Sourcing Second-Hand Travel Gear: What & Where to Buy Used Travel Essentials
Consumerism and the worldwide demand for products of all sorts are the leading causes of subsequent waste, plastic in landfills, and pollution. Buying second-hand is one of the best things you can do yourself to combat the environmental impact and demand of production for the products you are wanting to purchase.
A lot goes into traveling - luggage, cameras if you are a photographer or just enjoy taking pictures, tons of gear if you are into camping, down to the clothing you wear on your travels. You are capable of living a life of reusable, sustainable, and second-hand products and it can start with the next big trip you are planning!
Here are a couple of areas of travel where you can get gear second-hand instead of brand new while saving your wallet and the environment + tips for buying second-hand.
Photo by Don Gold of Unsplash
Second-Hand Camera Gear
If you are really into travel photography and documenting (or even if you aren’t), brand-new camera gear is expensive but something many people like to invest in in order to document their travels in a new way.
Sites like B&H, KEH & MPB sell second-hand cameras and accessories for all levels of knowledge and interest in photography and video. You can find used camcorders, digital cameras, DSLRs, mirrorless, film cameras, lenses, and accessories such as camera bags, tripods, and batteries. Even drones!
Used electronics can save you loads of money and resources and help you start capturing sooner rather than later. A great thing about sites like these is you can sell back or trade when you are done with them or when you are ready to upgrade.
Here are a few other second-hand camera gear sites:
Photo by Jack Sloop of Unsplash
Second-hand Hiking & Camping Gear
Hiking and camping gear get pricey very quickly! And when you are just starting out, shopping for these necessities can be overwhelming. A few options I recommend are:
REI. They sell used goods online! Whether you are looking for tents, hiking boots, sleeping bags, or camper stoves, REI has them second-hand at a lower cost.
The reason I love this option is that the items will have a quality description of the product and most will have reviews from customers which will help you make a better and informed purchase at a lower cost than buying brand new.
Gear Trade. You can find just about anything here that people are selling for outdoor activities including camping, climbing, biking, skiing, and more for a good price.
Gear Trade’s mission is to keep the cycle of sustainability alive encouraging outdoor lovers to sell and buy on their platform in an effort to keep gear out of landfills. You are also supporting individuals on this site if you buy from them vs all of the proceeds going to a large company.
Outdoors Geek. Another source to check out for gently used gear that you may need on the hiking trails or campgrounds
They also offer rental options from their store located in Denver, CO where you can pick up your reserved camping gear rentals or they can ship these to you ready to go!
Photo by Chuttersnap of Unsplash
Second-hand Luggage - Backpacks, Duffles, & Suitcases
I believe some of the best places to buy used backpacks or suitcases are the most simple and common of places. You can find cheap deals for luggage that is otherwise a high price tag brand new at sources such as:
Facebook Marketplace
eBay
Gumtree (UK)
Re-Bag (luxury)
Thrift shops
When purchasing second-hand luggage, be sure to take a good look at it first or ask the seller lots of questions about its state of durability. If it's a hard shell, make sure it's not cracked anywhere. Check that all the zippers work. Look for any hidden pockets and make sure they have been emptied. Then, just give it a wipe down or wash and you got yourself some bargain luggage!
Photo by Spencer Davis of Unsplash
Second-hand Travel Accessories (Luggage Tags, Passport Holders, Neck Pillows, and more)
Travel accessories such as luggage tags, passport holders, neck pillows, and more are also highly available on places like:
Facebook Marketplace
eBay
Poshmark
Consider checking in with a family member or friend to see if they have the accessories you are looking for to borrow on your travels.
Photo by Waldemar Brandt of Unsplash
Second-hand Clothing
Online reselling sites will have endless second-hand clothing options for you to choose from. Some of my favorites are:
I have been a seller and buyer (mostly a buyer) on Poshmark for about 3 years. It's my go-to when I am thinking about a new article of clothing for a trip. Plus, you’re supporting small businesses and individuals!
Local thrift shops are the next best thing in my opinion for used clothing (and really anything else on this list as well)!
QUESTIONS TO ASK BEFORE SHOPPING SECOND-HAND
Can this item I need be borrowed from a friend or family member?
Do I have something else in my home that can be used or repurposed for the use of one of the above travel gear items?
Do I actually need this travel item that I think I need?
Can this item be rented for my travels?
IF YOU CAN’T FIND WHAT YOU ARE LOOKING FOR SECOND-HAND
Consider purchasing from local or small businesses like Etsy.
Do your research on the company you are purchasing brand new from. Do they have sustainable practices? Do they pay their employees a fair wage? What materials are used in this product and where are they sourced?
Invest in high-quality products that are going to last you a long time throughout your travels so you don’t have to repurchase the same type of product over and over again due to poor quality.
What are your favorite places to purchase second-hand travel goods?
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