Need gear for camping or hiking? Here’s how to spend less and get more.

From Buy Nothing groups to repair cafés to gear rental programs you might not even know exist, the city is full of resources that can save you money and cut waste. Don't miss out on the chance to explore the outdoors for less. Your wallet (and your storage space) will thank you.

Get gear without buying new

Get it for free

Check your neighborhood Buy Nothing Group for tents, stoves, backpacks, and other gear that still has years of life left.

Shop secondhand

Outdoor consignment shops and thrift stores often carry high‑quality boots, clothing, and camp equipment at a fraction of the cost.

• Next Adventure (SE Grand Ave): Features a Bargain Basement stocked with inspected, gently used gear and offers in-store credit if you trade in your own items.
• Foster Outdoor (SE Foster Rd): Operates both a resale shop and gear library. They accept consignment items (tents, packs, apparel) and regularly update their selection.
• REI Re/Supply (Clackamas, SE Portland area): One of only two REI stores in the country that sells entirely used gear – specifically, customer returns or trade-ins, inspected and resold at a discount. It's like an REI's Garage Sale event every day! Plus, it's right next to a regular REI store, so if you're in a rush and can't find used gear, you can find it new next door.
• Play It Again Sports: A national resale store offering used outdoor and fitness gear, including tents, boots, and backpacks.

Tip: When getting used gear, check zippers, seams, waterproofing, boot soles, and tent integrity. However, don't let something go just because of a little wear and tear: It's often easy to patch up holes or fix zippers (volunteers at a Repair Café may be able to help) and re-waterproof gear.

Rent before you buy

Renting before buying lets you test the gear and the hobby before you commit. It's a low‑risk way to find out whether you truly love backpacking, or whether you just loved the idea of being someone who loves backpacking.

And if it turns out you're not destined to be an Oregon Coast Surfer, you'll have saved yourself a lot of money – and storage space – by renting the surfboard, wetsuit, booties, gloves, and other cold water gear.

Next Adventure (SE Grand Ave): Offers rental or demo equipment—especially for backpacking, camping, climbing, and paddleboarding

Mountain Shop (NE 33rd Ave): Offers rentals for camping/backpacking gear, paddleboards, snowshoes, climbing/avalanche gear, and more. Reserve online or walk in.

PSU Campus Rec Rental Center (ASRC, 505 SW Harrison). You don't have to be a Portland State University student to rent gear from the university's Outdoor Program (but if you're a student, staff, or alumni with a Campus Rec membership, you'll get a discount rate). They offer tents, packs, sleeping bags, trekking poles, crampons, avalanche tools, kayaks, SUPs, and more.

GeerGarage: A peer-to-peer rental service offering camping, paddleboarding, and climbing gear, and more.

Tip: Book in advance, especially for popular items like tents or SUPs (stand-up paddle boards) or tents.

Repair before you replace

A small tear or hole in your jacket or sleeping bag can be fixed for a lot less than buying a replacement.

• Fix holes with easy-to-use peel-and-stick-on patchesmade specifically for technical, synthetic fabrics (like nylon and Gore-Tex) to provide instant, waterproof repairs. Buy them online or at a local outdoor store.
• Visit a Repair Café. Volunteers can help fix zippers and revive snagged gear for free.
• Rewaterproof your gear. When your jacket stops repelling rain and starts absorbing it, you don't have to toss it! A quick wash with technical‑fabric cleaner and a spray‑on or wash‑in waterproofing treatment can make a tired jacket shed rain like new again.

Sell, donate, or give away gear you no longer need

Sell or consign

• Next Adventure (SE Grand Ave), accepts used gear on consignment through its "Bargain Basement." Clean, functional items earn you in-store credit.
• Foster Outdoor Annex & Gear Library (SE Foster Rd) welcomes gear in good condition.
• REI's Re/Supply Program: Donate lightly used footwear and apparel at REI Clackamas (SE Portland area) through their Re/Supply trade-in program. You'll get REI gift cards and help the gear stay in use

Donate

• Rose Haven (downtown Portland) accepts tents, tarps, sleeping bags, and other outdoor gear. They operate by appointment; see their site for drop-in hours
• The Arc Portland Metro accepts recreational and camping gear that's clean and in good working order

Give away

If your tent is too small or your kids have outgrown their toddler backpacks, offer them on Buy Nothing or bring them to a gear swap to give them a second life.

Good for you, good for the planet

When you buy used, repair the gear you already own, or pass along items you're no longer using, you save money and keep your closet from turning into a sporting goods storage unit.

You also keep gear out of the landfill, reduce demand for new materials, and help someone else get outside for their first (or fiftieth) adventure. It's good for your wallet, the planet, and our Portland community.

Explore the Resourceful PDX map for more resources near you

Note: The City of Portland does not endorse any business, company, or organization through the Resourceful PDX website.