The Challenge: go an entire year buying UnNew goods except for food and medical supplies. The idea is daunting, but now, more than ever before there are more opportunities to buy and sell pre-loved things. It’s exciting, watching the seeds of a normalized second-hand economy firmly take root—this may be a game-changing moment in consumerist history, and I want a front row seat when it all blooms.
Buying pre-loved gear is the most sustainable way to kit yourself out, and the best way to support Mama Earth as you wander her rapidly warming canyons and tundras in search of magical ice.
Safety, though, is paramount when ice climbing, and it’s helpful to know what pieces of gear are ok to buy second-hand, and what should be prioritized to buy brand-new. In talking with veterans in the field, we’ve put together a breakdown, with some helpful tips on what to look for when soliciting used pieces.
If you ever ski the backcountry, one of the best things you can do is read the avalanche report from your local avalanche center every day—not just on the days you go out touring. (Although it’s mandatory on those days!)Within the avalanche report, you’ll find not only valuable information about what’s safe, what isn’t, and how it’s trending over time—you’ll also get insightful clues about where the softest snow is. When it’s time to plan a tour of your own, you can look at the avalanche report and recent observations to compile an ascent route and descent route that will be as safe as possible.
If you love talking gear, you’re in the right neck of the woods. Especially during the winter season, we get pretty amped up about our favorite brands, especially when they have a decadent supply of gently used, sample, and surplus gear listed on Geartrade at the moment.
Ahh, the winter wonderland, a muffled landscape of snowy trails and slopes. Resplendent in white, untouched by man… well, until we start showing up in droves to recreate. But just like in the summer, there are steps we can take to keep the winter wilderness wild by adhering to the Leave No Trace Winter Use Principles of backcountry travel and recreation.