Gear Hut Reno
Gear Hut Reno’s goal is to keep usable gear and apparel in circulation! They are a used gear shop, which helps reduce access issues to the outdoors by making mountain sports affordable while reducing landfill impact.
Leah Wzientek co-owner/manager
Rusty Donlon co-owner/manager
GEAR SHOP OF THE MONTH - MARCH 2025
-Responses & pictures provided by Leah Wzientek (Co-owner of Gear Hut Reno)
What inspired the founding of your gear shop, and how has it evolved over time?
Gear Hut started in order to fill a void. There is limited access to gear when we live near such amazing, world-class recreation. It's costly to get outdoors... but with Reno's solid outdoor access, we knew that there was enough of a community to create a local circular economy surrounding outdoor gear/apparel. We're not only a shop, but a place to learn, meet others, and give back to our city.
Can you describe the mission of your gear shop and its primary goals within the outdoor or adventure community?
1) Increase access to the outdoors via affordable gear and apparel.
2) Decrease landfill impact by keeping usable, well designed and durable products in circulation.
How does Gear Hut give back to the surrounding community and cater to different demographics?
Gear Hut works with (6) non-profit groups every year, having raised $84K since we opened in 2018 through donations to their consignment accounts and monthly 10% of sales days (where we donate 10% of the day's total sales to the featured non-profit of the month). From improving trails, getting youth outside to explore, to serving and protecting Nevada wild lands, these featured NPOs are passionate about our local outdoor community.
Can you describe some of your most popular products and why they might be favorites among customers?
It's hard to answer because we are a consignment shop... so inventory is ALWAYS changing (especially between the seasons). From sunshirts, backpacks and tents in fall, to mountain bikes and SUPS in summer and XC ski and snowboarding gear in winter, our customers are looking to get outside on a budget.
Can you describe any unique features about your gear shop business? Maybe anything pertaining to the business side or employment?
Gear Hut has a "Paid To Play" initiative. We pay our employees to get outside, because mental health is important.
For most of our team members, we're a side job. They're busy with school or another full time job. We want to ensure they're also prioritizing the reason why they want to work with us in the first place, getting outside. Every week, we pay our employees an extra hour if they send in a photo that shows how they got outdoors this week, whether it was a simple walk around the neighborhood or going for ski tour.
How does your gearshop collaborate with local communities and stakeholders in the areas where you operate?
We are a community member! We aren't just here to make money. We're here to make sure gear/apparel is redistributed... if it's not passing quality control, we try to find it another home via non-profit partners.
What strategies do you use to foster a sense of community and belonging among your customers?
We're authentic and weird... and committed to creating an "anti-elite" culture. Most folks coming to our shop are beginners, and nothing is worse than being highly intimidated and NOT feeling welcome to ask "silly questions.” Shop vibes are important, and we strive to create a team who aren't just "gear junkies". We're here as humans who are excited to help you gear up for a new activity.
What are some of the biggest challenges your shop faces in achieving its mission?
The daily struggles of being a small, brick and mortar business in an online world of fast fashion/cheap and poorly made options.
How do you measure the impact of your programs and activities on the community and the environment?
Fun Fact: We've diverted the equivalent of a small elephant's weight of ski waste from landfills!
Can you provide examples of positive outcomes or success stories resulting from your community engagement?
We have nearly 3,000 consignors participating in a circular economy process! That's 3,000 folks seeking out an alternative to the landfill. Our ski recycling has diverted over 4,000 lbs of ski waste from landfills. Reducing 98lbs/year of plastic tagger waste by using alternative methods. [So, a positive outcome too is] Every single customer who says "this is the best store ever!" or "if it wasn't for Gear Hut, I never would have started skiing, climbing, biking, etc!”
What steps does your organization take to promote sustainability and environmental stewardship within the outdoor activities you offer?
Gear Hut is a NV Tier 3 Certified Green Business: Sustainability Champion. We've implemented sustainable business practices, true to our core mission.
We won 2022 Sustainability Champion of the Year by KTMB
Awarded NV Green Business of the Year in 2023 by NV Conservation League
Adopted a trailhead since 2023, hosting a clean up every month Divert 95% of shop waste by eliminating single use, microplastic tags, shopping bags and by using washable cleaning supplies.
Divert over 4,000 lbs of ski waste through our ski recycling program.
Offer employee incentives for green commuting.
Partner with Little Kamper to offer a camping propane exchange program and offer bear can rentals for the community.
How do you envision expanding your impact within the outdoor or adventure community?
Create more opportunities for community to meet up while reducing the barrier to outdoor education. Host monthly free events for folks to get together.
What initiatives or accommodations do you provide to make outdoor adventures accessible to everyone?
Reducing financial barriers to gear and apparel.
What are your organization's goals for growth and development in the next 5-10 years?
Stay alive! Being a small business, every day is a struggle. Expand to be open 7 days a week to serve our community. Stay true to our mission of being consignment only! We don't need more shops with "new".
