Quick Answer
To sell used camping gear, canoes and kayaks in Kingston, list them on Fliku, Kijiji or Facebook Marketplace, take paddling gear to a shop that handles used boats such as Frontenac Outfitters Canoe & Kayak Centre or Kingston Cottage Shop and Outfitters, and watch for Trailhead's annual Gear Swap, which accepts tents, packs, paddles, kayaks, canoes and skis. Play It Again Sports (500 Gardiners Rd) buys some outdoor gear on the spot. Clean everything, list in spring, and say exactly what is included.
Kingston sits between Lake Ontario, the Cataraqui River and the Rideau Canal, with Frontenac Provincial Park a short drive north. That makes it a natural place for campers and paddlers, and a good market for used gear. Tents, sleeping bags, stoves, packs, canoes, kayaks and paddleboards all change hands here every year. This guide covers where to sell, how to price and how to present gear so it sells quickly.
Where to Sell Used Camping and Paddling Gear in Kingston
| Where | Best for | How it works |
|---|---|---|
| Fliku | Tents, packs, stoves, bundles, boats | Free listing, you set the price and keep all of it |
| Kijiji (fishing, camping and outdoor section) | A large local audience, plus kayaks and canoes | Free basic listing |
| Facebook Marketplace | Quick sales and bundles | Free, with plenty of local buyers |
| Trailhead Gear Swap | Outdoor clothing, packs, tents, paddles, kayaks, canoes, skis, bikes | An annual community swap; check for the next dates |
| Frontenac Outfitters Canoe & Kayak Centre | Canoes, kayaks and paddleboards | Has a used section and has operated since 1984; ask whether it takes consignment |
| Kingston Cottage Shop and Outfitters | Canoes, kayaks and paddle boats | Sells new and used paddle craft; ask what it buys |
| Play It Again Sports, 500 Gardiners Rd | Smaller outdoor and sports gear | Buys quality used gear, pays on the spot |
Trailhead's Gear Swap is a community event where people drop off used outdoor clothing and equipment and the store sells it for them. In 2026 it was held on a Saturday in late May with drop-off the week before. Dates change each year, so check Trailhead's website in spring. It suits gear that is hard to sell online, such as technical clothing, packs and paddles.
What Sells Best
Quality brands and complete setups move fastest. Buyers searching for used camping gear are usually after a bargain on something they would otherwise pay full price for, so they want to see that it is clean and works.
- Tents: sell better when complete, with poles, stakes, a rainfly and the bag. Set it up in your yard, photograph it standing, and check for tears, mould and broken zippers.
- Sleeping bags and pads: state the temperature rating and whether it is down or synthetic. Wash them according to the label first.
- Packs: list the capacity in litres, the torso size and the condition of the zippers and straps.
- Stoves and cookware: test the stove, say which fuel it uses and include any regulators or adapters.
- Canoes, kayaks and paddleboards: state the length, weight, material and what is included, such as paddles, life jackets, spray skirts, roof racks and a cart.
- Coolers, chairs and camp furniture: sell in bundles; they are bulky and low value on their own.
How to Price Camping Gear
Used gear sells for far less than retail, and prices vary with brand, age and condition. A reasonable rule is a third to half of the retail price for gear in good shape, with premium brands at the upper end. Boats and large items usually hold value better than clothing and small accessories. Always check current Kijiji and Facebook Marketplace listings for the same model, and price slightly below the closest match if you want a quick sale.
| Item | What affects the price | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Tent | Brand, size, completeness, waterproofing | Set it up and photograph it standing |
| Sleeping bag | Rating, fill type, cleanliness | Wash it and state the temperature rating |
| Backpack | Brand, capacity, fit, condition | Photograph the straps and zippers |
| Stove and cookware | Brand, working condition | Test the stove and mention the fuel type |
| Kayak or canoe | Length, material, brand, condition | Include paddles, life jackets and racks |
| Paddleboard | Type, size, whether it is inflatable | Include the pump, fin and leash |
These are general guides, not fixed prices. For the broader approach, see how to price used items for a fast sale.
Prepare Your Gear for Sale
Camping gear that has been stored damp or dirty smells and looks worse than it is. A bit of preparation makes a real difference to the price.
Camping gear selling checklist
- Air out, clean and fully dry every item; mould and smells kill sales
- Set up tents and test stoves, lanterns and zippers
- Gather poles, stakes, manuals, repair kits and stuff sacks
- Photograph each item in daylight and show any wear or repairs
- Write down the brand, size, capacity or rating for every item
- Bundle small items, such as a cook kit or a full tent setup
- For boats, clean the hull and list paddles, racks and safety gear separately or together
Selling a Canoe or Kayak
Boats are bulky, so the audience is local and buyers usually inspect in person. Describe the boat honestly: length, width, weight, material, hull condition and any repairs. Photograph it from several angles, including the hull, the cockpit or seats, and the underside. Take a photo of any scratches or cracks. If it comes with accessories, list them: paddles, life jackets, spray skirt, roof rack, cradles and a cart. Buyers often want to know where it was stored, since sun exposure damages plastic and fibreglass.
Offer a short test at the meeting place if it is by the water, and have the buyer bring a vehicle that can carry it. For larger boats and motorized craft, see our guide to selling a boat in Kingston.
When to Sell
Demand peaks in spring, from April to June, when people start planning trips and paddling. Late summer is a decent second window, as some buyers look for end-of-season deals. Winter is slow for tents, boats and paddling gear, but you can list then if you price a little lower. Ski and winter camping gear sells best in fall; see our guide to selling ski and snowboard gear.
Safety When Meeting Buyers
Meet in a public place in daylight and bring a second person for larger sales. Accept cash or an e-transfer you can see in your own bank account, and do not let a buyer take a boat or expensive gear away to test it. Our guides to safe meetup spots and avoiding scams when selling locally cover the details.
Write a Listing That Gets Replies
Outdoor buyers search by brand and model, so lead with both. A title such as "MSR Hubba Hubba 2-person tent, excellent condition" is better than "camping tent". In the description, say how many seasons the gear has been used, how it was stored, and any repairs. If you have the original receipt or warranty information, mention it. Add the weight for tents, packs and boats, because buyers compare weight carefully. A short, clear list of what is included beats a long paragraph.
For bundles, photograph everything laid out together, then add a close-up of the main item. A full "weekend camping kit" with a tent, two sleeping bags, pads, stove and cookware can sell to a beginner in one go, and the buyer will often pay more for the convenience than they would for the items separately.
Winter and Specialty Camping Gear
Winter camping gear, such as four-season tents, cold-weather sleeping bags, snowshoes and insulated clothing, sells best in fall, when people are planning trips. Specialty items like backcountry stoves, water filters and bear canisters have a smaller but knowledgeable buyer pool, so describe them in detail and mention the model and age. Water filters and similar items have replacement parts or filter life, so say how old the filter is and whether it still works.
Fishing gear belongs in the same category of seasonal outdoor items. Rods, reels, tackle boxes and ice-fishing equipment sell well when listed in the right season, ice-fishing gear in late fall and open-water gear in spring.
Dealing With Lowball Offers
Outdoor gear attracts bargain hunters, and you will receive offers well below your asking price. Decide your lowest acceptable price before you list, and reply with it once. If someone insists on much less, let the conversation end. Bundle discounts are a good way to give a buyer a sense of winning without cutting your price on a single item: "$10 off if you take the tent and the sleeping bags together." It also helps you clear more gear at once.
Selling camping or paddling gear in Kingston?
List it free on Fliku and reach local campers and paddlers. No fees.
List Your Gear on FlikuFrequently Asked Questions
Where can I sell used camping gear in Kingston, Ontario?
You can sell used camping gear in Kingston on Fliku, Kijiji and Facebook Marketplace, at Trailhead's annual Gear Swap, or at Play It Again Sports (500 Gardiners Rd) for smaller outdoor gear. Online listings usually earn the most; the swap and the store are more convenient.
Where can I sell a used kayak or canoe in Kingston?
List it on Fliku, Kijiji or Facebook Marketplace, or ask Frontenac Outfitters Canoe & Kayak Centre or Kingston Cottage Shop and Outfitters whether they take used boats on consignment or trade. Include the length, material, condition and what is included, and photograph it from several angles.
What is the Trailhead Gear Swap in Kingston?
The Trailhead Gear Swap is an annual community event where people drop off used outdoor clothing and equipment, such as tents, packs, paddles, kayaks, canoes, bikes and skis, and Trailhead sells it for them. It was held in late May in 2026, so check Trailhead's website each spring for the next dates and terms.
How much is used camping gear worth?
A rough guide is a third to half of retail for gear in good condition, with premium brands near the top and older or worn items lower. Boats usually hold value better than clothing and small accessories. Check current local listings for the same model and price slightly below the closest match.
When is the best time to sell camping gear in Kingston?
Spring, roughly April to June, when people start planning trips. Late summer is a smaller second window. Winter is slow for tents and boats, so price a little lower if you list then.
