Over time, your hiking gear wears out and you may want to part with it. Before throwing it away, you should know that several options are available to give it a second life while avoiding pollution and encouraging overconsumption. Find out below what to do with your used hiking gear.
Repairing and reusing your used hiking gear
Repairing your gear yourself
Before considering parting with your used hiking gear, you can first try repairing it yourself. For example, it is fairly straightforward to sew, patch or even transform a fabric or garment. Repairing your own gear instead of throwing it away extends its lifespan, reduces consumption and has a meaningful positive environmental impact.Sending your gear to a repair workshop
Several outdoor brands offer repair services for used hiking gear. This is the case with Cimalp, which for example offers repairs drawing on the expertise of seamstress Chantal, rather than buying back. The French company thus helps give hiking clothing a new lease of life while fighting waste. Finally, you can also reach out to outdoor gear shops in your area. Some have dedicated workshops for used hiking equipment.Giving your gear a second life
Selling your used hiking gear
If you want to part with your used hiking gear, one option is to resell it — provided it is not safety-critical equipment. Many websites such as Le Bon Coin let you sell your gear to private buyers. Some outdoor brands also offer to buy it back. This is the case with Le Vieux Campeur, which has a consignment service, as well as other retailers — sometimes local — with their own second-hand resale platforms.Donating to a charitable organisation
If you want to do something good, donating your used hiking gear to a charitable organisation such as Emmaüs or the Red Cross is another great idea. The organisation will sort your belongings and send them to people or countries in need. A donation that is both generous and good for the environment.Recycling your used hiking gear
Dropping off your clothing in a collection bin
In France, you can find textile collection bins across the country. You can drop off your hiking clothing there, which will then be sent to a sorting centre. Once sorted, certain products will be recycled and given new value, depending on their condition. A great way to part with your clothing while ensuring it doesn't end up buried in landfill or incinerated.
