This is our favorite time of year, when the rain gives way to long stretches of sunshine, the trails dry out, and the rivers run high. It’s adventure season, and whether you’re a diehard dirtbag or a weekend warrior, it’s time to check a few more trips off the list.
But if you’re anything like us, even as your bucket list shrinks, your gear list gets longer. The math runs something like this: the more adventures you plan, the more gear you buy. The more gear you buy, the more gear you want.
Before you start spending the kids’ college funds on new climbing pro or an expanded ski quiver, let OfferUp help you find top-notch gear at aftermarket prices. It’s like REI’s Garage Sale every day on OfferUp, and you don’t even need to wake up early to snag the best deals.
This summer, we challenged our favorite budget-busting, gear-loving friends to try tackling their summer-adventure wishlists on OfferUp. No surprise to Team OfferUp, they scored some pretty rad deals.
SURF
PNW native, Kate, decided on her 30th birthday to give surfing a try. When she got hooked after a first few lessons, we challenged her to stop throwing cash at rental equipment and instead gear up for the punishingly cold Pacific with the help of OfferUp.
The Surfboard — Kate found this beautiful 7’ 8” ACE board, complete with new stomp pad, fins and a DaKine travel bag for $230. Assembling this bundle at retail prices could top out at close to $1,000.
The Roof Rack — She found a ready-to-ride Yakima roof rack for $130 (retail $350).
(She also watched this sweet little video on how to properly attach a surfboard to a rack . And she didn’t regret the lesson.)
The Wetsuit — Our fortunate friends to the south don’t have to don the blubber suits we Northwesterners have made so stylish. But fortunately Kate managed to find even a 5/4 wetsuit — which retails for about $200 and is warm enough for Washington’s summer surf — for $125.
Kate’s top tip for fellow newbies: “Even the best surfers were first-timers once, so don’t be afraid to be the new guy or gal at the local spot. That said, it’s super important to understand the surf etiquette before you get out there. Read up, ask friendly locals for advice, and make sure you understand the currents and features of the spot so you can stay safe.”
SAIL
Despite the fact that Team Oracle has bailed from this year’s America’s Cup, sailing remains quintessential to the American sporting repertoire — and it doesn’t need to be confined to just the Yacht Club class. We challenged Seattleite, Adam, to find the perfect lake- and budget-friendly sailboat on OfferUp. (Credit to Seattle’s community sailing center, Sail Sand Point, for teaching Adam the ropes.)
The Sailboat — Adam found this beautiful 14’ Hobie Cat for $1,100. (A new Hobie 16' would have run him more than $11,000.)
The Kit — To stay warm in the spray, Adam tracked down a skipper-approved Helly Hansen smock top waterproof jacket. Even when you can’t sail like a pro, looking like one is at least half the battle.
The Waterproof Timepiece — A waterproof watch with tide info is a handy tool for the modern seafarer, and Adam tracked down this Nixon Rhythm for $80 (retail $125).
Adam’s top tip for new skippers: “For something that looks so elegant and simple, sailing has its fair share of technical demands and quirky road rules. Tap into the local knowledge base and find a marina or boating center that offers beginner classes. Or, start on smaller boats with a single sail and work up to larger, more complicated craft. Oh, and if you see a tanker or a ferry bearing down on you, just get out of the way.”
FLOAT
Don’t feel like sailing? Swap out the wind power for some manpower. We asked kayak aficionado, Emily, to track down great gear for American whitewater. (If a lazy river’s more your speed, we’re pretty sure these will hold up there, too.)
The Raft — Emily found this 7’ 8” inflatable Outcast pontoon catamaran for $250 (retail $650). Directions to prime fishing locations not included.
The Kayak — Looking for a more leisurely float? Emily tracked down this river-ready Sevylor inflatable kayak priced at just $60 on OfferUp (retail $130).
The PFD — Safety first! This top-of-the-line personal flotation device for active paddlers is selling for $40 (retail $120).
Emily’s top tip for first-timers:“Be safe out there! Talk to local river guides and read up on your route before you hit the water. If you’re just looking to get your feet wet in river-running (ha), no need to go straight into eskimo rolls and the full hardshell kayak setup. Keep it simple. Get an inflatable and get going!”
HIKE
Nothing’s better for a hot summer weekend than a walk in the woods. We asked lifelong hiker and backpacker, Phil, how to get the most bang for the buck when it comes to day hike must-haves.
The Day Pack — If you’re thirsty, you’re already dehydrated! Pack plenty of fluids in this 35L Platypus hydration pack that Phil found for $60 (retail $160).
The Hiking Boots — You can track down great deals on great brands, like this pair of waterproof Oboz Bridgers for $80 (retail $175).
The Trekking Poles — For creaky knees and those who wish to prevent them, Phil discovered these REI trekking poles for $10 (retail $70–$100).
The GoPro — “Why do men climb mountains?” For the pictures! At least some of us do, and OfferUp can help. If you’re willing to carry a little extra weight, we’ll get you the deal on the camera. This GoPro HERO+ is $100 on OfferUp (retail $290).
Phil’s tip for first-timers: “It’s a great idea to make a stop at the nearest Ranger Station for the latest news and advice about the area. Carry the ten essentials, have layers for rapid weather changes, and don’t plan to rely on your cell phone in a pinch. …And speaking of phones: most of us are out there to get away from it all, so please respect the peace & quiet of the backcountry and remember your trail etiquette!”
CLIMB
Are you after more vert, more summits, and a whole lot more gear? You sound like a climber. We asked local alpinist, Sean, to check out what he could buy second-hand before taking on his next ascent.
The Ice Axe — Get glacier ready with an ice axe for way less than retail. Sean found this very experienced Charlet Moser axe for $50.
The Overnight Pack — The moderns all rock internal frame packs, like this Osprey Atmos 65L for $220 (retail $275), but Sean is partial to the old-school styles. He found this Kelty exo-frame on OfferUp for $80. (An heirloom for sure.)
The Tent — Usually gear makes you choose between your budget and your pack weight, but Sean suggests cutting down both with something like this sleek, 2lb 10oz, two-person Mountain Hardwear tent for $350 (retail $550). And then there’s always the REI Half Dome, a perennial classic to go with your exo-frame Kelty pack.
The Crampons — They’re a must for glacier travel, but if the sticker shock has been standing between you and this next major gear purchase, consider OfferUp your bridge over the crevasse. Sean found Black Diamond crampons + a carrying bag for $80 (retail upwards of $180). Downright affordable!
The Navigation — Don’t leave home with out it. Upgrade this highly-essential member of the Ten Essentials with a Garmin GPS 64st for $220 (retail $270).
The Mountaineering Boots — Great boots are so necessary and so expensive. But steady that wallet; you can find awesome deals on top-notch boots that have only been used once or twice. These Asolos (retail ~$240) are selling on OfferUp for $40 and have a trek up Mt. Rainier under their belt
Sean’s OfferUp pro tip: “While I don’t recommend buying aftermarket rope, ’biners, and helmets, keep your eye out for all kinds of incredible deals on non-load-bearing gear from best-in-class brands. Plus, buying from your peers lets you meet local folks who are excited to help other people get out there, and they’ve usually got some cool stories to share.”
The wilds are waiting for you. Be safe out there, and by all means, be frugal.
