Where to Buy Affordable Used Hiking Gear for Beginners
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Buying Used Hiking, Backpacking and Camping Gear - Colorado Springs and Denver in 2024
If you're a beginner hiker who's operating on a budget, Colorado Springs is the perfect place for you! There are several great resale stores that offer quality used and upcycled hiking gear; clothes, tents, boots, backpacks, and sleeping bags. You can find all the gear you need to hit the trails without blowing all your budget.
We share our five favorite hiking gear store options in Colorado Springs plus a few more in Denver worth checking out.
But first, what are the best options for beginner hiking gear?
What exactly do you need for a great day outdoors on the best Colorado trails?
Do you wander those big box stores, get overwhelmed and ask what hiking gear do I need?
Do you take one look at new outdoor gear and wonder how much does hiking cost!
We believe hiking Colorado trails should be a low cost adventure. Some of the best hiking gear for beginners is just outside your front door at these five outdoor gear stores.
Buying used gear for beginner hikers reduces the anxiety (and impact to the ‘ole wallet) if it doesn’t work out.
Hiking gear rental snowshoes used on a trail in Rocky Mountain National Park
On a recent snowshoe hike in Rocky Mountain National Park, my husband spent more time adjusting his ill fitting snowshoes than actually hiking. It was frustrating for both of us! He had grabbed an old pair sitting in our garage, forgot to check the bindings before we headed out and alas, the winter hike was fraught with frustrating fixes.
Finding quality used hiking gear doesn’t have to be a pain in the butt - but you need to know what to get. Stick with us as we share our hiking gear list for beginners, where to sell used hiking gear, and highlight our favorite local stores for the best used camping gear!
Look Good, Hike Better
This little infographic answers that age old question - What hiking gear do I need?
Where can i find a Hiking Gear List for BeginnerS?
We got you covered. We often get asked what hiking gear do I need for a Colorado hike. Having lived in Colorado Springs for almost 25 years, answering that question for Colorado Springs hikes is easy!
A helpful hiking gear list for beginners should include comfortable clothing, right fitting boots, a backpack, map/or map app, a first aid kit and basic supplies like snacks and water. If you want to explore the great outdoors, it’s important to have the best hiking gear for beginners and experts in your pack!
Personally, I bring….
Layers because the weather constantly changes.
Fuel and water to tame the wild altitude beast.
Trekking poles, gaiters and hiking shoes for our rocky mountain trails.
A great daypack for all the other essential hiking gear.
Other items to consider are adjustable trekking poles, an all-weather jacket or poncho, sunscreen, sunglasses and a headlamp for night hiking.
RELATED LINK: Check out our GEAR REVIEWS for favorite outdoor gear. Most of our gear is years old and still stands the test of time on Colorado hiking trails!
Click below for Best Hiking Gear List for Beginners
Download the hiking gear for beginners checklist above and keep it next to your daypack. After each hike, do a quick restock of the items you used.
Sporting new and used hiking gear on a Buena Vista hike!
We love being out on the Colorado trails year round. However, it is no fun getting caught in a freak spring snowstorm or summer downpour without the right layers. Hiking gear used on the trail can literally save your life.
I cannot count how many times I’ve hiked by newbie hikers with narey a water bottle, much less the right gear for Colorado monsoon rainstorms.
Carrying new or used gear for beginner hikers can literally save your life. If you’re hiking solo, take a few extra precautions. Asking what hiking gear do I need before each hike is a good habit to get into.
LOCAL TIP! Even as a veteran hiker, I forget essential hiking gear from time to time. A few years ago, I put together a Colorado Hiker’s Capsule Wardrobe checklist after forgetting, once again, sun protection. I sported a fantastic sunburn and puffy lips for days. It was not my finest moment.
Hiking gear used on this Pikes Peak Elk Park trail included gaiters and trekking poles!
What should i Wear on a Colorado Day Hike?
Start with a base wardrobe. This is clothing and hiking gear that you need on those every day hikes. For each season, add or subtract layers/gear depending on the weather and hiking conditions. Our handy dandy checklist gives you an at a glance way to tackle the top Colorado hikes no matter the season or time of day.
INSIDER TIP! Print off the list, put it in ziplock bag and keep it by your backpack.
Knowing what to wear is half the battle. Owning and carrying the right gear makes or breaks your hike! We devoted an entire blog post to exactly what essential gear is vital for a Colorado hike. Head on over for a quick 5 minute read on what hiking gear for beginners is best for day hiking.
OUR GO-TO GEAR FOR COLORADO HIKING TRAILS IN 2024:
We love the Osprey Sirrus Hiking Daypack for women, or the Stratos version for men, for carrying water, layers, and snacks on Colorado day hikes
Free Fly’s Highmile jogger is the perfect fit for Colorado trails. *Melody has been living in hers!
Lightweight, versatile Hiking Poles built for a full day’s send on the trail — hike longer and stronger
2L or 3L Water Reservoir — This affordable reservoir is easy to fill
Patagonia Torrentshell - a true waterproof rain jacket and fantastic layering piece
Nano Puff Jacket - our favorite for 3 seasons in Colorado
Smartwool Glove Liners - the best all season gloves for those high altitude hikes
Salomon hiking shoes - waterproof, comfy and hard working for any type of hike
Day packs should be at the top of your hiking gear list for beginners.
In our opinion, one of the best pieces of used hiking gear to purchase is a backpack. Often people will buy online without researching the best pack for their body. Their loss is your win! Learn more about what hiking daypacks are best for day hikes.
Years ago, I bought a Kelty 60L backpack at Goodwill for $25. This used hiking gear went on two Pikes Peak hikes as well as multiple multi day backpack snowshoe treks.
INSIDER TIP! In Colorado Springs, if you’re looking for where to buy used hiking gear like backpacks, MER and Gearonimo have many options year round. Try before you buy.
What hiking gear do I need depends on the type of hike I choose!
You don’t need much for day hikes in Colorado. Favorite snacks (trail mix with mini peanut butter cups is a CoHH favorite), water, rain gear and trekking poles are key. But for longer backpacking trips, which we know you’ll want to do after some day hiking exploring, you’ll need more gear!
Backpacking Colorado trails requires the ultimate backpacking checklist! We love keeping a copy of this list in our cars, checking off items still needed whenever out and about.
Download the FREE Ultimate Backpacking Checklist below and start building your hiking gear cache!
What hiking gear do I need that should be new?
We’d argue all well cared for, preowned hiking and camping gear can be used for beginner hikers. That said, there are a few things you might want to consider purchasing NEW.
Boots/Hiking Shoes
Underwear
Water Reservoir *replace the valve and tubing if buying pre owned
Where to Sell Used Hiking Gear and Used Camping Gear in Colorado Springs
Where to Buy Used Hiking Gear
You can search online through websites like Craigslist and eBay. You may also be able to find used hiking gear at your local thrift store.
Be sure to properly inspect any item before purchase and get advice from a more experienced hiker on what might work best for you as a beginner. There are online shops selling used hiking gear popping up all the time.
We are HUGE fans of shopping local. Not only can you touch and see the product before you buy it, used hiking gear stores are often run by local hikers and adventurers.
Spend time in the store and you’ll walk away with well priced used hiking gear and a side of local only trail information.
When you or your kids have outgrown gear, knowing where to sell used hiking gear locally eliminates shipping hassles and disgruntled buyers.
LOCAL TIP! Don’t spend money on new gear for kids who might not be 100% behind camping and backpacking adventures. Our kids wear used hiking gear for overnight camp or backpacking trips from many of these local shops.
Do inventory on their beginner hiking gear, taking the gently washed items to local resale shops to sell, using that money toward new to them gear.
We feature our five favorite used outdoor gear stores in Colorado Springs below.
Where to Sell Used Hiking Gear
There are a number of places that you can sell used hiking gear, both online and offline.
You can try selling on eBay, Craigslist, or other classified sites.
If you would rather keep things local, consider checking with used sporting goods stores or consignment shops in your area. Our two of our four favorite used hiking gear stores buy on consignment or cash on the spot.
Another option is to post an ad for your gear on social media like Facebook Marketplace or Reddit; you might be surprised at how many people are interested in buying your items!
Hammocks are favorite camping gear used on every adventure!
Used Camping Gear
Camping and hiking go hand in hand. Picture the perfect Colorado summer night, full moon and twinkling stars along the Colorado trail. Plan some amazing day hikes on a car camping weekend near Breckenridge or Buena Vista.
Camping gear used on these fun Colorado getaways can be found at all five of Colorado Springs stores.
When we were young, car camping involved a few sleeping bags and rough ground. Honestly, it was miserable. New camping gear can run you hundreds of dollars quickly.
Keep your weekends low budget with used camping gear. Our favorite Marmot tent was over 50% off, having never been used outdoors.
PRO TIP! Take the money saved and invest in some great craft beer and fancy s’mores!
Scoring used gear for beginner hikers gives you access to stunning views like this!
What Camping Gear do I need?
There are several places that offer used camping gear, such as gear swaps, second hand stores and online classifieds. Swap events can be found through hiking and outdoors clubs, while used gear can be found through thrift stores, yard sales and online retailers.
Hiking and camping go hand in hand. Many of Colorado’s best campgrounds are near gorgeous trails. These 11 must haves for tent camping in Colorado are easy to find at used camping gear stores.
When asking what camping gear do I need, consider a few things:
What type of camping will I be doing? Car camping? Dispersed? RV/van life?
How comfortable do I want to be? This impacts what type tent, sleeping pad, sleeping bag purchased.
How long do I plan on camping?
When backpacking or camping, a good night's sleep is crucial for energy and endurance on the trail. Choosing the right sleeping bag is essential for a comfortable and restful night's sleep.
Speaking of camping gear, the 12 scenic campgrounds in Colorado we absolutely love should be on your DO NOT MISS list as a beginner Colorado camper.
DOWNLOAD THE FULL GUIDE TO CAMPING IN COLORADO (PDF)
Together, we have over 50 years combined camping experience all over the world.
We know camping can be intimidating, especially when it comes to the right gear, finding campsites, cooking over a fire, and making sure everyone's having a blast.
Whether you're a newbie or a seasoned pro, fear not! This detailed ebook is your ultimate guide to Colorado camping. We’re spilling the beans and sharing all our best tips and tricks to make your Colorado camping trip unforgettable.
Our 65 full-page Exploring and Enjoying Camping in Colorado eBook (PDF) covers:
Types of Campgrounds
How to Practice Leave No Trace Principles While Camping (lnt.org/)
How to Book a Campground Online
Tips for Getting Last-Minute Campsites in Colorado
Our Favorite Campgrounds in Colorado
How to Set Up Your Entire Campsite
How to Set Up Your Camp Kitchen
11 Camping Recipes Everyone Loves
Cooking Over a Campfire
Camping Bin Checklists
Personal Camping Pack List
Things to Consider While Off the Grid / In Case of Emergency
And more!
OCD like me? Book 6 months out for most of these sites. Or wing it and head out the day of for the first come, first serve option.
Better yet, rent a RV or campervan and head to a dispersed camping spot. This is a great option for spring and fall cold temperatures and sometime iffy weather.
Rent an RV and bring along that used outdoor gear for a fantastic fun weekend in the Colorado mountains!
EXCLUSIVE PROMO OFFER
Save $50 OFF your next Outdoorsy RV Rental when you use our exclusive Colorado Hikes and Hops promo code “COHH50” on your next booking.
OWN AN RV? EARN UP TO $50,000 THIS NEXT YEAR
Best side hustle yet! Rent your RV when you’re not using it. Folks are always looking for all kinds of RVs to rent, but especially Class B and Class C RVs.
The best hiking gear for beginners includes a waterproof stuff sack, keeping your layers dry on all hikes.
Where to Find Used Camping Gear for Beginners
If you're new to camping, you may be overwhelmed by the thought of all the gear you need. Asking what camping gear do I need for trips planned is your first step to a successful weekend outdoors.
Essential items include a tent, sleeping bag and pad, headlamp or flashlight, first aid kit, fire starter, waterproof matches and a lighter, extra clothing (waterproof/rain jacket). It’s also important to bring a lot of water for drinking and cooking.
Finally, don't forget the camping food and fun snacks!
REI’s hiking gear rental is available for every season.
Hiking Gear Rental
What Hiking Gear Should You Rent for Your Adventure?
What kind of hiking gear you need depends on where you're going; if you're heading off onto a multi-day backpacking trip, then you'll need more specialized items such as camping tents, sleeping bags and camping stoves.
But if you just want to hit the trails for the day, you may only need to rent the essentials, including trekking poles and a comfortable backpacking pack.
For winter hikes, renting snowshoes or cross country skis is a great cost effective way to try out expensive gear before committing to a hundreds of dollars purchase.
Five Used Hiking Gear Stores in Colorado Springs
Take the guesswork out of where to buy used hiking gear with these five Colorado Springs resale stores.
Gearonimo Sports
1401 South 8th Street, Colorado Springs, 80905
Open 7 Days Week from 10 am-6 pm
Gearonimo Sports is one Colorado Springs best used outdoor gear stores. Just off 8th street near Motor City, this unique store sells used hiking gear and used camping gear.
We often trek down there to sell hiking gear we’ve outgrown, putting that money toward something new to us.
Gearonimo Sports has the largest selection of hiking shoes and outdoor footwear of any resale store in Colorado Springs.
I recently scored a pair of carbon Black Diamond trekking poles, practically new, for under $70! We also bought our favorite three man Marmot camping tent here, coming in 50% off retail! We are on season three of using it and it’s still good as new.
Rows of clothing, coats, snow gear and hiking pants line a huge hall-like room. Along either side of the wall are kayaks, SUP boards, backpacks, sleeping pads, sleeping bags, child carriers among other great used camping gear.
This family owned company is located in a former brown stone church off 8th Street near downtown Colorado Springs. Walk in and you’re met with a friendly hello,
Quick Facts:
Some of the many pairs of used outdoor gear and shoes at Gearonimos
This family-owned store sells well-priced and top-quality consigned and new gear.
Tents, sleeping bags, jackets, snow pants and shoes are well displayed, housed in large stackable shoe racks, long garment racks, or assembled in the back of the store.
Over the years we’ve snapped up some amazing deals from a nearly new Kuhl hiking pants to worn-well adult Patagonia Nano Puff jacket.
A unique feature about Gearonimos is their buying policy for great worn-wear gear. Anyone can sell their high quality, operable used outdoor gear for store credit or cash on the spot.
I’ve traded in many pairs of Brook’s Cascadia trail shoes for Sorel snow boots to outfit my growing children.
Bonus Feature! Gearonimos resides in the same building as Pure Bouldering, the only climbing gym in Colorado Springs that gives 24/7 access to their customers.
Rent some shoes and get those kids climbing up a wall, literally.
Take some time and inventory your outdoor gear closet using the Colorado capsule wardrobe checklist as your guide for day hiking.
If you’re planning some stellar backpacking trips like Maroon Bells Four Pass Loop, download the ultimate backpacking checklist.
Head to Geronimos to stock up on some new to you outdoor equipment and get hiking!
Mountain Equipment Recyclers - MER
2222 Bott Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80904
Open 7 days a week from 11 am- 7 pm
Mountain bikes? Skis? Snowboards? Osprey, North Face, Kelty, Big Agnus and Patagonia? Check!
MER specializes in high end used outdoor gear on a low budget price. Two years ago my son worked his little tail off all summer to buy his EPIC pass and ski gear.
We headed to MER in late October with $500 in hand. My son walked out with skis, boots, poles, and helmet for $400. That gear is still being used regularly two season in!
MER buys and sells quality outdoor gear for beginners and advanced alike.
INSIDER TIP! MER has a great online presence. Follow on Instagram and catch many of their big ski and bike events! Not only do they have terrific communication, their posts often offer great outdoor tips, things happening around Colorado and events to attend.
A consignment store specializing in all things outdoor, MER is your place. Each time you enter, you're greeted with knowledgeable and gregarious staff.
Before you head to the Garden of the Gods for a quick hike, stop in at this Old Colorado City location.
Quick Facts:
MER believes in giving back to the Colorado Springs community by investing in some great local nonprofits.
Gently used rental gear including bikes and bike parts is sold at a steep discount at the pedal station owned by local non-profit Kids on Bikes.
For gear that hasn’t sold or is donated, 50% of the funds go to local nonprofits including Springs Rescue Mission and The Hanger.
This is a win for the buyer, the environment and the store.
Play It Again Sports
North Store: 5170 N Academy Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO 80918
South Store: 935 N Academy Blvd · In Citadel Crossing Shopping Center
Both Locations open 7 days a week from 11 am to 7 pm
Are you an all sport family? Play It Again is a franchise originally based in Minnesota. They focus on all sports including outdoor gear and random miscellaneous things like hockey tape (great for quick gear repairs) and frisbees (camping trip fun!).
Quick Facts:
Each franchised store is locally owned and operated.
They have new and gently used sports equipment.
It’s a multi sport store which means cleats, helmets, hockey tape, and ski boots are in their inventory.
Check out the two Colorado Springs locations, one north off Academy Blvd and the other south, right by the Citadel mall.
Each store is filled to the brim with recreation gear for the whole family.
INSIDER TIP! If you have outgrown equipment lying around your home, bring it with you. They pay cash on the spot or give you store credit - customer’s choice. Put your money towards a new to you treadmill or a set of skis for the winter season.
Goodwill
10 locations throughout Colorado Springs
All Locations open 7 days week 9 am - 8 pm
Snag the best used outdoor gear like this backpack
Goodwill is no longer the dusty, cobwebbed store of story lore. At least in Colorado Springs, these stores are filled with almost new outdoor gear. Think Osprey backpacks, trekking poles, Keen hiking shoes for kids, wool socks and hiking clothes.
Goodwill offers amazing deals, hidden treasures and often, that sought after piece of outdoor gear you’ve had on your wishlist for a long time.
Quick Facts:
Colorado Springs has ten locations in town.
Head to one of their locations and get ready to uncover some outdoor hiking equipment treasures.
We’ve picked up $5 Sorel hiking boots and $6 Birkenstocks as well as ski pants and slightly worn Teva sandals.
Goodwill stores restock daily.
LOCAL TIP! The best time to shop is Mondays and Tuesdays right when it opens.
If you are sporting an AARP card, Wednesdays get you a 15% discount.
Military discount days are Tuesdays. Educators with a current and valid ID, get 15% off Thursdays.
Colored tags changed daily give extra discounts on items with corresponding tag.
Goodwill specifically hires individuals who need a second chance; whether they have held multiple jobs or this is the first time working.
Not only will you find the perfect hiking pants, you’ll also investing in the local economy. Take your kids with you for a fun afternoon of treasure hunting.
REI Garage Sale
REI Colorado Springs: 1376 E Woodmen Rd. 80920
REI Denver Flagship Store: 1416 Platte St. Denver, CO 80202
Yes, REI is a major retail store in the USA. Their “return anything for any reason within a year” policy makes for some AMAZING garage sales. In the past, we’d line up at dawn, hoping to get a ticket for the once a month garage sale. Thanks to COVID, the garage sale is a regular back of the store deal.
When items are returned, they are tagged and marked down, put on back shelves and ready for you to find!
Wearing my used hiking boots (that were actually brand new) up Mt. Kilimanjaro
Quick Facts:
Most REI stores have garage sale items in their own space. If you don’t see it, ask!
REI also sells used gear online. I’ve purchased brand new hiking boots for 50% off. If they aren’t how described online, take them to the store and plead your case!
For my Kilimanjaro climb, I found my favorite hiking boots, Salomon X Ultra Low GTX, never been worn for $60. They carried me up Africa’s tallest mountain keeping my feet dry the whole way.
REI has a great hiking gear rental program. Last summer when backpacking Maroon Bells Four Pass Loop, we rented a great large backpack, bear can and trekking poles. Our five day rental came in around $50 - way cheaper than buying gear that might not have been used again.
Want to know a Local Colorado secret?
Denver’s REI flagship store on Platte in the heart of the mile high city has an entire floor devoted to their garage sale with items available year round. This store rivals most used outdoor gear resale shops with like new boots, backpacks, clothing, used camping gear and more.
Used Hiking Gear Stores in Denver
If you want to adventure outside Colorado Springs, Denver and Boulder boast great outdoor consignment stores including Patagonia’s only USA Worn Well and Recrafted store in their Pearl Street Boulder Store.
Check out some of these great stores.
Feral
3936 Tennyson St., 303-903-8584 Bring in your used worn well gear for store credit or on the spot cash
Outdoors Geek
4431 Glencoe St., 303-699-6944 Rented gear is cleaned and sold at significant discounts.
The Outdoorsman’s Attic
2650 W. Hampden Ave., Sheridan, 303-781-3626 Outdoor gear as well as a large ticket items such as boats and firearms are available at this family-owned store.
Wilderness Exchange
2401 15th St., 866-964-0708 Get new to you items collected by the store from overstocked or closed-out merchandise. Consign your worn well gear for store credit or 60% of the agreed price.
Have you ever bought used gear or been to these stores?
We’d love to know if you’ve been to these stores or have discovered others. Leave us a comment.
