Getting into the back-country does not need to be an expensive committment! There are often lots of gear that's lightly used and in great condition on the marketplace; however, I noticed there are not a ton of online guides and tips on buying second-hand gear. This page will highlight what to look out for when purchasing used gear.
Green Text - 5 or more of these is concerning. These issues are easily repaired, but if there is a lot of green flags who knows what you didn't notice and/or shows how the previous owner treated the gear?
Yellow Text - Yellow flags. 2 or more of these is concerning. These issues may be fixable, but would take considerable time/skill/money.
Red Text - Red flags. If the item checks one red flag, it is very concerning.
Tents
Small rip in the mesh or side-wall of the tent (not the fly).
Missing guide lines.
Missing velcro/loops on the fly.
Rips in the gear loft/interior pockets.
Ripped/missing storage bag.
Shoeprints on the inside of the tent floor. Tent fabrics are generally thin, and cannot withstand large pressure on small area. Shoeprints are a cause for concern.
Missing tent pegs.
Tent looks very dirty overall.
Pets in the tent (scratches on the floor fabric).
Rip in the fly.
Rip on the floor fabric.
Any pole segment that is bent from its intended state.
Broken/missing door zipper.
Missing/broken pole segment.
Loose/missing shock chord in the poles.
Local area of mildew. Best repair is to completely cover the area with repair tape.
Extensive damage to stitching (usually between mesh and floor fabrics).
Seams are not seam-taped (properly).
A really bad smell. Some smells may be easily removed, but others may point to larger issues such as mildew or bodily fluids (vomit, urine...) in the past. These events could be cleaned and removed but smells may be ingrained in the fabric.
Heavy delamination. This means that the coating of the tent has come off, and it will most likely not be waterproof. You will see a clear layer peeling and fabric will feel sticky.
Large/widespread mildew. Mildew is when the tent is improperly stored (stored while wet) and you will see black spots on the fabric. It is a form of mold.
Missing a major part of the tent: i.e. poles, fly, and the actual tent body
*See photo above for a semi-properly seam-sealed tent seam.
Backpacks
Broken accessory straps
Small tear in the bag
missing raincover (if the bag comes with one)
Missing gear loops
Sticky zipper (could be oiled/waxed)
Broken shoulder strap
Large rip in the bag
Broken hip belt
broken/missing zipper
Suspension system (if it exists) is ripped. This will greatly affect the bag's stability.
Loose/broken shoulder strap adjustment. If this adjustment slips or comes out, it will present a problem with stability and overall comfort.
Material is delaminating (clear flakes which are peeling off).
*Tip: always try the backpack on to confirm the size and fitment. You can always do the trade at an outdoor goods store and have a staff assist you.
Sleeping Bags
Sticky zipper
Broken accessory zipper
Broken/missing accessory baffles (some bags may have baffles on the underside to secure a sleeping pad)
Missing storage sack or compression bag
(Down sleeping bags only) The bag is not washed with a down specific detergent.
Small stains that are explainable
loose stitching (small area of concern)
Pungent odor (Could be a major concern if the bag smells like mildew/mold or is absolutely disgusting)
Filling (down or synthetic) is leaking in multiple places.
Ask about bag storage: If the bag is always stored in the compression bag, the insulation would be less effective.
Broken main zipper.
Bag should not look/appear crinkled (sign of improper storage)
Mildew.
Large rip anywhere on the bag.
Down is heavily clumped together,
*Tip: Look closely at the materials around the zipper, as this area is most likely to catch a snag and rip.
Sleeping Pads
Staining
Small air leak from a known spot (much easier to fix than an unknown leak source)
Missing storage sack
Previous owner uses their mouth to inflate the pad
scratch marks
If the pad has ever been stepped on (too much pressure over a small area)
Strong colour fading (UV Damage, which may deteriorate sealing tape)
Air leaking from an unknown source (could be time consuming to find the source of leak).
(Self-inflating foam pads only) Pad is stored compressed/rolled up for a long duration.
Leaking valve: Therm-a-rest WaveLock Valve, Therm-a-rest Neo-Air, Klymit, Nemo, Sea-to-Summit, Big Agnes NOT AXL pads.
Leaking valve: MEC sleeping pads, Big Agnes AXL. These pads do not have replacement valves (to my knowledge).
Long/large rip
*Tip: Always inflate the sleeping pad to check for leaks. Sometimes, the seller may not even be aware!
Rain Jackets (Waterproof Clothing)
Light Staining
Water is not beading (DWR is gone) (can be reapplied easily).
Small rip/puncture on outer material
rip/puncture in pockets
A tear that has been repaired with Tenacious Tape from Gear-Aid (or the Gore-Tex Version)
Jacket is regularly washed with normal detergent (Tide, Gaid, Persil, etc). These detergents strip away the DWR on a waterproof shell.
Tear/rip on outer material
A tear that has been fixed with duct tape or other non-gear tape. (Tape may leave adhesive residue and may not be waterproof)
Broken drawstring
Broken main zipper
Visibly dirty/muddy.
Delaminating Material
Missing sections of seam tape
Guess what again: Mildew.
*Tip: Pour some water on the shoulder/arms/back of the jacket as these areas are most likely to lose the DWR finish. Observe if water beads and rolls off the jacket or not.
In the end, I have to note that each transaction is different. Always bring a friend with you if you don't know the buyer, preferrably someone who is a gear-head like myself. Meet in an area that's public or even in an outdoor retail store to ask staff who are knowledgeable. Be safe and happy camping!
thanks this WAS very helpful, i will go buy ALOT of secondhand gear now thanks! :))