Since the wife collects certain types of pottery and I had a lot of spare time while a house husband I got into the habit of visiting charity shops and am constantly amazed at what people donate. I restrict my purchases to "as new" stuff and have found all sorts of treasures. They are really worth the effort to visit on a regular basis and get known for by the staff. In the last 2 months I have had
Still boxed Vango Mk 2 LW tent £25 (never used)
Issue (not seconds) Pro Boots GTX still with tags on £30
Buffalo Mountain shirt £4
Trangia 27 £5
Karrimor KSB Trainers £3
Infact If I listed everything I'd be here all day, Zippos for 50p a pop, British Lightweight Trousers, £2, a Alligator brand double layer Ventile jacket £5 (that was a few years back to be honest from the lost property shop that used to be in a cellar at Manchester Victoria, now sadly no more). new Goretex jackets, Buffalo Mtn Jacket, unused Karrimor rucksacks for all three kids, vast numbers of pollartec fleece jackets and shirts, all sorts. It would seem a lot of folk dabble in the outdoors then get rid of the kit after its been sitting in a cupboard for a few years. Its got to the stage that I turn my nose up at stuff if theres so much as a chip of paint off of a zip!
This isn't intended as boasting and I lot I find gets passed on to family and friends of the right size rather than keep myself but it's a really good idea to cultivate a relationship with your local shops. Big chains like Oxfam do tend to be the most expensive. One thing to beware is buying stuff that needs a part or professional repair. It often costs you more than you forked out for the item in the first place. I picked up a used Wild Country Mtn Quasar for £10, complete and no holes but the ends of the poles were split (gaffa taped up) and the cost of replacing them was extortionate so I gave it to the eldest to play in.
ATB
Tom
