We’ve all had that moment. You realize you want to try something new or you’re getting ready for a new season and find yourself thinking: “Whoops, I need gear for this.” Someone wants to learn to ice skate, or every kid somehow outgrew their hiking boots simultaneously. Whether it’s specialty equipment or a new coat it can get overwhelming and expensive fast. Outfitting our family of 5 for every season and activity could very easily be cost prohibitive. Learning to pause, plan ahead, and assess our rent/used/new options has saved us at least hundreds of dollars over the years without limiting or reducing our adventures. Here’s our family’s rules on deciding between rent, used, or new to help you slow down and consider your own options before making that purchase!
When to Rent Gear
Rental gear is often more available than you’d think, but is way underutilized. You typically aren’t able to rent clothing, but specialty items? Absolutely. Bicycles, ice skates, snow shoes, skis, canoes/kayaks, and even fishing equipment can all be rented pretty easily. Granted, you do have to be in a place where said activity is common, but give it a shot! If we know we’re heading to a lake, for example, we’ll google that lake + canoe rentals to assess our options before heading out. Sometimes you can even get a lesson with your rental, which is a fabulous bonus for new interests. Keep an eye on state parks, nature centers, and state environmental agencies for those free lesson + rental opportunities.
Perfect rental scenarios:
- Trying something new: There is very little point to buying a bunch of brand new stuff when you’re not even sure you like it. If it is possible to rent it first, we absolutely will. If it’s easily rentable our baseline rule is we’ll start looking in to buying gear if we still like doing it after 5 times.
- Storage or transportation concerns: I just don’t have anywhere to keep canoes and kayaks right now. Will I eventually? That’s the goal! But rentals will keep us out on the water until then, which is the important part.
- Expensive equipment: Similar to storage issues, if the gear is going to be a big expense, we might stick with rentals for a while until we save up or find a good sale. And that’s fine. Again, the important thing is to be outside, however you need to get there.
How to Buy Used Gear
Remember how we said there’s no point to buying equipment if you don’t even know you like it? Well, luckily for us a lot of folks do exactly that and then end up selling it with minimal wear. There are mountains of very lightly used equipment out there, especially for kids because they tend to outgrow things well before they wear it out. I will almost always check for used gear first before purchasing new with very few exceptions. In the past few years almost all of our snow clothes, our little guy’s toddler carrier, sleds, bicycles, hiking boots, and more have come to us used. It’s a great option for your wallet as well as the environment by keeping perfectly good equipment out of landfills.
Some of my favorite places to check for used items are local thrift stores, Poshmark, Facebook marketplace, your local Buy Nothing group, outdoors consignment shops, and eBay. There is some risk involved when purchasing online, so do bear that in mind. Additionally, please always meet up in a public area if doing a local purchase from social media.
Tips for purchasing used:
- If purchasing used shoes/boots make sure they have a picture of the inside of the shoe and the tread (bottom). If the bottom looks all flat that means the traction is too worn and it won’t give you the stability you’re looking for.
- When purchasing clothes look for pictures of the seams, especially in high-wear areas such as the groin and underarms. Those spots wear out first, so if they look to be in good shape that’s a great sign.
- If you’re purchasing items for a new hobby you’re still learning it is really helpful to search online for a video of what to look for. It’s great to check as specifics vary widely depending on if you’re looking at binoculars, sleeping cots, or a snowboard. There is generally at least one video out there of ‘what to look for when buying ___ used.’ Try to find that video if you can!
When New Gear Makes Sense
Despite our best efforts buying it new is sometimes the right call to make. With that being said, not all new gear is equal. When shopping new make sure you’re targeting what you actually need. It is so easy to be upsold on a better pack, a nicer tent, a lighter chair. But is it necessary? We don’t backpack so ultralight means nothing to me. There are undoubtedly MUCH nicer all-season tents, but I love our 3-season because it does what I need it to. When buying new those extra expenses from upsells are pretty sneaky, so just keep an eye out and keep your actual use scenario in mind.
When to go for new:
- When there’s a great sale on a good brand or product.
- If you just can’t find it used and still want/need it.
- There are some items that every person just prefers new for whatever reason. This could be logical, it might not be. I don’t like used tents. I know many people with lovely tents they found used. I just can’t bring myself to trust it. It’s okay to have a few quirks of your own!
- When new matters for safety reasons, such as helmets. One bad spill can make a helmet significantly less safe. For that reason it is absolutely a good call to get a new one that you know is not compromised. Life jackets are another great example where it is hands down safest to buy new due to how the foam degrades over time.
- Every once in a while new is cheaper if you’re looking at brands that hold value + shipping. It’s always worth checking so you can figure out the best logistics for your needs.
Remember that gear is a tool to facilitate the adventure. Like any other hobby outdoor stuff can easily turn in to a collection, and that’s not inherently bad unless it becomes a barrier to happiness. The goal isn’t to spend the most or have the best, it’s to have the right quality to make your outing enjoyable. Have fun out there!
Happy shopping trails 🥾💚