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They changed the return policy on climbing gear to be much shorter. The gear coop has pretty good climbing deals and a good selection and a lifetime return policy(iirc) just don't abuse it.

Edit not lifetime anymore. Both places are one year.

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But most other places don't offer return on climbing gear. Even REI said they wouldn't take back my approach shoes if I didn't like them.

That's a bit odd - I wonder if it's just a sanitation issue?

Certainly no load-bearing climbing gear is ever returnable. Harnesses, ropes, draws, and pro aren't (and shouldn't be) returnable or resalable ever. I assume helmets can't be either.

But non-safety gear like chalk bags can be returned, and I'm surprised they won't take back approach shoes since they aren't even used on a wall.

They used to take all gear back. They would be obligated to destroy it in the back if it was safety critical equipment though.

They took back climbing harness a friend bought two years ago but told them that even though it's in their right to return, they would basically destroy/dispose of the harness since it's a critical safety equipment. Other stuff goes to the Garage sales.

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