Cheap Backpacks and Travel Clothes – Tips for Thifting!

There’s nothing better than the feeling of stumbling across that great travel item at an absolute steal price.

But sometimes even I can get a bit carried away. I’ve picked up a few things from yard sales that I should have left there (e.g. the infamous 2004 yard sale fake tan lotion that turned my legs green).

I’ve learned from my mistakes though, and I’m here to help you with your thrifting adventures. Here is the buy/avoid list for thrifting.

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Thrift Buy – Used Backpacks, Travel Clothes, and Shoes

Backpacks – Absolutely buy.

Check it over first for any busted seams or threading coming loose. This might be repaired at a tailor or shoe repair shop, but it will cost you. You also don’t want any molding in the material (it will have a distinct smell if it does). Also, try the backpack on before you buy. It doesn’t matter how cheap it is, it will still hurt like heck if it doesn’t fit properly.

Places to buy: Ebay, yard sales, craigslist, thrift stores. (Tip: set a search notification on craigslist for the brand you like. Top brands will often show up for a fraction of the cost.)

To clean: Wipe any dust off with a wet rag. Then wipe down the inside with some rubbing alcohol to disinfect it. I also like to air a pack out in the sun for a day.

 

Travel clothes – Yes please.

Of course, make sure they fit and that they’re in good condition.

Places to purchase: Yard sales during the summer. Ebay is a great place to buy a grouping or “lot” of travel clothes, because they’re a high-value item and light-weight for shipping. For purchasing clothes online, either know your size in a particular brand or double-check the measurements.

To clean: Almost all clothes geared toward travel can be washed, but check the tags on the clothing to make sure. Then go by the instructions on the tag.

Shoes – Hiking and running shoes can be expensive, and you can find some great deals at thrift stores and yard sales. If you go thrifting, take a pair of travel/hiking socks with you to use when you try on shoes. It will keep your footsies clean and give you a better idea of the fit of the shoe.

Places to purchase: My last pair of travel shoes came from Ebay, brand new, at about a 40% savings – a great option if you know which kind of shoe you’re looking for. Otherwise, hit the yard sales and thrift stores for the best deals.

To clean: It depends on what type of shoe it is. I’ve been known to throw tennis shoes in the washer on cold and let them air dry. You can also wipe down the inside of the shoe with alcohol. (Some have suggested disinfecting wipes from the store, but I haven’t tried this yet). Then let them air dry in the sun for a day.

Thrift Don’t Buy

Sunscreen lotion – Arg! I no longer touch sunscreen at yard sales, even if they’re sealed. It turns out the chemical compound in sunscreen changes over time and is no longer as effective after the expiration date. It also turns out that if you give this old sunscreen to your friends on an overseas trip, they will get badly sunburned (sorry!). This is one item to make sure you get in date.

Thrift Maybe Buy

Converters/Adapters – Believe it or not, we run across a ton of these at yard sales and liquidation sales. Many times they will be new and in packaging. The problem here is that you really can’t test out an adapter before you leave the US. So look it over and make sure it doesn’t have any water damage, etc. I have bought adapters from sales to use as backups on a trip. And they were still in package. Ironically enough, every electrical item we’ve bought thrifting has worked overseas….it’s been the items we’ve bought from stores that have been defective. Crazy.

Compression Bags – The problem with these is that the plastic can become brittle over time. Make sure they’re relatively new if you purchase them and that the plastic is flexible. You can wipe them out with a washcloth and then with alcohol and let air dry.

Best of luck with your thrifting! What’s the best bargain you’ve gotten on travel gear?