Camping Gear Flipping Guide: Make Money Reselling Outdoor Equipment 2026
The outdoor recreation market hit $887 billion in 2025, and camping remains one of America’s fastest-growing activities. For resellers looking to resell outdoor equipment, this translates to consistent demand for quality gear—often from people who tried camping once, bought premium equipment, and decided sleeping on the ground wasn’t for them. Their loss is your profit opportunity.
Camping gear flipping offers margins of 40-70% on premium brands, with some vintage and discontinued items commanding even higher returns. The key is knowing what’s actually valuable versus what just looks expensive. Whether you’re new to the outdoor equipment niche or expanding your flipping operation, this guide covers everything you need to know to profit from tents, sleeping bags, and backpacks in 2026.
Why Camping Gear Is Profitable for Resellers
The “One and Done” Phenomenon
Here’s what makes camping gear uniquely profitable: people routinely spend $500-2,000 outfitting themselves for a camping trip they’ll never take again. That REI haul sitting in someone’s garage after one rainy weekend? That’s your inventory.
Unlike electronics that depreciate rapidly, quality camping gear holds value remarkably well. A Big Agnes tent used twice is worth 60-70% of retail. A Osprey backpack with minor cosmetic wear commands 50-60% of new pricing. The depreciation curve is gentle, and demand is consistent.
Premium Brand Pricing Power
Outdoor enthusiasts are brand-loyal and willing to pay premiums for trusted names. They’ve researched gear extensively and know that a $400 tent outperforms a $100 tent. When they see that $400 tent listed for $180 in excellent condition, they buy quickly.
Seasonal Arbitrage Opportunities
Camping gear follows predictable demand cycles. Source aggressively in fall and winter when people are cleaning out garages. Sell in spring and early summer when demand peaks. This seasonal spread can add 15-25% to your margins.
What to Look For: High-Value Camping Gear
Tents: The Big Ticket Items
Premium Brands to Target:
- Big Agnes - Their Copper Spur and Tiger Wall lines are gold. A Copper Spur HV UL2 retails for $500; used examples sell for $280-350 consistently
- MSR - The Hubba Hubba NX series is legendary. Retail $480, resale $250-320
- NEMO - Dagger and Hornet lines. Retail $400-550, resale $220-350
- Hilleberg - The holy grail. These Swedish tents retail $800-2,000+ and hold 60-70% value
- REI Co-op - Their Half Dome and Quarter Dome lines sell well. Retail $250-400, resale $120-220
What to Check:
- Pole integrity (flex them gently—any cracks = pass)
- Zipper function (the #1 failure point)
- Seam tape condition (peeling = expensive repair)
- Floor delamination (hold up to light, look for thin spots)
- Stakes and guylines present (replacements cut into margins)
Condition Grading:
- Excellent (minimal use, no stains): 65-75% of retail
- Good (light wear, minor stains): 50-60% of retail
- Fair (visible wear, functional): 35-45% of retail
Sleeping Bags: Down Is King
Target These Brands:
- Western Mountaineering - Premium down bags, retail $400-700, resale $220-400
- Feathered Friends - Seattle-made quality, retail $350-600, resale $180-350
- Enlightened Equipment - Ultralight quilts with cult following, retail $250-400, resale $140-250
- Kelty - Heritage brand with mainstream appeal. Cosmic down series retail $150-250, resale $80-140. Excellent for volume selling
- Marmot - Their Hydrogen and Phase lines, retail $300-500, resale $150-280
- The North Face - Inferno series, retail $350-550, resale $160-300
What to Inspect:
- Down loft (shake it out—does it puff up fully?)
- Cold spots (uneven distribution = compromised insulation)
- Zipper function (test full length multiple times)
- Shell fabric (any tears or excessive wear?)
- Smell (if it reeks, the cleaning cost kills margins)
Temperature Ratings Matter:
- 0°F and below bags command premiums
- 20-30°F bags are the volume sellers
- 40°F+ bags have smaller margins but faster turnover
Backpacks: The Ultralight Premium
Backpacks are the ideal starting point for anyone wanting to resell outdoor equipment. They ship easily, hold value well, and have strong brand recognition among buyers.
Brands That Move:
- Osprey - The gold standard for backpack reselling. Atmos, Aether, and Exos lines retail $200-350, resale $100-200. Osprey’s lifetime warranty adds buyer confidence
- Gregory - Baltoro and Deva series. Retail $250-350, resale $120-200
- Kelty - Established heritage brand with loyal following. Redwing series retail $100-180, resale $50-110. Great entry-level flips with reliable turnover
- Granite Gear - Ultralight Crown series. Retail $200-280, resale $100-160
- ULA (Ultralight Adventure) - Circuit and Ohm packs. Retail $250-300, resale $140-200
- Gossamer Gear - Mariposa and Gorilla. Retail $200-300, resale $110-180
Inspection Points:
- Hip belt foam (compressed = uncomfortable = returns)
- Shoulder strap stitching (high stress point)
- Frame stays (bent or missing?)
- Zipper function on all pockets
- Buckles and adjusters (all present and functional?)
Camp Kitchen and Accessories
High-Value Items:
- MSR stoves - WhisperLite, PocketRocket. $40-150 retail, $25-90 resale
- Jetboil systems - Flash and MiniMo. $100-180 retail, $50-100 resale
- Snow Peak titanium - Cups, pots, utensils. 60-70% value retention
- GSI Outdoors cooksets - Pinnacle series moves well
- Helinox chairs - Chair One and Chair Zero. $100-150 retail, $55-90 resale
Vintage and Collectible Gear
The vintage outdoor market is growing. Target:
- 1970s-80s Kelty external frame packs ($80-250)
- Vintage Coleman lanterns and stoves ($30-150)
- Old Swiss Army gear and rucksacks ($50-200)
- Classic Eureka! canvas tents ($100-400)
- Retro Sierra Designs gear ($40-150)
Where to Source Camping Gear
Estate Sales: Your Best Bet
Outdoor enthusiasts accumulate gear over decades. Estate sales often feature entire collections priced to move. Look for:
- Sales in suburban/rural areas near outdoor recreation
- Mentions of “outdoor equipment” or “camping gear” in listings
- Mid-week sales where you’ll face less competition
Pro Tip: Ask about items not displayed. Garages and basements often hold the best gear.
Garage Sales: Hit or Miss but High Reward
Target neighborhoods strategically:
- Upper-middle-class suburbs (expensive gear, casual users)
- Areas near REI or outdoor stores (gear enthusiasts upgrading)
- Neighborhoods with outdoor-active demographics
Timing: Early May garage sales catch people clearing out winter storage.
Thrift Stores: Volume Play
- REI Garage Sales - Members-only events with massive discounts on returned gear
- Goodwill/Salvation Army - Hit or miss, but $5 finds happen
- Outdoor consignment stores - Play It Again Sports carries camping items
- Habitat ReStores - Occasionally stock outdoor equipment
Online Sourcing
- Facebook Marketplace - Set alerts for brand names
- Craigslist - Still valuable for local pickups
- OfferUp - Growing outdoor gear listings
- Nextdoor - Neighbors selling gear they forgot they owned
- GearTrade.com - Pre-vetted outdoor gear marketplace
Seasonal Clearance
- REI Anniversary Sale (May) - New gear at 20-30% off for inventory building
- End of Season Sales (September-October) - Deep discounts at outdoor retailers
- Holiday Returns (January) - Gift gear at steep discounts
REI Garage Sales: The Camping Flipper’s Secret Weapon
REI Garage Sales are quarterly events where the outdoor retailer sells returned merchandise at 50-80% off retail prices. For anyone wanting to resell outdoor equipment profitably, these events are absolute goldmines.
How REI Garage Sales Work:
- REI Co-op members (free $30 lifetime membership) get access
- Items are priced by condition (excellent, good, fair, cosmetic damage)
- All sales are final—no further returns
- Competition is fierce for the best items
Garage Sale Strategy:
- Arrive early—lines form hours before opening
- Know your target brands and models before you arrive
- Inspect items thoroughly for missing components
- Calculate resale value on your phone before purchasing
How to Price Camping Gear
The Comps Research Method
- Search eBay “Sold” listings for exact item
- Check Poshmark and Mercari sold prices
- Review GearTrade.com completed sales
- Look at Reddit gear swap subs for market prices
Pricing Framework
Use our ROI Calculator to run exact numbers before you buy. Here’s the general framework:
Excellent Condition (Like New):
- Premium brands: 65-75% of current retail
- Mid-tier brands: 55-65% of retail
Good Condition (Light Use):
- Premium brands: 50-60% of retail
- Mid-tier brands: 40-50% of retail
Fair Condition (Visible Wear):
- Premium brands: 35-45% of retail
- Mid-tier brands: 25-35% of retail
Price According to Season
- Spring (March-May): Peak demand, price at top of range
- Summer (June-August): Strong demand, full pricing
- Fall (September-November): Declining demand, price 10-15% below peak
- Winter (December-February): Lowest demand, price to move or hold
Where to Sell Camping Gear
eBay: Best for Premium and Vintage
- Largest audience of serious gear buyers
- Best for items over $100
- Global shipping expands your market
- Higher fees (13%+) offset by higher prices
Listing Tips:
- Include brand, model, size, and weight
- Photograph all defects
- Specify temperature ratings for sleep systems
- Note any modifications or repairs
Facebook Marketplace: Fast Local Sales
- No shipping hassle
- Lower fees (if any)
- Best for bulky items (tents, large packs)
- Negotiate-heavy environment
Mercari: Growing Outdoor Presence
- Built-in shipping labels
- 10% seller fee
- Good for $50-200 items
- Younger buyer demographic
Poshmark: Surprisingly Effective
- Strong for outdoor apparel (Patagonia, Arc’teryx)
- Growing hard goods presence
- 20% fee is steep but includes shipping labels
Specialty Platforms
- GearTrade.com - Dedicated outdoor marketplace
- The Clymb - Occasional consignment opportunities
- Reddit (r/GearTrade, r/ULgeartrade) - Direct sales, no fees
- Backpacking Light Forums - Ultralight gear marketplace
Profit Examples: Real Flips
Example 1: Big Agnes Copper Spur
- Sourced: Estate sale, $45 (priced as “camping tent”)
- Condition: Excellent, used 3x, all stakes and guylines
- Sold: eBay, $295 + shipping
- Profit: $220 after fees
Example 2: Osprey Atmos 65 Pack
- Sourced: Facebook Marketplace, $40 (seller moving)
- Condition: Good, minor hip belt wear
- Sold: Mercari, $155 shipped
- Profit: $95 after fees and shipping
Example 3: Western Mountaineering Sleeping Bag
- Sourced: Garage sale, $25 (marked “sleeping bag”)
- Condition: Excellent, 10°F rating
- Sold: GearTrade, $340
- Profit: $290 after platform fee
Example 4: Vintage Coleman Lantern Lot
- Sourced: Thrift store, $12 for three lanterns
- Condition: Needed cleaning, all functional
- Sold: eBay lot, $95
- Profit: $70 after fees
Example 5: Helinox Chair Bundle
- Sourced: REI Garage Sale, $85 for two chairs (returns)
- Condition: Like new, original packaging
- Sold: Facebook Marketplace, $140 for both
- Profit: $55
Example 6: Kelty Cosmic 20 Sleeping Bag
- Sourced: Thrift store, $18 (generic pricing)
- Condition: Excellent, full loft, minor storage wear
- Sold: eBay, $95 + shipping
- Profit: $65 after fees
Always run your numbers through our ROI Calculator before purchasing to ensure your margins make sense.
Common Mistakes in Camping Gear Flipping
Mistake 1: Ignoring Condition Details
That “minor tear” kills your margins. A tent seam that needs resealing costs $30-50 at a gear shop. Factor repair costs into your purchase price or pass.
Mistake 2: Overpaying for Store Brands
REI Co-op, Kelty basics, and Coleman mass-market gear have thin margins. The volume is there, but you’re fighting $20-40 profit windows. Focus on premium brands.
Mistake 3: Not Testing Functionality
Stoves need fuel testing. Tents need to be pitched. Zippers need full cycling. Discovering problems after purchase—or worse, after selling—destroys profits and reputation.
Mistake 4: Wrong Season Buying
Paying spring prices for fall sales is backwards. Source when nobody wants gear (winter), sell when everyone does (spring/summer).
Mistake 5: Underestimating Shipping Costs
Tents and packs are bulky but light—dimensional weight kills you. Price shipping accurately or sell locally for large items.
Mistake 6: Skipping Authentication on Premium Items
Counterfeit Big Agnes and MSR gear exists. Know the authentication markers: proper tags, quality stitching, correct hardware. Fakes destroy your reputation.
Seasonal Considerations
Spring (March-May): Peak Selling Season
- List inventory early March
- Price at top of range
- Expect quick sales on quality items
- Source at winter clearance prices
Summer (June-August): Sustained Demand
- Maintained pricing power
- Good time to sell specialty items (hammocks, ultralight gear)
- Family camping gear moves well
- Watch for end-of-season sourcing opportunities
Fall (September-November): Transition Period
- Price reductions to move inventory
- Excellent sourcing window (garage sales, clearance)
- Hunting/cold weather crossover gear sells
- Holiday gift buyers emerge late November
Winter (December-February): Sourcing Season
- Deep-discount sourcing at retailers
- Estate sales often include gear collections
- Hold premium items for spring
- Move cold-weather specific items (4-season tents, expedition bags)
FAQ
What’s the best camping gear to flip for beginners?
Start with Osprey and Gregory backpacks. They’re recognizable brands, hold value well, easy to authenticate, and ship economically. Learn the models, then expand to tents and sleep systems.
How do I spot counterfeit camping gear?
Check stitching quality, hardware weight and finish, tag accuracy, and brand-specific markers. Compare to known authentic examples. When in doubt, pass—your reputation isn’t worth a $50 profit.
Should I clean camping gear before selling?
Yes, but carefully. Tents can be wiped with damp cloth and mild soap. Sleeping bags should be professionally cleaned if needed (home washing risks damage). Clean gear commands 10-20% premiums.
What’s the best platform for selling tents?
Facebook Marketplace for local sales (avoids shipping bulky items), eBay for premium brands where buyers expect to pay shipping, and GearTrade for serious outdoor enthusiasts.
How do I price discontinued gear?
Check historical eBay sold listings, search outdoor forums for recent sales, and consider scarcity. Discontinued premium items often appreciate—that out-of-production MSR model might be worth more than its original retail.
Is vintage camping gear worth pursuing?
Absolutely. Vintage Coleman lanterns, classic Kelty packs, and retro Sierra Designs gear have dedicated collector markets. The key is condition and completeness—vintage gear with original parts commands premiums.
What camping gear should I avoid?
Skip generic store brands, heavily used items without brand value, and anything with structural damage. Also avoid car camping “luxury” items (heavy chairs, canopies)—low margins and brutal shipping.
Bottom Line
Camping gear flipping offers consistent profits for resellers willing to learn the brands and inspect items carefully. The market combines strong demand, premium brand pricing power, and predictable seasonal patterns. Focus on tents, sleeping bags, and backpacks from recognized brands like Big Agnes, Osprey, and Western Mountaineering. Source aggressively in fall and winter, sell in spring and summer, and always verify condition before buying.
Start with backpacks to learn the market, then expand to higher-value items as your brand knowledge grows. The outdoor community values quality and authenticity—build a reputation for honest descriptions and fair pricing, and you’ll develop repeat buyers who watch your listings.
Use Underpriced to analyze camping gear and find undervalued inventory before other resellers. Run your numbers through our ROI Calculator to ensure every flip is profitable. The demand is there. The margins are real. Start your camping gear flipping business today.