Video: Tips for Trading In Your Used Outdoor Gear
Quick answer: Bring gear that meets three criteria: clean, functional and from recognized outdoor brands. Footwear needs insoles and laces, tents need working zippers, apparel should be free of holes and suited to the current season, and skis and boards need current bindings and no major damage. Safety-rated climbing gear isn't accepted. Call our Grand Avenue store before you come in to confirm what we're currently taking.
Next Adventure started as a used outdoor gear store, and giving good gear a second life is still part of who we are. Trading in quality used equipment is a great way to clean out your closet and keep gear in use instead of in a landfill. In this video we share tips for getting your gear ready.
How trade-ins work
We'll look at what you bring in and make an offer based on the condition, age and demand of each item. Trade-ins are for store credit, and you'll need to be at least 18 with a valid state-issued ID. What we accept and when changes with the seasons and our space, so please contact our Grand Avenue store in Portland's Central Eastside to confirm current details before bringing gear in.
Our three buying criteria are simple: clean, functional and brand name.
Tips by category
Footwear
Trail runners, hiking shoes and boots, mountaineering boots, sandals and some casual footwear from outdoor brands. Shoes must be clean and complete with insoles and laces.
Camping gear
Tents, backpacks, stoves, lanterns and sleeping bags, mainly spring through fall. Sleeping pads must hold air with no holes. Tents should be clean, functional, backpackable in size, with all zippers working, and we may ask you to set yours up.
Apparel
We focus on technical apparel for the current season. Everything must be clean and fully functional, with no holes, rips or other flaws. Workwear is welcome; common mall brands aren't. Vintage or unique pieces are fun to see, though space may limit what we can take.
Paddling gear
Paddles, drytops, wetsuits and dry bags must be clean, fully functional and free of holes. Ask before bringing in a boat.
Skis and snowboards
Our main season for skis and boards is fall through spring. Downhill skis must be shaped (no straight skis) with currently manufactured, indemnified bindings. Cross-country skis need a current binding system. No rear-entry ski boots and no snowboard step-in bindings or boots. Everything must be in good condition without major damage.
Climbing
Climbing shoes with good soles and no holes, chalk bags, crash pads, ice axes and other non-safety-rated gear. We don't accept harnesses, ropes or other safety-rated equipment.
Bike gear
Bike apparel and shoes with a current cleat interface, especially rainwear and windproof jackets. We don't take bikes, helmets or bike components.
Disc golf and skateboards
Most disc golf gear (except badly warped or damaged discs) and skateboards, longboards and parts.
Before you bring it in
Wash apparel, clean mud off boots, test zippers and make sure everything is complete. A little prep goes a long way. To keep your gear in trade-worthy shape, these care basics help:
- Gear Aid Seam Grip WP Field Repair Kit Seal small holes and seams
- Noso Repair Patch Patch tears in jackets and down
- Sea to Summit Wilderness Wash Pocket Soap Clean gear on the go
Gear trade-in FAQ
Does Next Adventure pay cash for used gear?
Trade-ins are for store credit rather than cash. Contact our Grand Avenue store for current trade-in details.
What do I need to trade in gear?
You need to be at least 18 years old with a valid state-issued ID, and your gear should be clean, functional and from a recognized brand.
Do you accept used climbing harnesses or ropes?
No. We don't accept safety-rated climbing equipment such as harnesses or ropes, but we do look at climbing shoes, chalk bags, crash pads and ice axes.
What skis and snowboards do you accept?
Shaped skis with currently manufactured, indemnified bindings and boards in good condition, mainly from fall through spring. No straight skis, rear-entry boots or step-in snowboard bindings.