Make room for new adventures, plus get MEC credit to make them happen. Bring your lightly used gear to our Gear Swap Trade-In Event at MEC Vancouver. You'll earn credit towards your next favourite piece of gear.
When
August 28-30 11am - 7pm
Where
111 2nd Ave East
How to trade in your secondhand gear
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Gather your gear Bring in clean, functional gear you no longer need.
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Check eligibility before you visit Each item must meet our condition standards and fall within accepted categories.
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Bring your gear to MEC Vancouver Visit during designated trade-in days and hours.
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Get MEC credit Receive MEC credit that can be redeemed in-store or online.
How gear trade-in and MEC credit works
Our gear trade in program accepts used outdoor clothing and gear that is clean, in good condition and still functions perfectly. We focus mainly on brands we carry at MEC, however the Gear Swap Trade-In Event is open to all high-quality gear that meets our eligibility criteria. Gear intake and assessments are left up to our experts. We may choose not to accept an item if it is deemed unsafe, in non-resalable condition or if it doesn’t fit within our inventory.
Pro tip: Double check this page before you head to the event to make sure your gear checks all the boxes for resale.
Clothing
- Men’s, women’s and children’s clothing
- Jackets, fleece, vests and outerwear
- Technical/sportswear bottoms and shirts
Footwear
- Climbing, hiking, running and mountaineering footwear
Packs and luggage
- Backpacks, daypacks, carry-ons, duffle bags, hydration vests and hip packs
Camp gear
- Tents and shelters
- Sleeping bags
- Sleeping pads
- Camp chairs, tables and hammocks
- Cookware
- Coolers and food storage
- Trekking poles
- Headlamps, lanterns and flashlights
- Binoculars and monoculars
Watersports
- Dry bags
- Paddles
- Wetsuits and drysuits
Snowsports
- Snowshoes
Final MEC credit compensation for gear trade-ins is assessed in-store. MEC trade-in items are not entitled to cash compensation.
Items not eligible for trade-in
- Items outside our accepted categories
- Worn-out or end-of-life gear — items that have reached or exceeded their practical lifespan
- Hazardous and consumable items — bear spray, food, camp stoves and fuel
- Products — face masks, undergarments (including swimwear, bike chamois, underwear, and bras), water filters, water bladders and bottles
- Electronics — GPS devices, cameras, bike trainers, watches, and heart rate monitors
- Used children's gear — child trailers, bike seats, and carriers; children's clothing in less than perfect condition
- Safety-critical gear — ropes, harnesses, helmets (climbing, cycling, snow sports, paddling), slings, quickdraws, ice tool leashes, throw bags, tow lines, PFDs and beacons
FAQ's
Do I need to make an appointment?
Do I need to make an appointment?
No appointment needed! Simply arrive with your gear within the gear trade-in hours outlined above. MEC Vancouver's Gear Swap Trade-In Event operates on a first-come, first-served basis so plan your timing accordingly.
How long does the evaluation take?
How long does the evaluation take?
This depends on how much gear you are bringing in and how technical the gear is. If the expert decides they need to look more closely at your gear to evaluate its condition, this might take a little longer. For instance, evaluating a tent would take longer than evaluating a pair of shoes. If our experts are already pretty busy, evaluation wait times may take longer.
Can I trade in without buying anything?
Can I trade in without buying anything?
Yes. There is no purchase required for our trade-in program.
Can I use my MEC credit online?
Can I use my MEC credit online?
Yes, the MEC credit you receive as compensation can be redeemed online.
What brands do you accept?
What brands do you accept?
We focus mainly on the brands we sell, however, the Trade-in Event is open to all high-quality gear that meets our eligibility criteria.
Can I swap my gear for an item of equal value in the store instead of receiving the credit compensation?
Can I swap my gear for an item of equal value in the store instead of receiving the credit compensation?
No. Compensation is only available in the form of MEC credit, but you’re welcome to use your credit at any MEC store, including online at mec.ca.
What happens if I would like to ‘buy back’ the gear that I traded-in?
What happens if I would like to ‘buy back’ the gear that I traded-in?
All swaps are final. We cannot guarantee that your gear will remain in inventory.
Terms and conditions
- Only items that meet the current MEC Gear Swap eligibility criteria will be accepted.
- All items must be lawfully owned by the person trading them in.
- Acceptance, valuation, and resale suitability of all products are determined solely by MEC. Not all items will be accepted, even if they meet eligibility criteria. All assessments, acceptance decisions, and valuations are final. Valuations may not reflect general estimates.
- All trade-ins are final and cannot be reversed.
- Compensation is issued only as MEC credit. No cash or cash equivalents will be provided. Credit is subject to MEC’s gift card terms at www.mec.ca/giftcard
