How to Host a Clothing and Hiking Gear Swap (and save on waste!)

Looking for a fun, sustainable way to refresh your wardrobe and outdoor gear? Hosting a clothing and hiking gear swap is an eco-friendly way to reduce waste, save money, and connect with like-minded adventurers. It is a chance to get rid of gear you don’t fit, need or use that is still in excellent shape rather than storing it until it is old, useless and nothing more than landfill.

Why Host a Swap?

Fast fashion and mass-produced gear contribute significantly to environmental degradation. Textiles account for a large portion of landfill waste, and producing new clothing and gear consumes vast amounts of water and energy. By swapping, you give old items a second life, reduce the demand for new products, and lower your carbon footprint. It’s also free and good quality hiking and outdoor gear is NOT, so this is a chance to score something “new to you” without spending extra cash.

1. Plan the Event

First, decide on the scale of your swap. Will it be a small, intimate gathering of friends or a larger community event? Choose a venue that suits the size—this could be a backyard, local park, or community centre. Set a date and time and send invitations through social media or email. RSVPs are a good idea too so you can plan to have snacks or drinks for your crew.

2. Set Guidelines

To keep the swap organised, establish guidelines for what to bring. Request gently used, clean items in good condition. For clothing, ask participants to bring outdoor wear like jackets, hiking pants, and base layers. For hiking gear, suggest items like backpacks, boots, and camping essentials. Encourage participants to label any specialised gear with sizes or functions to make it easier to swap.

3. Organise the Swap

On the day of the event, organise the items by category—clothing, footwear, backpacks, and gear—so participants can easily browse. Provide tables or blankets for display and consider having a “free-for-all” area for smaller items like socks, hats, or gloves.You may want to use a token system – one item for one item, or you may just want people to take whatever they like with the goal being nothing going to waste. Look for cheap or free coat hangers from your local thrift store and you may want to put a call out for people to bring clothing racks with them to make it easier as well.

4. Make It Fun

Turn the swap into a social event! Provide snacks, drinks, or music to create a relaxed atmosphere. You could even host a mini fashion show or share hiking stories to engage participants. Encourage people to connect over their gear and outdoor experiences. Take photos and share them, with permission, on your social medias. It is a great way to encourage other people to hold their own swap events.

5. Encourage Sustainability

Use the swap as an opportunity to raise awareness about sustainability. Share tips on reducing clothing waste, choosing eco-friendly outdoor gear, and how to repair or upcycle items. You could invite a guest speaker from a local environmental organisation or provide informational flyers on sustainable living. You may want to have a sewing machine set up for repairs or hemming.

6. Donate Leftover Items

After the swap, there may be items left over. Arrange to donate any unclaimed items to a local charity, outdoor club, or homeless shelter. This ensures nothing goes to waste and that your event has a lasting positive impact on the community.

7. Repeat and Inspire

If your swap is a success, consider making it a regular event! Seasonal swaps—such as winter gear in the fall or lightweight hiking gear in the spring—can keep your community engaged and make sustainable practices a habit. Encourage others to host their own swaps and spread the word about reducing waste through sharing.

Hosting a clothing and hiking gear swap is a fantastic way to refresh your wardrobe, connect with your community, and help protect the planet. By reusing and recycling gear, you reduce waste and promote a more sustainable outdoor lifestyle. So, gather your friends, plan your swap, and take a small but impactful step towards a waste free future.