The Bargain Basement: 27 Years of Amplifying Adventure Through Secondhand Gear

For the past 27 years, Next Adventure has been on a mission to amplify the outdoor experience for everyone. At the heart of this mission lies the Bargain Basement, a treasure trove of secondhand gear that has become a beloved institution in the Portland adventure community. What started as a small 1,600-square-foot space filled with 90% used equipment has grown into a thriving hub where quality gear finds new life, allowing adventurers of all backgrounds to access the tools they need to explore the great outdoors.

The story of the Bargain Basement began in the late 1990s, when Deek and Bryan, the founders of Next Adventure, embarked on a quest to scour garage sales and thrift stores in search of high-quality used outdoor gear. It was a treasure hunt fueled by their passion for adventure and their desire to make it accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial means.

Deek and Bryan divided the city, with Deek taking the Northeast and Bryan taking the Southeast, each on the lookout for that perfect piece of equipment that could be passed on to their customers at a fraction of the original cost. The excitement of the hunt and the thrill of finding a hidden gem were as much a part of the Bargain Basement experience as the gear itself.

At the heart of Next Adventure's mission is the belief that the outdoors should be accessible to everyone. The Bargain Basement plays a crucial role in this, providing a way for adventurers to get started without breaking the bank. Whether it's a backpack that's been on a journey through Nepal, Ecuador, and Alaska, or a pair of cross-country skis waiting to be discovered, the used gear in the Bargain Basement represents the opportunity for a new adventure to begin.

The beauty of the Bargain Basement lies in its ability to breathe new life into used gear, creating a circular ecosystem of adventure. Customers can bring in their own gently used equipment and trade it in, receiving credit towards their next purchase. This not only helps them upgrade their gear as they grow, but it also ensures that the equipment they no longer need finds a new home and a new purpose.

This cycle of reuse and recycle not only benefits the individual adventurer but also helps to reduce waste and promote sustainability. By keeping quality gear in circulation, Next Adventure is doing its part to minimize the environmental impact of the outdoor industry while still providing the tools people need to explore the great outdoors.

The Bargain Basement's success is a testament to the passion and perseverance of Deek, Bryan, and the entire Next Adventure team. For 27 years, they have remained steadfast in their commitment to amplifying adventure for everyone, even as the outdoor industry has evolved and the world has changed around them.

Through it all, the Bargain Basement has remained a constant, a place where adventure-seekers can find the gear they need to embark on their next journey, whether it's a local hike or an international expedition. It's a space where the joy of discovery and the thrill of the hunt are just as important as the gear itself, a place where the spirit of adventure is alive and well.

As Next Adventure celebrates 27 years of the Bargain Basement, it's a time to reflect on the incredible impact this initiative has had on the outdoor community. From humble beginnings to a thriving hub of secondhand gear, the Bargain Basement has become a beloved institution, a place where adventure is amplified, and the spirit of reuse and recycle is alive and well.

So, whether you're a seasoned adventurer or just starting your outdoor journey, the Bargain Basement at Next Adventure is a must-visit destination. Who knows what hidden gems you might uncover, what new adventures might begin, and what stories the used gear you find might have to tell. The only way to find out is to dive in and explore the treasure trove of the Bargain Basement.

You can also shop used gear on our website! Click here for our line up of great secondhand gear!