Upcoming Outdoor Gear Swaps & Sales in Minnesota

It’s so fun and rewarding to explore our beautiful state of Minnesota, both inside and outside. All four seasons offer such unique experiences!

However, outdoor gear can really make an impact on your budget if you’re not careful. You probably already know that buying gently used is an easy way to save, but just how do you borrow or buy used outdoor gear?

There are several outdoor gear swaps and sales coming up soon in Minnesota! Fall is the perfect time of year to assess what you have and decide if you want to get rid of items you no longer use and/or add some new-to-you items to your collection.

Fall 2024 Outdoor Swap Events

Hyland Ski & Snowboard Swap in Bloomington

The Hyland Ski & Snowboard Swap is a sale of new and used equipment. It takes place Friday – Sunday, October 25- 27 at the Hyland Hills main chalet in Bloomington.

Sellers register in advance and drop off their equipment with printed tags. (Note that if you are selling, there is a per-item fee to enter equipment into the sale.) Then shoppers visit and shop!

Visit the event website for more information and hours.

Team Duluth Ski & Snowboard Swap

This Team Duluth Ski Swap is the largest and oldest ski & snowboard swap in the Northland.

Visit the Spirit Mountain Lower Chalet in Duluth Friday – Sunday, October 25- 27. You’ll be able to purchase new and used skis, poles, snowboards, boots, helmets, and clothing.

If you want to sell your equipment, you’ll pay $3 per item and set your own price.

Other Upcoming Swaps

Ski Swap at Pinewski’s Ski and Board Shop in Anoka – Saturday, October 12 from 9 am – 4 pm

Ski Patrol Ski Swap at Olmsted County Fairgrounds in Rochester – Saturday, October 12

Ski Swap at Forest Lake High School – Saturday, October 26 from 8 am – 1 pm

Annual Equipment Swap at Powder Ridge in Kimball – Saturday, November 2 from 10 am – 4 pm

Ski & Snowboard Swap at Elm Creek Park Reserve in Maple Grove – Saturday, November 2 from 9 am – 3 pm

Como Park Ski Sale at Como Park Ski Center in St. Paul – TBD for Fall 2024

SPRING SWAPS:

Twin Cities Bicycling Club Swap Meet

Buy, sell, or donate new or used bicycling gear: ready-to-ride bikes; bicycle frames &
component parts, tag-a-longs & trailers, accessories, cycling clothing & shoes, bicycling books & videos, etc. No admission, fees, or commissions are required.

The 21st Annual TCBC Swap will be Saturday, April 6th 11am- 1pm at White Bear Lake High School – South Campus – 3551 McKnight Rd N, White Bear Lake, MN 55110. (enter at the Main Entrance).

Spring Gear Swap and Sale in Winona

Adventure lovers! Don’t let bad weather or lack of appropriate gear stop you from getting outside this year! Join us this spring at our next bi-annual Gear Swap at Curiosi-Tea House in Winona, MN. With all the stoke for an early spring, this is your chance to browse our selection of gently used outdoor gear and clothing. Make the most of your outdoor adventures!

The Gear Swap takes place Sunday, April 21, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Curiosi-Tea House 901 West 5th Street Winona, MN, 55987.

Outdoor Gear Swap in West St. Paul

The Outdoor Gear Swap is totally FREE and takes place Monday, April 22nd from 5 – 8 pm at Dakota Lodge in Thompson Park in West St. Paul.

Here’s how it works:

• Bring clean, usable items to the designated check-in area. Volunteers are available to help if needed.
• Sign a consent form, weigh your items, and answer a few questions at the check-in table.
• Take your items to the swap area.
• Place your items in the appropriately-categorized location.
• Browse for some new-to-you items that others have brought. Use the Try It Out area if needed.

This swap will include a wide variety of outdoor gear, including items for camping, skiing/snowboarding, biking, and hiking.

The Great Gear-Up & Gather at St. Paul Brewing

Paddle Bridge is collaborating with Saint Paul Brewing for use of their space and we are excited for the opportunity to build community around getting outside. Friends can browse (or sell!) with beer in hand, learn about partner organizations at booths, and take a break inside or on the patio until the auction kicks off. 

There will be a dedicated area for a trunk gear sale with an adjoining boat auction site. Gear sale items are not strictly paddling – we welcome any gently used or new equipment you are looking to rehome.

The Great Gear-Up & Gather is taking place on Sunday, April 28, 2024 from 12 to 5:00 pm at the St. Paul Brewing courtyard and patio.

Other Places to Get Used Outdoor Gear

If you can’t make it to one of these swaps and sales, no worries! There are several other ways to save on outdoor gear. Check Kristi’s post on Two Great Stores for Gently Used Outdoor Gear for a couple of options.

Other ideas:

Play It Again Sports
Yes, Play It Again Sports sells a lot of sports gear, but they also will buy and sell used outdoor gear including ski and snowboard equipment, winter outerwear, camping and climbing gear, and more. There are 13 Play It Again Sports locations in Minnesota.

Geartrade
Buy and sell new and used outdoor gear online in this marketplace. You can send Geartrade your gear and have them list and price everything for you, or you can price and list it yourself.