Deinfluencing the Outdoors & Buying Gear Used
Our humble and ragtag setup when we first started raft camping. Granted, we had to pick mellow sections of river because couldn’t “rig to flip,” and we did need to purchase some new, safety gear. Otherwise, finding cheap gear and using the old stuff we already had was the only way we could actually afford get out on the river. We fell in love with it and have been fortunate to be able to slowly upgraded our gear cache.
I thought it was appropriate for my first ever blog post to cover a favorite hot take: You don’t need the newest, most expensive, or lightest gear to be competent in the outdoors. This is despite what social media might tell you. Further, to be “outdoorsy,” you don’t need to do extreme things, live in a van, or sell your existing identity to look more granola. You can simply… enjoy the outdoors. I digress.
“Deinfluencing” seems to be one of the latest trends on social media, especially TikTok, and I’m all for it. I’m increasingly seeing outdoor content creators add plugs, even on paid advertisements, that encourage their audiences to be cognizant of overconsumption, to be financially responsible, only consider purchasing the product if they’re already in the market for it, and consider whether they should purchase used gear instead, for both financial and sustainability reasons.
This is refreshing when we’ve been bombarded, so often and for so long, by content creators pushing very expensive products, in a way that insinuates others need that product to do X, Y or Z in the outdoors. The “deinfluencing” movement points out how that narrative supports elitism and exclusion in the outdoors, and how overconsumption and materialism go against the essence of the outdoors.
Don’t get me wrong, I like hearing about the gear people use. It’s good to learn what works for others. And certainly, quality gear will keep you safe in the outdoors. Depending on the activity, a lot of gear might be needed. I’m by no means insinuating that content creators shouldn’t post their recommended gear, or that people shouldn’t purchase the gear that will help them be safe and prepared. I’m just saying that the newest, most expensive gear isn’t always necessary to be safe and prepared, and this might contradict what your favorite outdoors influencers tell you.
Finally, I get that we’re all just out here trying to survive and make an extra dollar where we can. I do it too. I just think there’s a more tasteful and responsible way to frame it. A step in that direction is reminding followers that it’s feasible to purchase quality, discounted and/or used gear.
Here are some of my favorite places to buy used gear:
Local outdoor stores and gear exchanges. I’m not sure about your location, but here in Missoula, most of our locally owned outdoor shops have a used gear section. This is my favorite way to buy used because, not only does it support small business, I can actually see the product before I buy.
Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace, especially for bigger purchases like skis, tents and kayaks.
Poshmark for clothes and shoes
Ebay for fly fishing rods and reels
Further, there are loads of online, used gear stores now, like Geartrade, REI Used Gear, and Patagonia Worn Wear.
Here’s some outdoor gear I wouldn’t buy used:
Weight-bearing safety gear like climbing ropes, harnesses, carabiners, cams, etc. You don’t know what that gear has been through or whether the integrity is compromised.
Helmets because again, you don’t know if it’s taken an impact and is compromised.
Here’s some outdoor gear I would cautiously buy used:
The stuff that will keep you warm when it matters, like sleeping bags and puffy coats, both down and synthetic. If these material haven’t been cared for properly they could have lost insulative properties. I’d recommend asking the seller for some history, or doing your best to assess the loft of down products or check for “cold spots” in synthetic materials. Also… I just find it kinda gross to sleep in someone else’s bag, but I guess you could thoroughly wash it.
The stuff that will keep you dry when it matters, like rain jackets, rain pants, waders, dry suits, etc. Outside of checking for the obvious, like rips, pinholes and splitting seems, it’s harder to tell if these used products will still be waterproof. You’ll have to trust the word of the seller or take the gamble. I recommend a trial run in your shower before relying on them in the wilderness.
Inflatable sleeping pads, make sure they still hold air and double check the return policy. When my partner worked at REI, he said inflatable sleeping pads were by far the most returned item due to defects.
Anything else that relates to your safety, like shelters (ex: make sure a used tent isn’t leaking), PFD’s
Here’s some outdoor gear I would buy used:
Basic clothing, like hiking pants, sun shirts, base layers, etc. For the most part, it’s easy to look at this stuff and tell if it’s still in good condition.
Accessories like sunglasses, hats, etc.
Backpacks, so long as the fit is right (check REI - How to Fit a Backpack) and it appears to have structural integrity upheld.
Cookware like pots and pans.
Water bottles
Shoes/Boots/Sandals, because again, it’s relatively easy to see how “worn” they are. But if you have problem feet, do bear in mind that shoes will lose support the more they’ve been worn.
Skis and snowboards as long as the size is correct and there’s nothing obviously wrong with their integrity, like core shots.
Fly fishing gear including rods, reels and nets (but lines and waders fall into “buy cautiously” category).
Boats like kayaks and rafts, as long as they float, hold air and don’t have anything obviously wrong, like leaks/holes.
Here are few more considerations:
With all used gear, it’s smart to do a home trial, to the extent possible, before relying on it outdoors.
Take a look at return policies before you buy.
Renting gear can be another good option to consider.
When purchasing new, check out the sustainability efforts of the brand you’re purchasing from.
Pro Deals - It seems backwards to suggest anyone take a position in the outdoor industry, and likely be underpaid, just to get gear discounts. But hey, people do it. I’ve done it.
Yes, I recognize the hypocrisy of me posting this when my own social content is often about “things” - what gear I pack for certain activities, the best fitting outdoors pants for my body type, dog gear that I feel was worth purchasing, etc. - but I do support this whole “deinfluencing” thing and plan to adopt my own plug. I want it to be clear in my content that I’m never, by any means, insinuating that someone must go buy these products to recreate outdoors.
So, I’ll continue to share the products I actually use and authentically recommend but I hope to frame it in a more informational light, and be honest when there are more affordable options, like buying used. I don’t intend to downplay the very real privilege surrounding outdoor recreation and the steep entrance costs to many outdoor activities, but I do believe that enjoying the outdoors shouldn’t be inaccessible, especially for financial reasons.