Give your used camping kit a new life, and grab a bargain too
At Pitchup, we’re all about responsible and sustainable tourism and finding ways to ensure our outdoor adventures leave minimal footprints on the environment.
For avid campers and glampers, it's easy to accumulate much more equipment than you need, or there comes a time when you’ve outgrown the kit you’ve got as your tastes and needs change. It might be easy to throw things out, but there are plenty of ways to avoid landfill by reusing or recycling.
Using our easy guide below, you can extend the life of your camping kit by donating or recycling it, helping you to reduce your carbon footprint while also helping others to have an adventure.
When you're thinking of ditching old camping kit or buying something new, bear in mind the three Rs…
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Recycle: Can you donate or resell your items that are still in a good condition?
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Reduce: Can you help to reduce the amount of clothing and equipment produced each year by shopping second hand? This is a great way to find affordable items too, and reduces the amount of waste that ends up in landfill. We’ve listed a selection of camping-specific marketplaces to check out below.
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Reuse: Can you continue to use your items by making simple repairs or adaptations? If you’re not able to fix something yourself, explore the list of retailers who will make small repairs in store or via post.
Where can I donate or recycle my items?
Charities
There are many charities in the UK that support low-income families, schools and community groups to access camping trips in the great outdoors by redistributing used camping equipment, clothing and accessories to those who need them.
One great example is Kitsquad, which enables people and families on a low-income to experience the benefits of spending time in nature in the correct and comfortable gear. They accept donations of adventure equipment such as mountain biking or climbing equipment, as well as good-quality clothes and camping equipment that are in a good condition. Donate your items by simply posting them to the address on their website.
Shops
Some outdoor specialist shops across the UK have donation points for your used goods, making it easy to dispose of them in a sustainable way.
Cotswold Outdoors
At Cotswold Outdoors, drop-off donation bins can be found in stores across the country. Cotswold Outdoors accepts clothes of any quality and brand, home textiles, paired shoes (including climbing shoes) of any quality and brand (best tied together), and garments that are ripped, have holes and permanent stains. For more details on which items can and cannot be accepted, head to the Cotswold Outdoors website, where you’ll also find detailed information on how your goods are recycled or given a new life and the impact this simple act can have on communities around the world.
Find your nearest Cotswold Outdoors store
LoopWardrobe
Several high-street retailers in the UK are part of a scheme where consumers can donate unwanted clothing to a charity and receive discounts or vouchers in return. This is a great way to reduce the amount of textiles being thrown away by diverting them from landfills. For more details, download the LoopWardrobe circular fashion app.
Can I earn money by donating or recycling my kit?
YES! Some retailers will give you a kickback for donating your used items. We've listed a few here.
Rohan
Outdoor brand Rohan operates the Gift Your Gear scheme. Via this scheme, when you donate your pre-loved outdoor clothing, giving it a second life and helping others to enjoy the great outdoors, Rohan will reward you with a 15% discount to spend in store or online.
The Gift Your Gear scheme not only helps to reduce waste but also makes sure as much kit as possible goes to a good home. Donated items are also used to support local community groups and organisations that offer outdoor activities to people who may not ordinarily have access to the great outdoors, or the essential kit needed to take part. This scheme helps to break down barriers, promotes sustainability and ensures that an outdoor adventure is for everyone.
Marks & Spencer
Since 2008, Marks & Spencer has partnered with Oxfam to recycle and sell second-hand clothing. You can donate clothing of any brand at the in-store donation points in M&S, and if you’re a Sparks Card holder, don’t forget to scan the QR code for a reward!
Since launching their partnership, the Shwop scheme has collected over 35 million items of clothing, contributing around £23 million to Oxfam’s vital work around the world. For more information on how your clothes will resold or recycled, visit the M&S Plan A sustainability page.
Where can I buy second-hand gear?
If you’re looking to refresh or add to your camping kit, but want to keep the costs down and shop more sustainably, consider checking out these second-hand sites that offer camping equipment to suit all tastes and needs.
Some second-hand marketplaces are managed by nonprofits, meaning not only are you saving these items from landfill, the money from your purchase will be put to good use helping people who most need it too. A win-win!
Barnardo’s
UK children’s charity Barnardo’s has an excellent online shop for new and second-hand camping goods and equipment, selling everything from tents, stoves and airbeds, and aqua shoes to… pickleball equipment! This is a great place to find a bargain, while also knowing that your purchase raises vital funds to support young people across the country.
North Face
North Face's scheme The Clothes Loop: Northface Renewed aims to reduce waste by repairing damaged goods for customers, helping to extend the life of an item. You can also buy second-hand and refurbished North Face goods from their 'renewed' outlet, often at a much lower price than buying brand new!
Decathlon
Decathlon's Second Life scheme offers discounted sports and outdoor equipment that has been marked in transit or picked up small, superficial scratches while being tested by customers. These products can’t be sold as new, but they’re still in great working order and make for an affordable choice.
Vango
Beloved outdoor brand Vango operates Camping Recycled, an online marketplace for ex-display and repaired stock at a discounted price. If you’re looking to replace an item, or perhaps are trying camping for the first time, this is a great way to try something new at a discounted price. The site stocks everything from awnings and tents to backpacks, folding chairs and clothing.
You can also explore second-hand and preloved sites like eBay, Vinted, Depop, and Facebook Marketplace.
I'm not ready to part with or replace my things yet – where can I repair my kit?
If your items are still in good condition but just have a small hole or show signs of wear and tear, don’t part with them just yet! There are a number of retailers who will make small repairs in store, or via a postal service.
Patagonia
Through Patagonia’s Worn Wear scheme, you can access repairs in store and digital repair guides to repair your items at home. In addition, Patagonia runs pop-up events in stores across the globe, selling second-hand and repaired items at a reduced price.
Find your nearest Patagonia store
Fjallraven
While Fjallraven is still exploring options for customers to buy second-hand or vintage goods, or rental items, it does have great online Care & Repair guides, helping to ensure your items get the maximum life span and you can continue to use them over and over on your adventures.
Berghaus
Berghaus offers a great repair service that's free – just pay for the cost of posting your item(s) to them. If Berghaus cannot repair your item, it will look for a replacement if it is still within warranty, or, with your permission, upcycle your item and give you 30% off your next purchase.
Rab
The Rab Aftercare & Repair service includes cleaning, repairs, new parts and the option to rent equipment too. Its service centre has been repairing items for over 40 years, and many of the original team still work there. Online, you’ll also find detailed guides and tutorials on how best to care for your items to ensure they endure all of your adventures.
We hope this guide inspires you to give camping equipment a new life!
To learn more about Pitchup’s approach to sustainability and explore more resources on how to be a sustainable camper head to our Sustainability Hub.
If you’re ready to book your next adventure, don’t forget to check out the sustainability related search filters such as sites powered by renewable energy, sites offering pick up from public transport (giving you the chance to leave your car at home!), or those with electric vehicle charging points.