holds air. Consider the temperature and conditions of your planned trip: a used sleeping system is a poor choice if its warmth or function is uncertain and you have no suitable backup.
Used stoves can be worth considering if the model is identifiable, required parts are present, and you can confirm that it operates correctly according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Check for damage, corrosion, missing fittings, and compatibility with the fuel you intend to use. Test it outdoors in a safe, appropriate setting; never operate a stove inside a tent or other enclosed space.
Be more cautious with water filters and purifiers. A cartridge or treatment element may have a limited service life, and an unknown history makes it difficult to know what protection remains. Check the manufacturer’s guidance for the specific model and determine whether the relevant element can be replaced. If you can’t establish that the system is suitable and ready for use, don’t rely on it as your only way to make water safe.
For climbing equipment, helmets, avalanche safety equipment, and other gear whose failure could cause serious harm, an unknown history is a major drawback. Damage from impact, overload, age, or poor storage may not be obvious from a photo. Choose new gear when you can’t verify the item’s history and condition, and follow the manufacturer’s inspection and replacement guidance. A low price is not a reason to accept uncertainty in life-safety equipment.
REI used gear is often easiest to justify when the item is straightforward to inspect, the condition is clearly described, and you can confirm fit and function. It may suit a casual camper looking for a spare camp chair, or a hiker who knows the pack model and can check its dimensions and adjustment range. It is less suitable when a poor fit would cause discomfort, missing parts would leave you without essential equipment, or an unseen fault could put you at risk.
Compare the used listing with the current cost of a suitable new alternative, but don’t make the decision on price alone. Include any repair or replacement parts in your comparison, and consider whether you’ll have time to test the item before travelling. If the used option leaves unresolved questions about fit or function, a better-documented alternative may be the more practical purchase.
Not necessarily. The value depends on the specific item, its condition, and what it would cost to make it ready for use. Compare the total cost, including missing accessories or repairs, with a new option that fits your needs.
Return terms can depend on the current listing and purchase conditions. Read the terms for the item before ordering, especially for footwear, clothing, and packs, where fit is difficult to judge from a product page.
No. Use it alongside the photos and any item-specific notes, then check the areas that matter for that type of gear. A label may describe visible condition without establishing the item’s full history or suitability for your trip.
Be cautious when you can’t verify its history, condition, and inspection requirements. For equipment where hidden damage could have serious consequences, new gear is the safer choice when history is unknown; follow the manufacturer’s guidance for any item you consider.
Don’t assume the item includes a part or feature that isn’t shown or described. Seek clarification before purchase if possible, or choose a listing that gives you enough information to judge compatibility and condition.
REI used gear can be a sound choice when the item is well described, fits your needs, and can be checked before use. Confirm the condition, completeness, fit, and purchase terms first. If you can’t resolve uncertainty about a critical function or a safety-related history, keep looking.
