A guide to giving outdoor gear a second life

Outdoor gear is made to last a long time, but even really good jackets, fleeces, and backpacks eventually stop getting used as much. Instead of throwing them away, there are three easy ways to give them a second life: donate, recycle, or repurpose them. This guide gives a quick overview so you can figure out what to do with your old gear.

1. Start with a quick gear check

Before you decide what to do, just take a moment to see what kind of condition everything is in.

• Good condition = someone else can use it straight away.
• Needs a small fix = a quick repair will make it usable again.
• Really damaged = too worn to donate, but still useful in other ways.

2. If it’s still useful: donate it

If your gear still works properly, donating is usually the best option.

Things that are normally fine to donate:

• Waterproof jackets, insulated jackets, fleeces
• Backpacks and daypacks
• Hiking trousers, base layers, gloves, hats
• Camping items like sleeping bags (if clean) or head torches

Where you can donate:

You don’t need to do anything complicated. Most places accept outdoor clothing as long as it’s clean and usable. Some good options:

• Local charity shops
• Community outdoor clubs or youth groups
• University hiking societies
• Winter shelters (for warm layers)
• Online “freecycle” or community giveaway groups

Quick checks before donating:

• Zips work
• No major rips or holes
• Waterproofs still bead water (or at least don’t leak badly)
• No strong odours: wash gently before giving away

3. If it’s too worn to donate: recycle it

Most outdoor gear is made from technical fibres like polyester and nylon. These don’t break down naturally, but they can be recycled if they’re sent to the right place.

Clothing recycling

Textile recycling banks accept:

• Old waterproof jackets
• Damaged fleeces
• Torn base layers
• Worn trousers

These are shredded and turned into things like insulation, carpet underlay, or new textile fibres.

Even if the item is ripped or stained, it’s still valuable because the fibre itself can be reused.

Tougher items

Backpacks, webbing, buckles, and metal fasteners can often be recycled separately:

• Metal parts go into metal recycling
• Webbing straps can be reused by craft or climbing groups
• Foam padding can be broken down or reused in pet bedding projects

Some outdoor brands and outdoor stores offer take-back schemes, but this varies, so it’s often easier to use local textile recycling points.

4. If it’s really worn-out: repurpose it

This part is actually really fun. Even gear that looks totally done still has lots of useful bits you can reuse.

Simple repurposing ideas (easy, no sewing skills required)

• Make cleaning cloths from old base layers or fleece
• Use damaged jackets as pillow stuffing for camping or van trips
• Turn frayed climbing rope into keychains, dog leads, or plant hangers
• Convert broken backpacks into repair material: straps, buckles, webbing
• Use old waterproof trousers as gardening or dog-walking layers
• Cut fleece into reusable “shop towels” for tools, bikes, and shoes

Outdoor fabrics are usually tough and weather-resistant, so they’re perfect for second uses around the house, garden, or on trips.

5. Don’t forget repairs: often the easiest “second life” of all

Repairing is the simplest way to extend a product’s lifespan. A few easy fixes:

• Patch small holes in down or insulated jackets with adhesive patches
• Reproof waterproof jackets to restore the DWR coating
• Replace broken buckles instead of replacing the whole pack
• Stitch loose seams on fleece or cotton layers

Repairs are usually cheap and quick, and they keep gear in use for way longer.

6. Why giving gear a second life matters

Outdoor gear uses strong materials and takes a lot of energy to make. By donating, recycling, repairing, or repurposing, you help reduce:

• textile waste
• CO₂ emissions from new production
• unnecessary landfill
• the need to buy new gear as often

And most importantly, someone else gets to enjoy time outside using something that might otherwise have been thrown away.