Colorado Springs is surrounded by some of the best camping in the country — Garden of the Gods, Pike National Forest, Mueller State Park — and the outdoor community here takes gear seriously. That also means a healthy secondhand gear market. Finding quality used camping gear in Colorado Springs is easier than most people expect, and the savings over retail can be significant.
The best sources are REI’s Used Gear program, local Facebook Marketplace listings, Play It Again Sports on N. Academy, and the occasional Colorado Mountain Club gear swap. Between those four, you can kit out most camping setups for 30–60% below retail.
Best Places to Buy Used Camping Gear in Colorado Springs
| Source | What to Expect | Price Level | Gear Condition |
| REI Used Gear (online/store) | Quality outdoor brands, tested | Medium | Good to excellent |
| Play It Again Sports (N. Academy) | Varied outdoor and camping | Low to medium | Variable |
| Facebook Marketplace | Local sellers, negotiate | Low | Variable — inspect in person |
| Colorado Mountain Club gear swaps | Serious gear, serious sellers | Medium | Good |
| OfferUp (local) | Mixed, lots of options | Low to medium | Variable |
REI Used Gear: The Trusted Option
REI’s renewed gear program (available in-store and online) offers tested, inspected used gear with a partial return policy. For items like tents, sleeping bags, and stoves, buying REI used is the lowest-risk secondhand option because their staff has already evaluated the condition.
Colorado Springs’ local REI on N. Academy stocks some used gear in-store, and the online used program ships to local pickup. Tents and sleeping bags move quickly — check the online inventory regularly.
Facebook Marketplace and OfferUp: Best for Budget Deals
Colorado Springs has an active outdoor community, which means Facebook Marketplace listings frequently include quality gear — not just beginner sets that were used twice. Searching terms like ‘tent,’ ‘sleeping bag,’ ‘backpack,’ or brand names like ‘MSR,’ ‘Big Agnes,’ or ‘Black Diamond’ often surfaces surprisingly good listings.
Always meet in a public location, test zippers, inspect seams on tents, and check sleeping bag insulation for any compression damage before buying.
What Used Camping Gear Is Worth Buying vs. Skipping
- Worth buying used: tents (inspect carefully), sleeping bags in good loft condition, camp stoves, cookware, trekking poles, camp chairs
- Buy with caution used: sleeping pads (check for delamination), rain gear (waterproofing degrades over time)
- Buy new: headlamps (battery contacts corrode), water filters (harder to verify function), climbing safety gear (helmets, harnesses)
Pro Tips for Buying Used Gear in Colorado Springs
The best time to find deals is September through November, after summer camping season ends. People clearing garage storage post-summer generate the highest quality listings at the most negotiable prices.
Ask sellers specifically how many nights a tent or sleeping bag has been used. ‘Used twice’ and ‘used every weekend for three summers’ are very different propositions even if both are listed as ‘good condition.’
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Buying a used tent without setting it up first — poles can be bent, seams can fail
- Skipping rain gear reconditioning — old DWR treatments can be restored cheaply with Grangers spray
- Overvaluing brand names — a well-maintained off-brand sleeping bag can outperform a beaten-up premium one
- Not negotiating on Facebook Marketplace — most sellers expect it
- Buying safety-critical gear secondhand without manufacturer verification
FAQ
Q: Is it safe to buy a used tent in Colorado Springs?
A: Yes, with inspection. Set it up before buying, check pole integrity, test zippers, and look at seam tape on the rainfly. REI Used is the most reliable source for pre-checked tents.
Q: Where does REI sell used gear in Colorado Springs?
A: REI’s N. Academy store stocks some used gear in-store, and their online renewed gear program ships nationally with local pickup available.
Q: What’s the best time of year to find cheap camping gear in Colorado Springs?
A: Late summer through fall — September to November — sees the most post-season gear listings at the lowest prices as people clear storage.
Colorado Springs has everything you need for an excellent secondhand gear setup — you just need to know where to look and when to look. Hit REI Used for reliability, Facebook Marketplace for deals, and time your search for the post-summer window to find the best combination of quality and price.
