1. Gather your gear Bring in clean, functional gear you no longer need.

2. Check eligibility before you visit Each item must meet our condition standards and fall within accepted categories.

3. Bring your gear to the MEC Gear Swap store Visit during designated trade-in days and hours.

4. Get MEC credit Receive MEC credit that can be redeemed in-store or online.

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 MEC Gear Swap store is open to all high-quality gear that meets our eligibility criteria. Gear intake and assessments are left up to our MEC Gear Swap 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 MEC Gear Swap store 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 Gear Swap trade-in items are not entitled to cash compensation. 

• 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
• Hygiene 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

1. Check out our list of repair services
2. Bring your gear into MEC Gear Swap repairs counter 
Make sure to visit during designated repairs days and hours, outlined above.
3. Get your gear evaluated by one of our experts 
Our experts will determine if we can complete your repair and how fast we can do it.

• If your repair is simple (will take under 10 minutes) and we have the time we will complete your repair on the spot.
• If your repair is more difficult and we are busy, you may have to come back at a designated time to pick up your gear when it’s finished.

At this time we can offer the following:

• Zipper slider replacement and other related zipper small parts repairs  Buckles 
• Small self-adhesive patch jobs on jackets, sleeping bags, tents, etc. 
• Tent pole restringing* 
• Tent pole splints 
• Footwear rivet repair

No appointment needed! Simply arrive with your gear within the gear trade-in hours outlined above. MEC Gear Swap store services operate on a first-come, first-served basis so plan your timing accordingly. 

This depends on how much gear you are bringing in and how technical the gear is. Generally, the evaluation should take 10-15 minutes. 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.

Yes. There is no purchase required for our trade-in program.

Yes, the MEC credit you receive as compensation can be redeemed online. 

We focus mainly on the brands we sell, however, the MEC Gear Swap program is open to all high-quality gear that meets our eligibility criteria. 

No. Compensation is only available in the form of MEC credit, but you’re welcome to use your credit on anything in the MEC Gear Swap store.

In-store at an MEC location, in the MEC Gear Swap store or online at mec.ca. 

All swaps are final. We cannot guarantee that your gear will remain in inventory.