Camping Gear You Should Replace During Holiday Sales

Holiday sales are among the best times of year to upgrade your outdoor gear. Whether you’re a seasoned backpacker, a casual camper, or someone who hasn’t checked their gear closet in a few years, certain items are worth replacing while prices are low.

Some gear wears out over time. Some get outdated. And some… well, you didn’t realize how much better it could be until you try a modern version.

Here’s your guide to the camping gear you might want to replace during holiday sales—so you can hit next season with safer, lighter, more reliable equipment.

Your Sleeping Bag (If It’s More Than 5–7 Years Old)

Sleeping bag technology has come a long way. Newer bags are lighter, warmer, and more compressible.

Replace if:

• The insulation has cold spots
• It doesn’t loft as it used to
• It feels bulky or heavy
• You’ve been borrowing someone else’s

Sleeping bags are one of the best big-ticket items to buy on sale. Near Zero has a wide range of sleeping bags for any season! Get the Quilt ONE for warmer nights, or the ZERO Mummy Sleeping Bag for colder nights!

Backpack With Worn Straps or Outdated Fit

A backpack is one of the most important pieces of gear for comfort and safety. If yours digs into your shoulders, squeaks under pressure, or doesn’t have modern suspension, it’s time for an upgrade.

Why upgrade now:

• New designs distribute weight better
• More breathable back panels
• Lighter materials
• Sale prices = big savings

If you haven’t upgraded your backpack, the DEAN 60L backpack is stylish, spacious, airplane-friendly, comfortable, and perfect for beginners or experienced backpackers. 

Your Tent (Especially If It Leaks or Feels Heavy)

A good tent can last forever… but many don’t. If your poles are bending, your rainfly leaks, or your tent weighs as much as a small boulder, consider a replacement.

Look for:

• Ultralight materials
• Quick setup design
• Updated waterproofing
• Stronger poles

Holiday sales often make higher-end tents surprisingly affordable. The 2-Person tent from Near Zero is one of their hottest products thanks to its lightweight, easy-to-set-up design! Not to mention it is super affordable for the quality!

Sleeping Pad Losing Air Overnight

If your pad has turned into a sad air pancake by 3 AM, it’s time. Sleeping pads lose integrity over time, and patches only last so long.

What a new one gives you:

• Better insulation
• More durability
• Warmer nights
• Lighter weight

A small upgrade that makes a huge difference. Near Zero’s Insulated Sleeping Pad is lightweight, easy to set up, and quiet while you catch some Zs. 

Headlamp With Dying Battery Life

Headlamps wear out too—elastic stretches, buttons fail, and battery life tanks.

Upgrade during sales if:

• It dies quickly
• The strap is fraying
• It’s bulky or heavy
• You don’t have a red-light mode

Modern ones are brighter, lighter, and more energy-efficient. The Komet 350 Headlamp is a compact, ultralight, and versatile headlamp designed for outdoor adventures and everyday use (when we’re not camping, we love using it for early-morning runs and hikes).

Stove or Cook Set That’s Seen Better Days

If your pot is scratched, your burner sputters, or your lid never fit right in the first place, now is the perfect time to level up.

Look for:

• Ultralight cook kits
• Faster boil times
• More compact designs
• Improved fuel efficiency

A good cook system makes camp meals easier—especially for beginners.

Gloves, Base Layers, and Cold-Weather Wear

Soft goods wear out faster than people think. Over time, insulation compresses, fabrics thin, and waterproof coatings fade.

Replace if:

• You’re colder than you used to be
• The fabric pills or tears
• It doesn’t fit as it should

Holiday sales are especially good for apparel upgrades.

Multi-Tools or Knives With Rust or Loose Hinges

These are safety items, and worn-out tools can fail when you need them most.

If yours:

• Rusts
• Wiggles
• Doesn’t stay sharp
• Has broken parts

…it’s a great time to switch to a more reliable tool.

Hiking Shoes or Boots With Worn Soles

Footwear wears out faster than most people expect. If your soles are bald, the midsole feels flat, or the ankle support is gone, it’s time.

Sales are perfect for replacing shoes that are normally pricey.

Replacing outdated or worn gear isn’t about spending money—it’s about making every trip safer, easier, and more enjoyable. Holiday sales are the perfect time to make those upgrades that will last for years to come.