42. Is Buying Used Outdoor Gear Worth It? with Colchuck Consignment

In episode 42 of the Outdoor Minimalist Podcast, we discuss the pros and cons of buying used outdoor equipment. In a few of my earlier episodes, including renting vs buying gear and saving money living sustainably, we chat briefly about used gear and the benefits they provide both financially and for the environment.

There are countless benefits of buying used gear, and to help me discuss how to do it tactfully, I had the pleasure of hosting Brian and Laura, the founders of Colchuck Consignment.

Colchuck Consignment is North Central Washington’s source for high quality used outdoor gear. They believe in keeping useful gear in use and out of the landfill, while making the outdoors more affordable and accessible for everyone.

Colchuck Consignment

Website: https://www.colchuckconsignment.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/colchuckconsignment/

Rainy Pass Repair: https://rainypass.com/

Waste Loop: https://www.wasteloop.org/

This transcript was edited to remove some filler words and phrases and is not verbatim according to what is spoken in the audio recording.

Meg: Thank you so much, Laura, for taking the time to be on the show today. It's always really fun to connect with people within the community I'm living in—especially since you’re so close and doing such amazing things in the outdoor industry.

I know we have a lot to cover, but before we get to all of that, could you just talk a little bit about how you first started getting outside? What do you really love about outdoor recreation, and what’s your involvement in the outdoor industry?

Laura: Absolutely. I really got into the outdoors as a rock climber, and that was my main passion for about a decade. But more recently, I rediscovered mountain biking and traveling by bike in general, which is something I used to do with my dad as a child.

That has become my latest and greatest passion. I'm really, really excited about bikepacking right now—I just got back from a pretty big trip over the winter that was super fun. Anytime I can get outside on the bike is a good day for me.

Meg: That's awesome. I also really, really love biking, and I just did my first bikepacking trip last year, so I’m really new to it. But it sounds like you have a lot of miles under your belt.

Laura: Yeah, I’ve definitely done a couple of really awesome trips in the last few years. I’m glad to see so many people are finding joy in traveling by bike because it’s such a great way to see new areas and explore.

Meg: That’s awesome. So, other than the things you like to do in your free time, have you always worked in the outdoor industry? Or is moving into the consignment business kind of your first time working with outdoor equipment?

Laura: I’ve been in the outdoor industry for quite a while now. I started out as a rock climbing instructor and did that for many years before becoming a bike tour guide, leading trips up in Alaska. I’ve worked in several climbing gyms, and most recently, I’ve been working as a professional bike mechanic here in Leavenworth. So opening ColChuck Consignment is really the accumulation of all my experience in the outdoors—just seeing a need in the community and deciding to fill it.

Meg: So is ColChuck Consignment still located in Cashmere, or are you moving it to Leavenworth where you're at now?

Laura: It’s still in Cashmere. We’re just moving our store about a mile from its original location. We needed more space because we’ve got so much great gear coming in, and we really wanted to be able to facilitate more community events—like film screenings, speakers, and other gatherings that bring people together.

We’re trying to create a central hub for folks who are looking to get outdoors, find gear, and connect with resources. Cashmere is a great central location for our market—we have lots of people coming from Wenatchee and lots from Leavenworth, so we like being right there in the middle.

Sure! Here’s your transcript with cleaned-up grammar and clearly separated speakers for readability, while keeping the original tone and meaning intact:

Meg:Yeah, I love Cashmere. It's a really beautiful area. And from everything I’ve heard about gear consignment—actually, a girl I went to university with started a consignment store a couple years back—they had that same central focus on community, which I think is amazing.

I think that would be a great transition into talking about how you got started in Washington with Culture Consignment and the overall goal of fostering community.

Laura:Yeah, absolutely. So, prior to moving to Washington, my husband Brian—who's also the co-owner—and I spent quite a bit of time traveling all over the western U.S., recreating as much as possible, working seasonal jobs, and kind of looking for a place where we’d like to settle down.

In all the places we visited, we noticed there was usually a pretty robust consignment and used gear scene. That was huge for us. It helped us get into new activities we might not have tried otherwise. For example, if we had to buy a full-price skate ski setup, we probably wouldn’t have gotten into skate skiing. Maybe we’d rent here and there, but thanks to used gear stores, we found setups that matched our commitment level—just casual recreational use—and that let us try something new that we now really enjoy.

So, when we moved to Leavenworth, we were pretty surprised there wasn’t already a used gear or consignment store here. I mean, North Central Washington is a world-class destination for almost every outdoor activity—climbing, biking, skiing, paddling—you name it, and you can do it here at a high level.

We knew there was a ton of gear in the valley and people trying to get into these activities, but the cost of new gear is a huge barrier to entry. So we thought—why not connect that unused gear with the people who need it?

That’s why we started Culture Consignment. There wasn’t anything like it here, and from the start, we had a ton of community support. That really encouraged us to grow from an online-only business—which we launched in the middle of the pandemic—to eventually opening a brick-and-mortar shop.

At the beginning, everything was completely contactless. We’d literally drive to each consignor’s house, pick up the gear from their porch, list it on our website, and when it sold, we’d deliver it—all without seeing a single person in person. But we kept hearing positive feedback. People were interested. So we decided to go for it and open our store last summer.

The community support has been overwhelming—in the best way. It really showed us that this was something people needed and wanted to support. Now, we just feel really motivated to give back by creating a meaningful community hub. A place where people can come sell the gear they’re not using anymore, buy affordable used gear, try new outdoor activities, and connect with others.

Meg:Wow, I didn’t realize you started during the pandemic! That’s really interesting—especially that you launched in a fully contactless mode and then had to transition into in-person. Was that a hard switch?

Laura:It actually wasn’t too hard—it was a pretty smooth transition. Going in-person allowed us to grow a lot faster. We no longer had to pick up each item individually or spend all that time uploading and describing each one for the website. Instead, we could just take the item in, price it, and get it right onto the sales floor.

It was also really exciting for us to finally meet so many members of the community face-to-face. And it was super helpful for our customers too—to be able to try things on, feel the gear in their hands, and see the quality for themselves.

So yeah, going in-person has been a really great shift, and we’re just thrilled that it’s worked out so well.

Meg: Yeah, that’s really great. So before we start talking more about used gear in general, I do want to talk a little bit about consignment and how that business model works—just so people have a better idea.

Because, as you know, it kind of confused me when I was drafting all the questions and things like that. So can you talk a little more about how that works with gear consignment and selling?

Laura: Yeah, absolutely. So, everything that’s in our store—whether it’s clothing or hard goods—is something that has been brought in by a community member. We take that item, assess it, and come up with a price. Sometimes the consignor is interested in hitting a certain price point, and other times they just want to get rid of it—so we price accordingly.

Once that item sells, the consignor receives a percentage, and we take a percentage of the sale price. Depending on how high the sale price is, the consignor will get a greater percentage. So, for example, if you bring in a high-ticket item—like a nice pair of skis—you’re going to get a higher percentage of the sale.

Meg: Are there ever items that you just turn away completely?

Laura: Yes, we do try to be really thorough about making sure that everything we accept is usable right away. So if a piece of gear needs to be repaired, we won’t be able to accept it. We want our customers to know that what they’re getting is high quality and ready to go outside immediately.

There are also certain things we can’t take for safety reasons—stuff like life-saving equipment, which includes things like climbing ropes. Since we can’t verify the history of those items, we aren’t able to confidently sell them. So, we can’t take items like that. But for the most part, if it’s in good condition, still usable, and related to the outdoors, we usually will take it.

Meg: Yeah, that makes sense. I always do kind of wonder about selling certain types of used gear—especially that safety equipment you mentioned. So that’s good to hear.

I’ve had a few episodes here and there that have discussed used gear and even renting equipment. I think we've touched on it really lightly. A lot of the listeners already have a pretty good grasp of a few reasons why it might be good to buy used gear—especially in terms of saving money.

But since this is kind of your entire business, I think you'd be a great person to talk about some of the more specific benefits of buying used outdoor gear. And I think you already touched on a few—but go ahead.

Laura: Yeah, as you said, price is definitely a big motivator. You’re going to spend a lot less than you would on a new retail item, so that’s a huge benefit right there. But there are so many more benefits beyond just cost savings.

The big one for us is the environmental value of buying used gear. Not only are you saving an item from potentially ending up in a landfill, but you're also signaling that companies don’t need to produce so many new items—because there’s already so much useful gear out there. If we can just keep that gear in use and in circulation, there’s less need for new manufacturing.

So, environmentally, buying used gear is a great way to help protect the areas where you like to recreate.

Meg: Yeah, and I’ve seen kind of an encouraging uptick—or I don’t know if that’s the right word—but definitely more involvement from some larger companies, like REI Co-op Used. And I think The North Face and Patagonia are also selling more used clothing and gear now, too. That seems like a really positive trend in the outdoor industry.

Laura: I agree. I’m really happy to see companies selling used gear and also offering repairs. Patagonia is a big one in that category. Like, if you buy anything from Patagonia and it ends up getting a rip, the zipper jams, or it gets a hole—they let you send it back and they’ll repair it for you.

I think it’s really cool that companies are standing behind their products, making them to last, and focusing more on resale or repair instead of just pushing new manufacturing.

Meg: Since we’re kind of talking about some of those companies, I didn’t send you this question beforehand, but I was just wondering: Do you know if certain companies like Patagonia—or maybe even Osprey—honor their repair or warranty policies even if you’re not the original owner?

Laura: For Patagonia, I know that you do not need to be the original owner. They really stand behind their gear being made to last a lifetime. They don’t require proof of purchase when you send something in for repair. If you have it, they’ll ask for it, but if not, they’ll still fix it—which is really great.

As for some of the other companies, a lot of them do require proof of purchase. Not all, though. I know Arc'teryx is really good about repairing their items. Like you mentioned, Osprey has a lifetime warranty, and Outdoor Research does as well.

One thing to note about some of those companies is that they tend to just send you a new product instead of repairing the old one. That’s usually the case with Osprey and Outdoor Research. They’ll ask you to send the old item back, and then they’ll send you a new one.

So, I would say—if possible—go the repair route first. And then, if you really do need to use the warranty, it’s nice to know those companies stand behind their products and want them to last a lifetime. But yeah, repair first if you can.

Meg: Yeah, and just out of curiosity—do you know of any places that offer gear repair, beyond the obvious ones like a bike shop or other shops with gear-specific services? I know you can do a lot of DIY repairs at home and there are some really great resources online, but are there any other types of places?

Laura: Rainy Pass in Seattle is probably the best-known repair service in the area. They can repair zippers, clothing, tents—you name it—and they’re very highly regarded. One thing I will say about that service is that it can be, honestly, a little cost-prohibitive. Sometimes you get a bill for a zipper replacement and it ends up costing more than the jacket itself. That can make it hard for people to choose repair over replacement.

We’re hoping to get a small repair section going in our store. We just became a dealer for Gear Aid, so we’ll have Tenacious Tape available. We're planning to bring in a sewing machine, and we do semi-regular gear repair nights where we source experts from the community who have specific repair skills. They'll do little demos, and if you have something that needs repair, you can bring it in. It’s really community-focused—we help each other fix things.

Meg: That’s really great, because then the people coming in for repairs are also learning to do it themselves. That’s awesome.

Laura: Yeah, we’ve been having a lot of fun with the repair nights. Once we move into our new, much bigger space, we’ll be able to do them more regularly. I hope that will encourage people to actually save up their items that need repair, instead of just getting rid of them—knowing that they’ll have a regular place to take things for fixing.

Meg: That kind of covers a lot of the different benefits of used gear. I know we veered into repairs there for a moment, but I think that's an important part of the conversation. On this show, when we’ve talked about used gear before, it’s mostly been about the benefits. So I wanted to ask: are there any specific downsides to buying used outdoor equipment?

Laura: As I mentioned earlier, the one caveat I’d offer about buying used gear is to stay away from life-saving equipment if you don’t know the item’s history. That includes helmets, for example—because once a helmet’s been through a crash, it’s no longer safe. Same goes for climbing ropes and gear that uses webbing, which has a certain shelf life.

So if your life depends on it and it’s not brand new or in original packaging—like if someone’s just selling it because it was the wrong size—that’s something I’d avoid buying used.

Other than that, I don’t really think there’s a downside. It’s a great way to add variety to your wardrobe, too. We get a lot of unique pieces from different time periods—like some fun retro fleeces, for example. There’s really no good reason not to buy used, if that’s an option.

For some folks, sizing can be tricky since used gear sources won’t always have every size. If you’re very petite and looking for something like skis, it might be harder to find what you need. But whenever possible, I think buying used is the way to go—aside from the safety gear exception.

Meg: When people are shopping for gear—whether it’s in-store or online (and I imagine this might be easier in-store)—what should they look for to make sure they’re getting something worthwhile and of good quality?

Laura: If you’re familiar with the brands that stand behind their products, that can really help. For example, if you find a used Osprey backpack, you know they have a lifetime guarantee. So even though it’s been used, it should still last you a long time.

So it’s helpful to know which brands offer that kind of support. For clothing, it’s more of a personal preference. We do accept well-repaired items—so if you want to save some money and get something with a patch on it, it can make your gear a little more unique.

It’s really just about taking the time to inspect the wear and deciding if you’re comfortable with it. There’s a lot of great used gear out there that still has plenty of life left to give.

Meg: Something I really like about gear consignment stores—especially brick-and-mortar ones like yours—is that they feel like any other outdoor retail store. You can go in, and it’s usually really well organized. The people working there tend to be really knowledgeable.

So to me, it feels super approachable—not just because of the price point, but also because of the experience. If you have questions, there’s likely someone there who can answer them, versus trying to shop online and Googling all the questions yourself.

Laura: Yeah, absolutely. That’s one of our favorite things about opening the brick-and-mortar store—just having the chance to interact with people, find out what they’re interested in, hear about the trips they’re taking, and then advise them on what gear might be best for them.

We aren’t naturally salespeople. We’re not going to try to sell you something you don’t need. We’re trying to help you find the things you do need at a price you’re comfortable with, so you can get outdoors, explore, and have all the gear you need without completely breaking the bank.

Meg: I love that. So, kind of on the flip side—we’ve been talking a lot about buying used gear—but I also want to discuss a little bit about consigning gear.

I feel like I’ve been in this place before where my interests have shifted, and I’m just not using the same equipment anymore. Or maybe I’ve upgraded something, or like you said, I purchased something in the wrong size and couldn’t return it.

So what do you look for in terms of items when someone is trying to consign gear with you? And how would that process go—what does it look like?

Laura: Yeah, I think if you’re considering consigning, the best thing to do is to gather up all of your gear and clothing that you’re not using anymore and sort it into two piles.

One pile would be for donation—that’s stuff that’s a little more worn, might need a little TLC, but is still usable. The other pile would be for consignment—items that are in really good condition, don’t need any repair, and are ready to go.

I would encourage people to still donate those items in the “donate” pile because it’s important to have gear available at a variety of price points. Thrift stores can often offer gear at even better prices than we can. So, if you're planning to donate something, we definitely encourage that.

But for those nicer items that you’re not using anymore—things that are too nice to just give away—those are the kinds of items you’d want to bring into our store. We can help you get a little bit of a return on your original investment. That gear is also going to be really valuable to someone just getting into a new outdoor activity or someone who needs an upgrade.

We do want to make sure that the gear we’re taking is in good condition. We definitely want you to clean it before bringing it in—we can’t accept stinky or stained items. But if it’s something that still has life in it and you want to make a little money from it, you should definitely bring it in.

Meg: I’m really glad you mentioned cleaning gear before bringing it in. That should be a consideration when donating to a thrift store too. No one wants to buy—even the nicest sweatshirt—if it has an odor you can’t get out.

Laura: Yes, absolutely. Anytime you’re donating or consigning, you should definitely take that extra time to make sure the item is clean. Empty all the pockets, make sure the zippers work, and go from there.

Meg: When I talked to my friend who owns a consignment store in Duluth, Minnesota—her store is actually mentioned in the Outdoor Minimalist book—I’ve seen this trend pop up in other cities and towns, too.

You just opened your brick-and-mortar store last year, right? Even with all these stores opening in different places, I still think there’s a huge need and demand for more gear consignment options. It not only lowers the barrier to entry for people trying out new outdoor sports, but it also fosters a really great community.

Since you've done it in person and have been successful with your business model, what advice would you give to someone thinking about starting a used gear store—or even just trying to gauge if their community might be interested?

Laura: Absolutely. I think more and more people are recognizing the benefits of used gear and the immediate need to reduce the production of new gear.

The supply chain issues that came out of the pandemic really highlighted our dependence on new manufacturing, while used gear stores—or even antique and repurposed product stores—saw an increase in business and a steady inventory. We're not dealing with supply chain issues because our supply already exists. It's already out there.

So, yes, I think there is so much room in the market for more used gear—or used anything, really. It’s a category that’s only going to continue to grow.

If you live in a community where people enjoy being outdoors, I think they'll be really receptive. Surveying your community, talking with people, and getting a feel for opinions is a great idea.

In our case, it was really apparent right off the bat that this was something people were looking for and would support. I also think it’s important for people to be able to shop locally.

If you're thinking about starting a used gear store, definitely do your research on your market.

Look at other stores in similar areas that have been successful and study their business models. But ultimately, I’d say this is something we’re going to be seeing a lot more of—and there’s a lot of room to grow in this market.

Meg: Just so people have a bit of context—because we both live in this area—it’s not a big city. So what would you say is the population that your store serves? Would it be Leavenworth, Cashmere, and Wenatchee?

Laura: That’s correct. Yeah, I would say we serve everywhere from Stevens Pass all the way out to the outskirts of Wenatchee. We even have some customers from Chelan, so it’s a pretty broad area. I think part of the draw is that there’s just nothing quite like this anywhere nearby.

It’s such a big region with so much opportunity for recreation, so it’s nice to have this little central hub where we can connect people with what they’re looking for—whether that’s someone to go on an adventure with or used gear. We really want to be that central place people go to for those things.

Meg: And if people are hearing about you for the first time here, how can they follow along with ColChuck Consignment, learn more about the store and events, and kind of become part of that community?

Laura: We’re most active on Instagram, so that’s where you’ll find all of our most up-to-date information—whether it’s cool items that just came in, upcoming events, or tips on caring for your gear. Everything like that will be on our Instagram.

In our new store, we’re also going to have a big community board with a calendar. We’ll post lots of community events on there, and people will be able to add their own listings too—whether it’s a meetup or someone looking for a running buddy, things like that.

So definitely stopping into the store is a great way to stay connected, and following us on Instagram will give you the latest updates.

Meg: And if people want to consign gear with you, do they just stop into the store, or is there some kind of form on your website?

Laura: Right now, we accept consignment during any of our open hours. So anytime we’re open, you’re welcome to bring your gear in.

If we ever get too full, we may place a temporary item limit on how many things you can bring at once—but since we’re moving into a much bigger space, I don’t think that’ll be an issue going forward.

We do have a couple of details on our website that are helpful to read through—things like what we accept and how our pricing structure works. But other than that, it’s really simple. You can just drop in with your gear.

Meg: Awesome. Thank you so much! I’m really looking forward to seeing the new space. I missed the last bike repair night, so hopefully you’ll have another one soon—I still need to learn a few more things about my bike!

Laura: Yes, absolutely! We’re actually moving in right next to a bike shop, and I’ve already talked to the owner about setting up some maintenance clinics for this summer.

Meg: That’s awesome. Well, thank you for taking the time to be on the show!

Laura: No problem. Thanks for having me!