How Gear Exchange Programs Work: Trading In Used Outdoor Gear for Real Credit

Got a tent in your garage you haven't used since 2019? Or hiking boots that don't fit right anymore? You can probably trade them in. 

A gear exchange program takes used outdoor equipment off your hands and gives you credit toward something you'll actually use. Here's what happens behind the scenes, from valuation to payout.

What is a gear exchange program?

It's a system that lets you trade in used outdoor gear instead of throwing it away or letting it sit in a closet.

You bring in (or ship in) your old gear. The company checks its condition, decides what it's worth, and gives you credit. That credit usually goes toward new or used gear from the same store.

It works a lot like trading in an old phone. You hand over something you don't need anymore, and you walk away with value you can actually use.

Step 1: You submit your gear

Most programs start online. You fill out a short form about each item. Expect questions like:

• What's the brand and model?

• How old is it?

• Have you used it a lot, a little, or barely at all?

• Are there any rips, stains, or broken parts?

Some companies ask for photos at this stage. Others wait until the gear physically arrives.

Step 2: The company evaluates the item

This is where the real work happens. A staff member (sometimes a small team) inspects each piece of gear by hand.

They're checking for:

• Function. Does it still do what it's supposed to do? Zippers zip. Buckles buckle. Poles don't bend.

• Wear and tear. Scuffs are fine. Holes, mold, or broken seams usually aren't.

• Cleanliness. A muddy tent might need a wash before it can be resold.

• Safety. Climbing gear and anything load-bearing gets extra scrutiny. If there's any doubt about safety, it gets rejected.

If your gear fails this check, you'll usually get the option to take it back or have it recycled instead.

Step 3: They assign a condition grade

Most programs use a simple scale, something like new, like new, good, or fair. A few use numbers instead of words. Either way, the grade decides how much credit you get.

Here's roughly how it breaks down:

• Like new: Used once or twice, no visible wear. Highest credit.

• Good: Shows normal use, but everything works and looks decent. Solid credit.

• Fair: Heavier wear, maybe a small repair needed. Lower credit.

• Not accepted: Broken, unsafe, or too worn to resell.

Brand and demand matter here too. A well-known brand in good condition will get more credit than a no-name brand in the same shape.

Step 4: They calculate your credit

Once the grade is set, the company runs the numbers. They usually start with the average resale price for that item, then apply a percentage based on condition.

So if a jacket resells for $80 and your jacket grades as "good," you might get 40 to 50% of that resale price as credit. The exact percentage varies by company and category.

A few things that can lower your offer:

• The item is out of season (nobody's buying winter coats in July)

• The brand isn't in high demand

• The model is several years old and harder to sell

A few things that can raise it:

• High demand for that specific item right now

• A popular or trusted brand

• Limited supply of that gear in their resale inventory

Step 5: You get paid or credited

Most programs pay out in store credit, not cash. That credit usually shows up in your account within a few days of approval.

Some companies offer a cash option too, but it's almost always worth less than store credit. If you're planning to buy more gear anyway, credit makes more sense. If you just want the gear gone, cash might be the better trade.

What happens to your old gear after that?

Once it passes inspection, your gear gets one of three outcomes:

• Resold as used gear, often at a discount

• Refurbished if it needs minor repairs first

• Recycled if it's not sellable but still has usable materials

This is the part that makes a gear exchange worth it beyond just the credit. Your old tent doesn't end up in a landfill. It ends up on someone else's next trip.

Tips to get the most credit for your gear

• Clean it before you send it. Dirty gear can lower your grade or get rejected outright.

• Include original parts. Tent stakes, pump sacks, stuff sacks, anything that came with it.

• Check the brand's program first. Some brands only take back their own products.

• Submit gear in season. A winter jacket sent in October will likely get more credit than one sent in June.

• Be honest in your description. If you say "like new" and it shows up with a broken zipper, you'll just get a lower offer anyway. Save yourself the back and forth.

FAQ

How long does a gear exchange usually take?

It depends on the company, but most take anywhere from a few days to two weeks. Mail-in programs take longer than in-store drop-offs because of shipping time.

Can I trade in gear that's broken?

Sometimes. A few programs accept broken gear for recycling credit, which is usually small. Most won't offer trade-in value for anything that doesn't function.

Do I need the original packaging or receipt?

Usually not. Most programs only ask for the item itself. A receipt might help if you're trying to prove authenticity on a high-value item, but it's rarely required.

What brands typically run gear exchange programs?

Outdoor retailers like REI and Patagonia run well-known programs. Many smaller, specialty gear shops run similar setups too, often focused on one category like climbing or skiing.

Does a gear exchange program affect the planet in any real way?

It keeps usable gear out of landfills and gives it a second life. The actual impact depends on volume, but every item resold or recycled is one less item thrown away.

Can I trade in gear I bought from a different brand?

It depends on the program. Some only accept their own brand's products. Others accept a wide range of outdoor gear regardless of where you bought it.