REI Co-op Used Gear Trade-In

REI runs a used gear program where members can trade in outdoor equipment for store credit and buy refurbished items at a discount. The program creates a secondary market that makes quality outdoor gear accessible to people who can't justify $300 for a new rain jacket. I bought a used Patagonia Nano Puff for $90 that would have cost $200 new. Condition was near-perfect, with only a small mark on the sleeve I would have made myself within a week. Trade-in credit is usually 20-40% of the original price. Items are inspected, cleaned, and graded by condition before going back on the site. REI's co-op membership costs $30 for life, and the used gear program is one of the member benefits that justifies the fee. But selection is unpredictable because it depends on what other members trade in. Popular items in common sizes sell out quickly. The program extends the life of gear built to last. That circular model aligns with what outdoor companies say about sustainability better than most of their marketing does.