So you’re ready to plan an outdoor adventure, but you’re coming up short in the equipment department. The good news is there are plenty of affordable and accessible rental options across the country. Whether you’re embarking on a three-day backpacking expedition with friends, heading to the mountains for a weekend ski trip with the family, or looking ahead to a springtime camping vacation on the coast, your outdoor gear (or lack thereof!) will affect your experience. Purchasing every piece of equipment can be expensive, but renting outdoor gear doesn’t have to be. We researched all the options to bring you the ultimate resource of outdoor gear rentals in America for camping, hiking and snow sports. From online services that deliver to your door, to mega retail stores in your neighborhood, here are the go-to businesses for outdoor adventure gear rentals.
The Ultimate Guide to Outdoor Gear Rentals in America.
Camping Gear Rentals
Xscape Pod
Created for the casual camper, this Pacific Northwest-based company allows you to make a pod reservation online, and it then ships all the gear you’ll need for the perfect camping trip right to your front door. Your pod will include things like tents, sleeping bags, cooking gear and headlamps along with any other custom choices you might want. A pod for two runs about $155.
Rent your camping gear: xscapepod.com
Outdoors Geek
One of the largest online gear rental companies, Outdoors Geek is a popular option because you can rent a package of camping gear or pick from individual items. You can also rent to buy, which allows you to try items you’re considering before you purchase them. In addition to not-so-common items like hiking boots, you can also receive winter camping kits and bike pack rentals. Prices vary.
Rent your camping gear: outdoorsgeek.com
REI
With retail locations across the country, REI makes it easy and accessible to rent gear for camping, climbing and winter sports. Gear rental selections vary by season and store location, but expect to find a variety of tents, snowshoes, camping stoves, hiking gear and backpacks. If you’re thinking of purchasing gear, consider renting first, so you can try items before you buy.
Rent your camping gear: rei.com
CampCrate
Whether it’s a camping trip or a weekend festival, Camp Crate can provide just about everything for your outdoor adventure. The original crate rents for around $92 per day and includes a headlamp, tent, sleeping bag, backpack, camping stove, sleeping pad and water filter. If you only need a few items, you can select the a la carte option to pick and choose what you need to rent.
Rent your camping gear: campcrate.net
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Hiking and Backpacking Gear Rentals
Lower Gear
For big variety, Lower Gear is a top online rental option for any serious hiker or backpacker. Navigation devices, kayaks, fishing gear, lighting and safety equipment are just a few of the options you can rent here that aren’t commonly available with most other retailers. Tents, lightweight backpacks and hiking accessories are also available and can be shipped anywhere in the U.S.
Rent your hiking gear: lowergear.com
Mountain Side Gear Rental
While they rent just about everything for all adventures (including motorcycles and trailers!), we like this online rental company for their variety of backpacks. Womens, kids, ultralight, large capacity and bike packs are categories you can choose from, along with a good selection of brands. You’ll also find rental options for trekking poles, snowshoes, backpack cooking supplies and tons of cool gear.
Rent your hiking gear: mountainsidegearrental.com
Outdoor Equipment Rentals (OER)
Outdoor Equipment Rentals offers a best rate guarantee to match the price on any item you find for a cheaper price elsewhere. While this makes it a good option if you’re on a budget, OER is ideal for backpackers because of their safety equipment (including avalanche gear!), action cameras, satellite communication devices and their backpacking combo package that rents at $75 for four days.
Rent your hiking gear: oerentals.com
Sage to Summit
Specializing in ultralight backpacking rentals, this company will allow you to rent everything from fastpacking endurance shoes to small aluminum ice axes to navigate your way through snowy sections on the trail. Ultralight tents, carbon trekking poles and food canisters are also options for those renters serious about covering long distances or climbing high summits at quick paces.
Rent your hiking gear: sagetosummit.com
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Ski and Snowboard Gear Rentals
Black Tie Ski Rentals
If you’re looking for full service, check out Black Tie. With this ski rental delivery service you can order skis online and have them delivered to your vacation location. Once they arrive, you’ll get your equipment custom fitted to you in your lodging accommodations to make sure everything is comfortable and fits correctly. There are currently 19 different locations across the U.S., including service areas in Colorado, California, Utah, Idaho and Montana.
Rent your snow gear: blacktieskis.com
Door 2 Door Skis
Servicing Wyoming, Colorado, Utah and Iowa, this company offers free skis for kids 12 and under with the purchase of an adult rental. Good deals aside, this full-service snow company will bring the ski or snowboard gear to your door and provide a professional fitting service. If there are problems after you hit the slopes, additional equipment assistance is available at any Christy Sports partner store.
Rent your snow gear: d2dskis.com
Ski Butlers
In addition to locations across the western U.S., Ski Butlers provides international snow gear rentals in Canada and Europe. The selection of skis includes a high-performance lineup, first-timer gear and smaller options for juniors. Rentals over six days are eligible for discounts, and if you book online at least seven days in advance you can receive a 10 percent discount on your order. Performance boots are also available along with snowboard package rentals.
Rent your snow gear: skibutlers.com
Ski Set
Ski Set offers brick and mortar shops in most popular resort areas, including Vail, Aspen, Tahoe, Banff and Marmot Basin. When you arrive at your snow vacation destination, visit the retail store to rent a selection of skis, snowboards and other winter sports equipment. Even though they don’t deliver rentals to your door, they do offer one of the best selections of high-end equipment.
Rent your snow gear: skiset.us
