Your Free Guide to REI Used Gear Options

Understanding REI's Used Gear Program

REI, officially known as Recreational Equipment, Inc., is a consumer cooperative that sells outdoor gear, clothing, and equipment. Beyond their new merchandise, REI operates a used gear section that offers previously owned items at reduced prices. This program allows members and non-members to buy secondhand equipment that has been inspected and cleaned by REI staff. The used gear comes from various sources, including customer returns, trade-ins, rental equipment that has been retired, and items donated to REI.

The used gear program operates both in physical REI stores and online through their website. In stores, used items are typically displayed in a dedicated section, often near the rental department or customer service desk. Online, you can browse used gear through REI.com by filtering search results or visiting their used gear category. The inventory changes regularly as new items arrive and popular pieces sell out. REI members receive a 10 percent member discount on used gear purchases, which stacks on top of the already reduced pricing compared to new items.

Each used item is tagged with information about its condition, original retail price, and current asking price. Items are graded on a condition scale that REI uses consistently across their locations. This transparency helps shoppers understand what they're purchasing and make informed decisions about whether the wear level matches their needs and budget. The return policy for used gear is the same as for new merchandise—REI generally allows returns within a reasonable timeframe if you're not satisfied.

Practical Takeaway: Before visiting an REI store or browsing online, understand that used gear pricing typically ranges from 30 to 70 percent off the original retail price, depending on condition and demand. Check your local REI's hours and call ahead to confirm they have a used gear section, as not all locations maintain one.

Types of Used Gear Available at REI

REI's used gear inventory spans nearly every category of outdoor equipment and apparel. Common items include backpacks, tents, sleeping bags, hiking boots, climbing gear, camping stoves, water bottles, outdoor clothing, and fitness equipment. Seasonal availability affects what you'll find—winter gear appears more frequently during fall and spring as customers upgrade their collections, while summer items become more abundant in spring and early summer. The specific selection varies significantly between store locations and online inventory.

Rental returns make up a substantial portion of REI's used inventory. REI operates rental programs at many locations where customers can rent camping tents, sleeping bags, backpacks, and other gear for trips. When rental equipment reaches the end of its useful rental life, it's cleaned, inspected, and moved to the used gear section. These items often show visible wear from multiple uses, which is reflected in their lower price points. However, rental equipment is maintained to safe, functional standards and typically works well for people learning the sport or testing gear before investing in new equipment.

Customer returns also generate used inventory. Items returned within REI's return window—or sometimes items slightly outside that window with manager approval—are cleaned and resold as used merchandise. These items may show minimal signs of use or may have been returned for various reasons unrelated to product defects. Additionally, REI sometimes receives damaged packaging or overstock items that become used gear. Finally, customers occasionally trade in their old gear when purchasing new equipment, and REI accepts some of these trade-ins and resells them.

Practical Takeaway: Focus your search on specific categories you need rather than browsing everything. Used hiking boots and technical clothing are common finds because customers frequently upgrade. Specialized items like climbing protection or technical backpacks are rarer and worth snapping up if you find your size and style.

How to Find Used Gear Both Online and In-Store

Shopping for used gear online through REI.com requires navigating to their used gear section, which appears as a distinct shopping area. On the homepage or category pages, look for a filter labeled "Condition" or "Used" that lets you view only pre-owned items. You can filter by product type, brand, price range, size, and color, making it possible to narrow results quickly. The online inventory is displayed with photos showing the item's current condition, and most listings include detailed descriptions of any visible wear, stains, or damage. Items show original retail price, current asking price, and your member savings if applicable.

One advantage of shopping online is that you can view the complete used inventory across all REI locations and distribution centers simultaneously. Items ship to your home or to a local store for pickup, depending on availability and your preference. However, online shopping means you cannot inspect the item in person before purchase, so reading condition descriptions carefully is important. Pay attention to sizing details, particularly for clothing and footwear, since trying items on is impossible remotely.

In physical REI stores, used gear typically occupies a dedicated section that you can visit during store hours. Store employees can provide additional context about items, show you how gear functions, and help you determine if something suits your needs. This hands-on inspection helps you assess whether a sleeping bag's condition meets your standards or whether a backpack's fit works for your body. Store inventory changes more slowly than online inventory but offers the immediate satisfaction of taking merchandise home the same day without shipping costs.

The most effective search strategy combines both approaches. Check online first to see what's currently available in your size and category, note the prices, then visit a store to inspect items in person if possible. You can also call your local REI to ask about specific items or categories before making a trip. Subscribe to REI's email updates or check their website periodically, as popular used items sell quickly and new inventory arrives constantly.

Practical Takeaway: Create a shopping list of specific items you want before you search. If buying online, take time to read the full condition description and zoom in on product photos. For in-store shopping, arrive early on weekends when used gear sections are better stocked, or visit on weekday afternoons when selection is still good but crowds are lighter.

Understanding Condition Grades and Pricing

REI uses a standardized condition grading system to describe the state of used gear. Items graded as "Like New" show minimal signs of use, may have only been tried on or used for short periods, and often appear indistinguishable from new merchandise. "Excellent" condition items have light use marks but function perfectly and show no significant damage. "Good" condition gear displays moderate wear from regular use—perhaps visible creasing in a backpack, fading on fabric, or scuff marks—but remains fully functional. "Fair" condition items show obvious wear, may have minor stains or damage, but meet safety standards and work as intended. Understanding these grades helps you determine whether a price reduction suits the wear level you're willing to accept.

Pricing on used gear at REI typically reflects both the original retail price and the condition grade. A tent originally priced at $400 might be marked at $250 if it's in excellent condition, $200 if it's in good condition, and $150 if it's in fair condition. Premium brands sometimes maintain higher prices even in fair condition because the brand reputation and quality justify the cost. Conversely, less-known brands might have deeper discounts. Seasonal timing affects prices too—winter gear prices drop in spring and summer as demand decreases, while hiking boots and lightweight clothing command higher prices year-round because outdoor activities happen across all seasons.

The value calculation differs for each person based on use expectations. Someone planning to hike casually on maintained trails might comfortably buy fair-condition boots with visible creasing and scuffs for 50 percent off retail. A mountaineer planning serious technical climbing would want excellent or like-new condition protection gear at nearly any price because safety depends on knowing the equipment's full history. Consider your intended use—will this item see demanding conditions, or is it for casual recreation? Will you be comfortable accepting cosmetic damage, or do you want something that looks newer? These personal factors determine which condition grade represents the best value for your situation.

Practical Takeaway: Compare used pricing to the original retail price listed on the tag, then calculate your total savings. A good-condition item at 40 percent off is often better value than a fair-condition item at 50 percent off, since the better condition may extend the gear's useful lifespan. Always ask store staff to explain specific damage or wear described in the condition notes—sometimes what sounds significant is purely cosmetic.

Smart Shopping Strategies for Used Gear

Successful used gear shopping combines strategic timing, category focus, and patience. Shop during shoulder seasons—spring and fall—when people upgrade their collections and REI receives higher