A Bit About Us
Why the Store?
Established in 2018, Gear Hut fills a gap in the Reno Tahoe area as a used gear and consignment store. Our mission is to increase access to affordable, gently used outdoor gear while keeping usable items out of landfills. With abundant local recreation opportunities, Gear Hut is your go-to shop for quality second-hand gear, and a place for the community to consign lightly worn clothing and last season's equipment. You can find more details on what we accept under Selling Options.
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The Environment is Important!
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Our goal is to cultivate a local outdoor culture that embraces our wild places both in recreation and shopping. Quality outdoor gear and technical apparel are designed for longevity, and we believe in maximizing their potential for adventure.
We regularly outgrow (physically AND ability) our equipment and clothes, so comes the question:
"What do I do with my old (but usable) items?"
Consignment is an environmentally responsible way of ensuring that your gear and clothing are ending up in a new owner's hands. Rather than blindly dumping them at a donation drop off in the hopes that they make it to the shelf and find a buyer, you know the status of your items. According to statistics, 84% of donated items end up in landfills or incinerated.
Buying used not only reduces landfill impact but also eliminates packaging waste, shipping costs, and the environmental toll of manufacturing new items."Shopping used" allows us to affordably support brands that are following sustainable practices in product development. By choosing second-hand, you can support brands that prioritize sustainability, avoiding poorly constructed products and investing in gear designed for longevity.
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WHO ARE WE?
FOUNDERS AND OWNERS
Leah and Rusty settled in Reno in 2016 after a two-year road trip across the U.S. and Canada, where they hiked mountains, explored National Parks, climbed rocks, and chased good weather. They chose Reno as the perfect place to raise a family.
Leah and Rusty’s extensive outdoor expertise comes from years of hiking, backpacking, skiing, climbing, biking, and soaking in hot springs across the country. They met at the University at Buffalo while studying engineering, and after several years in the workforce, they opted for an "early retirement" from their 9-to-5 jobs to pursue their passions as former active members and officers of the Outdoor Adventure Club.
THE TEAM
Gear Hut is proud of our part-time team; local outdoor enthusiasts who help keep the shop in top shape, manage consignment, and offer local hike recommendations. Each Adventure Pro brings unique passion and expertise to the team.
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Sarah
ADVENTURE PRO
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"My favorite pastime is rock climbing, but when I am not getting outside or at Gear Hut, you can find me working my full time engineering job. Big or small I always love any sort of adventure!"
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Ethan
ADVENTURE PRO
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"I'm a Vegas local training to be a career Fireman. A life long hiker, camper, and lover of all things outdoors. For the past couple years, I've been living in and exploring Germany. I'm excited to adventure in Reno."
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Kyle
ADVENTURE PRO
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"I am northern Nevada local that spends most of my time climbing and listening to/playing music. I am working towards getting certifications in the AMAGA Rock discipline to hopefully become a climbing guide and instructor. "
Michelle
ADVENTURE PRO
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“I recently graduated from UNR with a degree in Human Development and Family Science. If I'm not reading or crocheting, you’ll likely find me outside hiking, camping, climbing, or doing a combination of all three!”
Cara
ADVENTURE PRO
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"I am studying Geography at UNR. In my free time you can find me running, hiking, camping, and skiing!"
Mitch
ADVENTURE PRO
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"At any given time you'd probably be able to find me somewhere in the sierras, whether it's getting lost hiking or climbing a mountain, or skiing Mammoth and Tahoe!!"