Outdoor Brands Doubling Down on Used Gear to Offset Tariffs, Consumer Sentiment

August 20, 2025

This summer, Utah-based DPS Skis launched an eyebrow-raising expansion of its resale program. Instead of just repairing its own skis for online credit, the small company will now issue credits for a used ski of any brand.

It’s rare for brands to repair products from competitors — especially in the ski industry. Moreover, DPS’s expanded repair program is unlikely to offer significant revenue for the Salt Lake City–based brand. Instead, company leaders see it as a way to gain new customers who aren’t familiar with DPS’s carbon-fiber skis, which are longer-lasting (and more expensive) than many cheaper competitors. Gear Junkie