Backwoods to Big Bucks
Before lightweight nylon and compact tech took over, campers relied on rugged gear built to last—and many of those vintage items are now hot collector’s finds. Whether it's retro lanterns or canvas tents, old-school camping gear can fetch serious cash today.
Coleman Model 425 Stove (1950s)
Estimated value: $100–$150
This classic two-burner stove helped feed generations of campers. Durable and easy to use, vintage models with original fuel tanks and clean paint are sought after by collectors.
Lighting Coleman 425 Camping Stove Step by Step How To Vintage, Dustin T
Sears Coldspot Cooler (1960s)
Estimated value: $125–$175
These metal coolers came in fun colors and heavy-duty builds. Collectors love the retro styling, especially models with the original tray and minimal rust.
1967 Sears Coldspot 6,500 BTU installed, run, User2025
Thermos Brand Steel Lunch Jug (1940s)
Estimated value: $150–$200
Designed to keep food hot or cold, these lunch jugs were a staple in camping kits. Early versions with glass interiors and plaid patterns are highly collectible.
Vintage Housewares: The Thermos Collection, Cavalcade of Food
Army Surplus Canvas Backpack (WWII Era)
Estimated value: $175–$225
Sturdy and simple, these olive-drab canvas packs were used by soldiers and outdoor adventurers alike. The military provenance boosts collector interest.
WW2 US M14 Backpack Military ARMY Equipment, Nan Zhang (ZWJPW-CHINA)
Coleman Model 220E Lantern (1950s)
Estimated value: $200–$275
This green lantern is an icon of American camping. Those with intact globes, working pumps, and date stamps are favored by vintage gear lovers.
A1958 220E Coleman Lantern!, Dominic Minischetti
Boy Scouts Official Mess Kit (1940s)
Estimated value: $225–$300
Made from aluminum and often stamped with the BSA logo, these folding kits were used by scouts on thousands of campouts. Original packaging increases value.
1930s to Early 1940s Wearever Boy Scout Mess Kit review and Demo., John Sherwood
Vintage Wool Camp Blanket (Hudson’s Bay or Pendleton)
Estimated value: $250–$350
Thick, warm, and built to last, wool blankets from historic makers now sell for hundreds. Look for stripes, labels, and clean condition.
A blanket is born: go inside a historic Pendleton wool mill, king5evening
KampKook Camp Stove (1920s)
Estimated value: $275–$375
Predating Coleman’s popularity, KampKook made foldable stoves that now appeal to antique tool and outdoor gear collectors alike.
Kampkook LCS-41 camping stove by AGM burning, 0Regula0
Swiss Army Folding Cot (1950s)
Estimated value: $300–$400
These military-issue cots fold down tight and feature wood slats and canvas. Their unusual design and durability drive up value.
Army Cots: The Easy way to stretch the second end stick over the side rail pegs, WW2 Jeep and Rifle
Globe Trotter Aluminum Camp Kettle (1930s)
Estimated value: $325–$450
This lightweight kettle is a rare piece from the early aluminum cookware era. They were common in rugged expeditions and are now hard to find in usable condition.
✅ Top 5 BEST Camping Kettles 2024, Camping Zone
Coleman Model 502 Single Burner Stove (1960s)
Estimated value: $350–$500
Compact and reliable, this stove was a favorite for solo campers. Models in original boxes or unused condition are worth more.
How to start the Coleman 502 Camp Stove, The cook kit makes this the ultimate camp stove!, 1D10CRACY
U.S. Army Canvas Pup Tent (1940s)
Estimated value: $400–$600
A two-piece shelter made from heavy canvas, these tents often included wooden poles and rope stakes. Sets with all pieces intact command higher prices.
Vintage REI External Frame Backpack (1970s)
Estimated value: $450–$600
Early REI packs with aluminum frames and leather trim are now retro-chic. Collectors seek out specific models, especially those in bright colors.
VINTAGE REI SIZE LARGE INTERNAL FRAME BACKBACK CAMPING HIKING BACKPACK, SMILEatTheDEALS
Perfection Kerosene Heater (1930s)
Estimated value: $500–$700
Though not strictly for camping, many used this compact heater in cabins and tents. Intact enamel finishes and glass tanks raise the price.
Perfection Kerosene Heater - Model 525, Gene Slape
WWII Mountain Sleeping Bag (U.S. Military)
Estimated value: $600–$800
Designed for freezing temps, this mummy-style bag was built with canvas and down. Original Army-issue bags with tags are rare and pricey.
U,S,ARMY MSS SLEEP SYSTEM VS. 1949 MOUNTAIN BAG HEAD TO HEAD REVIEW, BLACKIE THOMAS
Coleman Gold Bond Lantern (1970)
Estimated value: $800–$1,000
One of the most collectible Coleman lanterns ever made, this gold-finish limited edition was only available as a promotional gift.
Coleman Gold Bond 200A Lantern 2 of 1973 with Original Box, Quality Made In The USA
Tilley X246 Lantern (UK, 1950s)
Estimated value: $900–$1,200
British-made and built like tanks, these lanterns are prized by collectors worldwide. The brass construction and replaceable parts keep demand high.
Restoring a 1950s Vintage Tilley Lamp, Old to New Restorations
Vintage Springbar Canvas Tent (1960s)
Estimated value: $1,000–$1,500
Made in Utah, these rugged tents are still used today—but older models in good shape with original tags are now rare and valuable.
Springbar Tent Vintage, smoking red dog
U.S. Navy Arctic Survival Kit (1950s)
Estimated value: $1,200–$1,800
Packed with emergency gear for harsh cold, these kits included everything from stoves to signal mirrors. Complete sets are rare and sought after.
New F-35 Arctic Survival Kit, USA Military Channel
Coleman Model 200A Red Lantern (1950s Christmas Edition)
Estimated value: $1,500–$2,000
This festive red lantern with a green box is considered the crown jewel of Coleman collecting. Mint condition versions are worth a small fortune.
Coleman 200A Lantern, Ravenwood Acres
Antique Camp Axe by Plumb (1920s)
Estimated value: $1,800–$2,500
These beautifully forged axes feature leather sheaths and wooden handles. Marked heads and maker stamps drive collector interest.
PLUMB TASMANIAN. My first REAL axe. ( LARGE STAMP), Woodcutter44
Eddie Bauer Down Sleeping Bag (1940s)
Estimated value: $2,000–$3,000
One of the first commercial down sleeping bags ever sold, early Eddie Bauer models are now museum-quality pieces.
First Ascent Karakorum Down Sleeping Bag from Eddie Bauer, Eddie Bauer/First Ascent
Abercrombie & Fitch Canvas Wall Tent (1930s)
Estimated value: $2,500–$3,500
Before they became a fashion brand, A&F made elite expedition gear. Their canvas tents are incredibly rare and often featured in historic mountaineering stories.
Abercrombie & Fitch Ideal Cruiser And Explorer Tents, Bannerman's Camp
Coleman Arc Lantern (1914)
Estimated value: $3,500–$5,000
The rarest of all Coleman lanterns. This short-lived model was bulky and expensive even when it came out. Finding one today is nearly impossible.
Duluth Pack #4 Canoe Pack (Early 1900s)
Estimated value: $5,000+
Used in the boundary waters of Minnesota, this massive canvas-and-leather pack is beloved by wilderness historians. Early models with stamped logos are collector gold.
Duluth Pack: 4 Deluxe Duluth Pack - Canoe Pack, Duluth Pack
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