Learn how to snag great backpacks for cheap while helping the environment.
These days, a good backpack can easily set you back $200 to $600. But folks who love the outdoors have known a secret for years: the used market is full of awesome gear at crazy low prices. Whether you’re a student watching your funds, a traveler who cares about the planet, or just someone who loves a good deal, buying a used backpack is a smart move.
Finding a used backpack isn’t as easy as just hitting buy on the cheapest thing you see. You need to know your stuff, be patient, and have a good eye. This guide will help you become a pro at finding used backpacks. You’ll learn how to get amazing deals and avoid mistakes that could cost you.
Why Used Backpacks Are a Great Idea
The numbers don’t lie: buying used backpacks just makes sense. A top-notch pack that sells for $400 can often be found in great shape for $150-$200. That’s a steal! Plus, it’s good for more than just your funds.
Buying used is a great way to be kinder to the environment. Making a single backpack takes a lot of stuff – from the materials for the fabric to the water and power needed to make it. When you buy used, you’re helping that backpack last longer and cutting down on the need for new ones.
Also, many people who love the outdoors swear that a used backpack is comfier than a brand-new one. It’s already softened up and adjusted, so you don’t have to deal with breaking it in yourself.
Here’s the best part: the used market lets you find backpacks that aren’t made anymore. Some favorite designs from brands like Osprey, The North Face, and Patagonia can only be found used. That makes them real treasures for those in the know.
Where to Find Good Used Backpacks
Finding used backpacks has gotten way easier recently. Now there are lots of ways to find the perfect pack.
Websites for Outdoor Gear
Geartrade.com is a great place to start. It’s a website just for outdoor gear, you can find great deals on used backpacks and equipment from other outdoor lovers.
Brand-Run Programs
Some cool brands have started their own used gear programs. Patagonia has Worn Wear, where you can buy used Patagonia backpacks and gear. These programs often guarantee the product’s and sometimes even include warranties, which makes buying used a lot less risky.
BÉIS also has a Second BÉIS Resale Program, which is a place to buy used BÉIS bags. BÉIS mainly sells travel and fashion bags, but their program shows that more brands are starting to embrace the idea of reusing things.
REI Used Gear
REI’s used gear section is a gold mine for outdoor fans. REI cares a lot about the environment, so they check all their used gear carefully before selling it. The used backpacks often come with details about what condition they’re in, and REI is known for great customer service.
Online Marketplaces
Websites like eBay have a huge selection of products. To get the best deals on eBay, make sure you know how to check out sellers and understand what product descriptions mean.
Facebook Marketplace has become popular, you can even find backpacks being sold nearby. That means you can check it out in person before you buy it.
Reddit Groups
Reddit’s r/GearTrade and r/ULGearTrade are good places to find used gear. These groups are full of serious outdoor people who take care of their stuff and are honest about what condition it’s in.
What to Look For: How to Check a Used Backpack
To get a good used backpack, you need to know how to check it out carefully. Here’s what to look for:
Is It Put Together Well?
Check the spots where the straps attach to the bag, and look for any rips or thin spots in the fabric.
Start by looking at the frame and how the backpack carries. If it has a frame inside, make sure it’s not bent or broken. The straps and hip belt should be worn evenly. If they’re not, it could mean the backpack didn’t fit the last person right, and it might not be comfortable for you.
Zippers and Other Parts
Zippers are often the first thing to break on a backpack, so check them carefully. Try each zipper a few times to make sure it moves smoothly and lines up right. Look for any missing or broken teeth, and make sure the zipper pulls are in good shape.
Buckles, clips, and anything you use to adjust the backpack should work well without being too loose or too tight. Plastic parts shouldn’t have any cracks, and metal parts shouldn’t be rusty.
How’s the Fabric?
Look at the fabric closely in good light. Check for thin spots, especially on the bottom (where it touches the ground) and on the sides (where it rubs against your body). Small holes aren’t a big deal, but bigger rips can ruin the backpack.
If the backpack is supposed to be waterproof, check the coating. If it’s peeling off, the backpack won’t keep water out.
Is It Clean and Does It Smell OK?
How clean a backpack is can tell you a lot about how it was taken care of. If it smells bad – like mold or pets – it can be hard to get rid of the smell. Some dirt is normal, but if it’s really dirty or stained, it might mean it wasn’t taken care of well.
Which Brands Are Good to Buy Used?
Some brands hold up well and are worth buying used. Here are a few to look for:
Top Brands That Are Worth the Funds
Osprey backpacks are known for being tough, and they often have warranties that cover used buyers. Models like the Atmos, Aether, and Exos are good choices and often available used.
The North Face makes high-quality backpacks. The Recon is a solid, all-around backpack.
Patagonia is dedicated to fixing their products, so their backpacks tend to last a long time, making them great used buys. The Black Hole series is especially durable and water-resistant.
Good Brands That Don’t Cost a Fortune
The Cotopaxi Allpa isn’t too expensive, but it has a lot of great features and is very durable. That makes it a good find on the used market.
If you’re on a small funds, look for models like the REI Flash 55 and the Gregory Paragon 58.
How Much Should You Pay?
Knowing what’s a fair price will help you avoid getting ripped off and spot the real deals. In general, expect to pay 40-70% of what the backpack sells for new, if it’s in good shape.
If it’s an older model that’s really popular, it might cost closer to the new price. On the other hand, if it’s an older model with a lot of wear, it might sell for 30-40% of the original price.
Check the current retail prices before you make an offer. Many sellers ask for too much based on old prices, so you can use that to get a better deal.
How to Negotiate and Buy
Most used marketplaces let you haggle a little. If you’re polite and respectful, you might save some real funds.
Start by showing that you know what you’re talking about. Sellers are more likely to negotiate with someone who knows the market.
Point out any issues you see with the backpack, but don’t be rude. For example, you could say, I see some wear on the hip padding. Would you take $X since I might need to replace it soon?
Think about the total funds you’ll spend. It might be better to pay a bit more for a backpack in great shape than to buy a cheaper one that needs repairs.
How to Take Care of Your Used Backpack
Once you’ve found the perfect used backpack, taking care of it will help it last for years. Start by cleaning it with the right products for the fabric. Most fabrics do well with cleaners made for outdoor gear.
Check the zippers and put some lubricant on them to keep them working smoothly. Adjust all the straps and buckles to make sure it fits right.
If you find any problems, think about taking it to a gear shop for repairs. It’s often worth it to extend the life of your backpack.
Helping the Environment
When you buy used, you’re helping to reuse the products. This is a big change from the old way of just making, using, and throwing things away.
Buying used has big benefits for the planet. Making a backpack creates a lot of pollution. When you buy used, you’re stopping that pollution and giving existing products a longer life.
You’re also showing companies that people care about sustainability. That encourages them to make products that last longer and can be fixed.
Real People, Real Finds
The used backpack market is full of success stories. People have snagged $600 backpacks for $150.
One thing you’ll hear again and again is this: be patient. The best deals come to those who wait. Set up alerts for specific models or brands, so you can jump on the deals when they appear.
Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
People new to the used market often make the same mistakes. The biggest one is focusing only on price. A super cheap backpack isn’t a deal if it needs repairs or doesn’t fit.
Another mistake is not doing your homework. Before you buy a backpack, learn about its features and issues.
It’s also easy to get attached to a certain backpack or brand and ignore problems or overpay. Be objective and be willing to walk away from bad deals.
The Future of Used Gear
The used outdoor gear market is getting bigger because more people care about the planet, funds are tight, and it’s getting easier to buy and sell used gear. More brands are starting their own used programs and making products that last longer.
Better photos, detailed condition reports, and virtual try-on features are also making buying used online easier and more reliable.
How to Buy: A Step-by-Step Guide
Ready to find your used backpack? Start by figuring out what you need. What will you use it for? How much stuff do you need to carry? What features do you want? How much do you want to spend?
Research the models you’re interested in. Read reviews, see what other users say, and learn about any common issues. Make a list of models that would work for you.
Set up searches and alerts on the websites you like. That way, you’ll be notified when matching items are posted.
When you find a good option, ask questions. Ask for more photos of anything you’re worried about. If a seller is willing to give you details and photos, it’s a good sign.
Your Ticket to Great Gear
The used backpack market is full of amazing deals for those who are willing to do some research. Start your search today at places like Geartrade for outdoor gear, REI’s Used Gear section for guaranteed quality, or Patagonia’s Worn Wear for sustainable, brand-backed options.
Buying used isn’t just about saving funds – it’s about making smart choices that help the planet. Every time you buy a used backpack, you’re saying that you value sustainability, quality, and smart shopping.
The perfect used backpack is out there waiting for you. With this guide, you’re ready to find it, check it out, and enjoy it for years. Happy hunting!
Ready to start your used backpack now? Check out Geartrade.com, where outdoor lovers buy and sell gear at prices you can’t beat.
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