Give Your Gear a Second Life: How the Arrampica! Gear Exchange Works

If you are looking for a reliable, sustainable used outdoor gear marketplace designed specifically for climbers and mountain lovers, you’ve come to the right place.

Exchange.Arrampica.eu was created to give a second life to climbing shoes, outdoor apparel, crash pads, and non-safety accessories. Our goal is to reduce waste and make mountain sports more accessible—without cutting corners on safety or compromising on ethics.

Below, you’ll find how it works, what you can trade (and what you can’t), and why this choice is a key part of our circular climbing philosophy.

The marketplace’s homepage

What is Arrampica Gear Exchange and why was it born?

Arrampica Gear Exchange is a free community marketplace created to promote sustainability in the outdoors. It allows you to trade non-safety equipment—such as shoes, clothing, and backpacks—to reduce environmental impact. It is a self-managed space for the community to give value to usable gear, keeping climbing accessible and eco-friendly.

In short: less gear sitting in closets, more useful life for products, and more conscious consumer choices.

What you can (and cannot) trade: Safety First

One of the most frequent questions we get is: “Can I sell anything?” The answer is no—and that is a very deliberate choice.

At Arrampica Exchange, we clearly distinguish between:

  • Soft gear / lifestyle gear → Yes, tradable.

  • PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) → No, never.

This line isn't a limitation: it’s our strength. Safety is non-negotiable, especially when the integrity of a product cannot be verified by a simple visual inspection.

Posting rules and Terms of Use

From Shoes to Crash Pads: Allowed Items

What you can find (and post) on our used climbing marketplace:

  • Used climbing shoes (honestly described, ideally resoleable).

  • Second-hand outdoor clothing (pants, jackets, technical layers).

  • Used bouldering crash pads.

  • Used hiking backpacks.

  • Training accessories (hangboards, holds, resistance bands).

  • Outdoor lifestyle accessories (tote bags, chalk bags, small items).

These are all items that can live for a second or third season without putting anyone at risk.

💡 Tip: If a shoe is worn out, state it clearly. Transparency is a pillar of sustainability.

Why won’t you find used ropes or harnesses on Arrampica Exchange?

Because we care about your life. Literally.

Ropes, harnesses, quickdraws, carabiners, and belay devices are PPE: even if they "look fine," it’s impossible to verify their internal integrity, usage history, or exposure to critical factors (falls, UV rays, chemicals).

International guidelines—such as those from the UIAA—are clear: PPE has a limited lifespan and should not be traded between private individuals. Like a good climbing partner, Arrampica! prefers to say "no" today rather than expose you to a risk tomorrow.

For your safety, ropes, harnesses, and quickdraws should always be purchased new. 👉 Discover our technical selection at arrampica.shop and climb with a clear mind.

Is buying used gear truly sustainable?

Yes—if done right. Choosing second-hand outdoor gear or used climbing shoes:

  • Reduces demand for new production.

  • Lowers your environmental footprint.

  • Extends the life cycle of materials.

It’s even better when combined with repairs, resoling, and proper product care. Sustainability isn't just about what you buy; it's about how you use it over time.

How to post your first ad in 4 simple steps

Joining the Exchange is easy. Doing it right is even easier.

  1. Clear, Realistic Photos: Use natural light, multiple angles, and show details of wear or defects. No "tricky" filters.

  2. Honest Description: Write as if you were talking to a climbing partner. Include size, condition, years of use, and any repairs made.

  3. Fair Price: This isn't eBay. A fair price facilitates the exchange and strengthens the community.

  4. Keep it Updated: Sold? Mark it. No longer available? Remove it. Mutual respect is key.

arrampica! Gear Exchange sidebar

Is it a marketplace or a community?

It’s both. Arrampica! Gear Exchange isn’t just about "selling used mountain gear." It’s about:

  • Trust

  • Education

  • Shared Responsibility

Every ad tells a story and contributes to a different idea of outdoor consumption: slower, more conscious, and more human.

Start with what you already have

If you have gear sitting in your closet—shoes, a backpack, a crash pad—give it a second life. If you are looking for a new piece of gear, check the Exchange first.

👉 Join the Arrampica Gear Exchange community

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From Gym to Crag: What You Really Need for Sport Climbing (and What to Leave at Home)

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Built to Last: Why Durable Climbing Gear is the Best Investment