Gear Cache Tier System
Because the gear we carry is so dang solid, it can go through quite a bit of cosmetic abuse before it stops performing like it should. We will make sure the gear you buy from us meets your expectations and functions as designed, regardless of whether it's new or used. That's why we've come up with a 4 tier rating system for our used gear; Admired, Liked, Loved and Adored.
All items that were once part of our rental fleet will be numbered with black sharpie on the inside, regardless of condition. If you have further questions, feel free to check our Gear Cache page, or contact us! Also, keep in mind our return policy is different for Used gear!
Practically new, likely never worn outside, just left alone and admired. Recent gear (within the last 5 years), preferably with tags.
Light outdoor use, only worn a few times. Recent gear (within the last 5 years), with very light wear.
Substantial outdoor use, probably about a season, and clear evidence that someone has loved this gear. Worn enough to be undoubtedly "second-hand."
Someone has clearly adored this gear. Significantly broken in, showing multiple seasons worth of wear. May have small broken or missing parts, but nothing that detracts from the original functionality of the gear.
Apparel
These are descriptions of what may be present at each tier level, as well as a guarantee of what will not be present.
Tier 1 - Admired
Close to new - only used once or twice and likely not outside.
NO: stains, patches, broken zippers, matted material, down-less spots in puffys, fading etc.
Tier 2 - Liked
Very light use: some fading, small markings, minor stains, minor scuffing, minor linting, minor discoloration.
NO: rips, tears, broken zippers, drawstrings, big/dark stains, patches, etc.
Tier 3 - Loved
Moderate use: noticeable stains, fading, scuffing, broken drawstrings, markings, pulling, matting. Patches acceptable.
NO: tears, rips, broken zippers, etc.
Tier 4 - Adored
Heavy use: significant stains, fading, scuffing, broken drawstrings, markings, pulling matting. Patches acceptable.
NO: tears, rips, broken zippers, etc.
Shoes and Boots
These are descriptions of what may be present at each tier level, as well as a guarantee of what will not be present.
Tier 1 - Admired
Close to new - only used once or twice and likely not outside. No scuffing, stains, pulling, etc.
Tier 2 - Liked
Very light use: some dust (but should be cleaned beforehand), minor creasing, minor scuffing, minor scratching, minor stains, minor debris, minor pulling.
Tier 3 - Loved
Moderate use: visible creasing, stains, scuffing, pulling, indentations, discoloration, dust, debris, etc. Significant wear on tread.
Tier 4 - Adored:
Heavy use: heavy creasing, scuffs, stains, pulling, indentations, discoloration, dust, debris, etc. Missing shoestring hooks, minor rips, heavy wear on tread.
Gear and Hardwear
(No weight bearing or safety items such as: harnesses, ropes, helmets, cord, carabiners, ice screws, trad gear, etc.)
These are descriptions of what may be present at each tier level, as well as a guarantee of what will not be present.
Tier 1 - Admired
Close to new - only used once or twice and likely not outside.
NO: Broken straps, stains, broken zippers, broken buckles, holes, rips, etc.
Tier 2 - Liked
Very light use: minor discoloration, stains, scuffing, pulling, etc.
NO: rips, tears, broken zippers, buckles, straps, mesh, major stains, etc.
Tier 3 - Loved
Moderate use: stains, scuffing, pulling, discoloration, very minor rips and tears, dirt, etc.
NO: broken zippers, buckles, straps, or mesh.
Tier 4 - Adored:
Heavy use: heavy stains, scuffing, pulling, discoloration, holes, rips, torn mesh, broken minor straps, dirt, etc.
NO: major broken zippers, buckles, or straps.
Sleeping Pads & Bags
These are descriptions of what may be present at each tier level, as well as a guarantee of what will not be present.
Tier 1 - Admired:
NO: Holes, stains, markings, broken zippers, patches, compressed down, etc.
Tier 2 - Liked:
Very light use: very minor stains, small markings, minor pulling, missing repair kit, faint scuffing. Stuff sacks can be in slightly worse condition than sleeping bags.
NO: tears, rips, patches, broken zippers, holes, major stains, etc.
Tier 3 - Loved:
Moderate use: significant stains, moderate debris, missing stuff sack, visible markings, minor dirt, compacted down, moderate scratches, etc.
NO: holes, rips, tears, broken zippers, patches on sleeping pads.
Tier 4 - Adored:
Heavy use: heavy stains, debris, markings, dust, pet-hair, etc. Missing stuff sack, repair kits, etc. Heavily compacted down, patches, etc.
NO: holes, rips, tears, broken zippers, patches on sleeping pads.
