Even though the weather in Ohio changes in a moments notice we have two main groups in the store.
Warm Weather Activities
April through September
Cool Weather Activities
October through March
What We‘re Actively Buying at Trailhead Trader
We‘re passionate about bringing the highest quality used outdoor gear to our community, offering adventure at a fair price. Our new outright purchase model means we‘re carefully curating our inventory, seeking top-tier items in excellent condition.
General Guidelines for All Gear:
Condition is Key: All items must be gently used, clean, and in excellent working order. This means no significant rips, tears, broken zippers, missing parts, excessive wear, or strong odors. Please wash and clean all items thoroughly before bringing them in or sending photos.
Age Matters: We are primarily looking for gear that is less than 8 years old. This helps ensure functionality, safety standards, and relevance in the current outdoor market.
Quality Brands: We focus on reputable, performance-oriented outdoor brands known for durability and functionality.
Ready for Re-Adventure: Gear should be ready for its next owner to take it straight onto the trail, river, or mountain.
Specific Categories & Examples of What We're Looking For:
Apparel and Outerwear
Technical Jackets
Rain shells, insulated jackets (down and synthetic), hardshells, softshells.
Examples: Patagonia, Arc’teryx, The North Face, Outdoor Research, Marmot, Mountain Hardwear, Mammut.
Mid-Layers and Fleeces
Performance fleece jackets, technical hoodies.
Examples: Patagonia Synchilla or R1, Arc’teryx Atom or Kyanite, Melanzana (if in excellent shape), Smartwool, Icebreaker.
Base Layers
Merino wool or synthetic base layer tops and bottoms.
Examples: Smartwool, Icebreaker, Patagonia Capilene, Helly Hansen.
Hiking Pants and Shorts
Durable, quick drying, convertible pants.
Examples: Prana, Columbia, REI Co-op, Outdoor Research, KUHL, DUER.
Technical Shirts
Wicking t-shirts, sun shirts (long sleeve).
Examples: Patagonia, Columbia, Outdoor Research, REI Co-op.
Swimwear (Technical)
For watersports like paddling.
Camping and Backpacking Gear
Tents
Lightweight 1 to 4 person tents, complete with poles, stakes, and rainfly. No mildew, tears, or broken zippers.
Examples: MSR, Big Agnes, NEMO, REI Co-op, Zpacks, Hyperlite Mountain Gear.
Sleeping Bags
Down or synthetic, specified temperature ratings, clean and well lofted. No strong odors or matted insulation.
Examples: Western Mountaineering, Feathered Friends, Marmot, NEMO, Enlightened Equipment, REI Co-op.
Sleeping Pads
Inflatable (no leaks) or closed cell foam pads.
Examples: Therm-a-Rest, NEMO, Big Agnes, Sea to Summit.
Camping Stoves and Cookware
Portable backpacking stoves (gas or liquid fuel), lightweight pots, pans, and utensils.
Examples: Jetboil, MSR, Snow Peak, Optimus, GSI Outdoors.
Headlamps and Lanterns
Functional, good battery life.
Examples: Black Diamond, Petzl, Fenix, Coast.
Trekking Poles
Functional locks, good tips, intact grips.
Examples: Black Diamond, Leki, MSR.
Footwear (Hiking and Trail Running)
Hiking Boots and Shoes
Excellent tread life, clean uppers, intact laces and hardware.
Examples: Salomon, Merrell, Keen, Hoka, Altra, Oboz, La Sportiva, Vasque.
Trail Running Shoes
Good tread, minimal wear, clean.
Examples: Hoka, Altra, Salomon, Brooks.
Socks (New or Like New)
High quality hiking or running socks.
Examples: Darn Tough, Smartwool, Balega.
Backpacks and Bags
Hiking Daypacks
15L to 35L, clean, all zippers and buckles functional.
Examples: Osprey, Deuter, Gregory, The North Face, Patagonia, REI Co-op, Topo Designs.
Overnight or Multi-Day Packs
40L to 70L, internal frame, clean, no rips or broken components.
Examples: Osprey, Gregory, Deuter, Arc’teryx, ULA Equipment, Gossamer Gear.
Hydration Packs and Reservoirs
Clean, no leaks, functional bite valves.
Examples: CamelBak, Osprey, Platypus.
Travel Packs and Duffels
Durable, adventure ready travel bags.
Examples: Patagonia Black Hole, Osprey Transporter, Cotopaxi Allpa.
Climbing Gear (Non Life Critical)
Climbing packs: smaller packs designed for climbing.
Chalk bags: clean.
Approach shoes: excellent condition.
Crash pads: please inquire first for large items.
Note: Due to safety and liability, we do not purchase used life critical climbing gear such as ropes, harnesses, carabiners, belay devices, protection, or helmets.
Paddling and Water Sports
PFDs (Personal Flotation Devices): clean, good condition, no rips or major fading.
Paddling apparel: dry tops and bottoms, wetsuits (clean, good condition).
Paddles: kayak or canoe paddles in good usable condition.
Note: Please inquire about larger items like kayaks or paddleboards first.
Items for consignment must be clean and ready for display when dropped off. A $10 cleaning fee per item will be charged for any gear that requires cleaning.
What We Typically Do NOT Purchase:
- Items with significant wear, holes, rips, broken components, or strong odors.
- Cotton apparel (jeans, t-shirts, sweatshirts not designed for performance outdoor use).
- Heavily worn footwear with little tread left or damaged uppers.
- Expired or open food/fuel items.
- Climbing ropes, harnesses, helmets, or other life-critical safety equipment.
- Bike components, skis, snowboards, or firearms (unless specifically advertised during seasonal events).
- Heavily stained or mildewed items.
- Items that are older than 8 years.
- Basic, low-quality, or big-box store brand items not known for outdoor performance.
