Reno Used Backpacking Gear: Build Your Kit Without Breaking the Bank
Backpacking can be the pinnacle of camping: quiet trails, starry nights, crisp morning coffee over a misty backcountry lake. But the gear lists online meets your REI shopping cart can make it feel like you need a $2,000 setup just to spend a night in the backcountry.
We’re here to remind you: you can backpack with simple, affordable gear. You can build out your kit slowly. We did it with external frame packs, DIY stoves, Walmart tents, and thrift‑store layers... but didn't have a dedicated used gear shop to find quality gear in.
Why Used Backpacking Gear Is Perfect for Beginners and Being on a Budget:
Affordable: Backpacking gear is pricey, used gear makes it fiscally accessible.
Beginner‑friendly: Try the activity before investing big! What if you commit hard with expensive top of the line equipment to find out that you hate it!?
Sustainable: Reusing gear reduces waste and manufacturing impact.
Consistent local supply: Reno has a huge backpacking community between being a destination airport for the JMT, the local TRT loop and being a "big city" stop for PCTers... we see great gear cycles through our consignment process.
What Types of Backpacking Gear You’ll Find at Gear Hut:
30-80L Backpacks, from ultralight options to large expedition packs
Down and Synthetic Sleeping bags and quilts
Sleeping pads, self inflating, air and foam pads
Cook systems like Jetboil and MSR Pocket Rockets
Tents, bivies, trekking pole shelters, hammocks
Camp pillows
Technical apparel layers
Footwear, hiking boots and trail runners
Bear canisters (we also rent these!)
Our Mission, Our Goal
Maybe an ultralight tent is nicer, but a Walmart tent will also work in fair weather. This basic 2 person Coleman tent is what we used for the first 8 years of our backpacking journey! Yes. Maybe a fancy air pad is comfier, but a foam pad will absolutely do the job. Yes. Maybe an ultralight tent would be nice, but you can split the weight of a budget friendlier option between you and a friend. Our goal is to provide a variety of options for you to get outside for an overnight, and slowly build out your kit to fit your style of adventure.
Some Notes on a Consignment Based Inventory Selection:
Gear Hut is a fully consignment‑based outdoor gear shop, which means our inventory changes every single day (literally by the hour as new items are dropped off, entered and hit the racks).
Everything we sell comes directly from our Reno community; locals and tourists bringing in the gear they’re ready to rehome, and shoppers have the opportunity to find high‑quality equipment at accessible prices. When you shop with us, you’re supporting a small business and your neighbor who consigned their gear with us. It’s a community‑powered cycle that keeps great gear moving, reduces waste, and makes outdoor adventure more affordable for everyone.
NOTE: We also operate on a seasonal schedule, taking in winter gear during the colder months and summer gear when the weather warms up, so our selection naturally shifts with the seasons.
Visit Us:
Gear Hut is centrally located for all your used gear needs in Reno at 318 Broadway Blvd and open 6 days a week. We always encourage shopping used first before hitting up (and breaking the bank) at your typical "new" retailers!
Learn more about CONSIGNMENT if you're looking to sell backpacking gear through us!
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