Why You Should Never Donate These 5 Outdoor Gear Items

When it comes to outdoor gear, safety is paramount. While donating used equipment helps others access the outdoors more affordably, some items should never be handed down or bought second-hand. Wear, age or an unknown history can compromise performance, and older models may fall short of current safety standards. Clothing, backpacks and non-essential accessories in good condition are generally safe to share, but when it comes to life-saving equipment, the rule is simple: upcycle or retire it responsibly. Here are five pieces of gear to think twice about before passing them down or buying them second-hand.
Life Jackets and Inflatable Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)

Both traditional life jackets and inflatable PFDs can degrade over time due to age or improper storage, leading to a loss of buoyancy. Prolonged sun exposure weakens the fabric and straps, and constant exposure to water can lead to mildew and salt buildup, further degrading the fabric and foam. Small punctures in inflatable chambers might be hard to detect but can cause failure when inflated, and frayed or stretched straps can prevent the PFD from securing properly. Because there’s no reliable way to ensure the safety of used PFDs without thorough testing, purchasing these new is the safer choice.
Since branded recycling programs for PFDs aren’t available yet, consider donating your old life jackets to local boating clubs for demonstration purposes or get crafty by using the fabric to sew a washbag or small daypack, incorporating the buckle as a functional closure. Save the whistle and attach it to a cord for a useful accessory on your next hike.
Helmets

Whether you’re climbing, cycling, skiing or snowboarding, helmets are crucial for protecting your head from serious impact injuries. Typically constructed with expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam, which compresses upon impact to absorb shock, helmets are designed for a single impact. Even if a helmet looks undamaged on the outside, it may have hairline cracks in the outer shell and foam or internal structural issues that can compromise its effectiveness. Exposure to UV rays and extreme temperatures can further degrade materials, which is why most manufacturers recommend replacing helmets every three to five years to account for material fatigue even if no major impact has occurred.
Since most recycling programs and thrift stores don’t accept helmets due to their mixed materials, you’ll need to deconstruct them. Separate the plastic shell for recycling, break up the EPS foam to use as packing material and either dispose of or repurpose the buckle. Alternatively, old helmets can be upcycled into hanging planters, bringing a fun and functional element to your home or garden.
Avalanche Safety Gear

Designed to save lives in critical moments following an avalanche, beacons, probes and shovels rely on flawless performance in high-pressure situations. Purchasing these second-hand poses significant risks to their reliability and effectiveness.
Beacons, for example, can suffer from drops, water exposure or improper storage, damaging the internal electronics. If previous owners left batteries in place during long periods of inactivity, corrosion could affect internal components. Additionally, older beacons may lack advanced features, such as Bluetooth connectivity and group check functions, as technology evolves rapidly. Worn joints or locking systems on probes, along with weakened materials in shovels from repeated use or extreme conditions, can cause failure when you need them most.

Probes can be repurposed as garden stakes for plants or flowers, while shovels make great digging tools for gardening projects. And until January 31, 2025, ORTOVOX is offering a 30 per cent discount on their new Ortovox Diract Voice when you trade in your old transceiver, regardless of its brand. This discount can be applied to both in-store and online purchases.
Technical Footwear
Whether you’re tackling uneven trails, scaling icy peaks or carving down ski slopes, used boots can undermine fit and performance, jeopardizing the support and protection your feet need. As boots break in, they mold to the original owner’s foot shape, making it unlikely they’ll conform properly to anyone else. This mismatch can lead to discomfort, painful blisters and poor support.

Hidden wear and tear is another risk, as degraded midsole cushioning reduces shock absorption and stability, while worn treads compromise traction and safety.
Zero Waste Box offers a convenient way to recycle sandals, boots, shoes and heels, and you’ll need to purchase a box for shipping your used footwear. The materials are then repurposed into products like outdoor furniture, storage bins and flooring tiles.
Harnesses

Harnesses are the cornerstone of a climber’s safety system, built to secure you during ascents and descents. While they’re crafted from lightweight and durable materials, time and exposure can take their toll. Sunlight gradually weakens the nylon or polyester fibres in the webbing, with high-stress areas like tie-in loops and belay loops especially prone to wear. Stitching, essential for load bearing, can also degrade or unravel over time, particularly when subjected to abrasion or moisture, further compromising the harness’s integrity.

Even with diligent care and proper storage, manufacturers recommend replacing them roughly every five years if used occasionally to ensure safety and performance. For an upcycling option, consider cutting off the belay loop and repurposing the waistband to organize gear like ropes, descenders and carabiners.