Looking for slightly used packs and sleeping bags

PostedNov 9, 2013 at 11:33 am

My Wife and I are planning our first 1000+ plus backpacking trip next summer (SOBO on PCT from Ashland OR to Kennedy Meadows CA). I'm retired and on a tight budget. We also need to trim pack weight. We are looking for a med ULA Circuit pack and a Large ULA Catalyst pack.

In addition we are looking for a small lightweight 20 degree sleeping bag and a Large 30 degree bag or quilt. Hopefully something in the 1 lb range.

Any folks out there looking to sell some ultra light gear and want to help out an enthusiastic financially challenged older couple extend their backpacking years :) (we aren't that old as I'll be 59 and she is 57).

We have backpacked extensively over the past 15 years but I carried a monster pack (50 to 55 lbs, even on the JMT in 2010). Can't do it any longer. We are hoping to transition to ultra light and hopefully hike the PCT over the next 2 years. After that, who knows, hopefully the CDT or AT.

Thanks, John Herrin

Jake D BPL Member

PostedNov 9, 2013 at 12:32 pm

keep checking the Gear Swap below this.. stuff comes up all the time

Valerie E BPL Member

PostedNov 9, 2013 at 1:22 pm

I highly recommend that you re-post your original posting under "GearSwap" as a "WTB" (Want to Buy). I think you'll get any number of people offering to sell you stuff.

I would, however, recommend that you be more specific about your budget for each item, as well as your goal weight for each item. That way, people will (hopefully) only post "appropriate" items.

Also, start reading the GearSwap posts several times a day — the well-priced items can go rather quickly, so it's advisable to "get a jump" on things.

I believe you won't be disappointed.

Kenda Willey

PostedNov 9, 2013 at 1:39 pm

I agree with Valerie's post: Gearswap is a good place to look. I can testify as to how quickly good deals go–I sometimes take a peak at the forum while at work, and by the time I get home, the items have usually been snapped up.

Dustin Short BPL Member

PostedNov 9, 2013 at 2:14 pm

Gearswap for sure. Also other places to look (not so much cottage manufacturers but big names) would be geartrade.com. Lots of used gear sold on their for good prices (most comes from Backcountry.com returns, like an REI garage sale).

Also it's not ULA, but Six Moon Designs is clearing out their old inventory of backpacks that are well regarded. 40% off a new pack is a pretty nice deal.

Greg Yurkovich

PostedNov 9, 2013 at 9:04 pm

I agree but they would have to keep their pack weight down if they got one of these and therefore could cost a few bucks.

Dustin Short BPL Member

PostedNov 10, 2013 at 12:18 am

Good point! Sometimes I forget people are just starting their path to lighten up =)