Most people are surprised to learn that you can rent camping gear. Not only does renting allow you to try out more costly items before you buy, but it is also extremely convenient if you have limited storage opportunities and you are traveling a long distance. You can find plenty of companies across the country — and close to national parks — offering camping gear for rent and other essentials for your outdoor needs.
In this article, we will discuss how and where to rent camping gear for your next adventure.
Benefits of Renting Your Camping Gear
There are so many reasons you might consider renting your gear for a camping trip, backpacking excursion or another type of adventure. Here are the most common reasons people do it:
- Limited storage options: Renting camping gear makes an excellent solution if you live in a city or somewhere without enough storage space for camping gear.
- Try before you buy: While many are curious about the outdoor lifestyle, quality gear isn’t the most budget-friendly. As a result, many people use rental gear as a way to try a new activity before committing to an expensive purchase.
- Traveling to a new destination: If you are traveling a far distance, you likely don’t want to carry along the extra luggage. In most cases, people choose to rent their camping gear close to where they are staying. That way, they can use the gear and return it before traveling back home.
- Environmentally friendly: Renting your camping gear can also be an eco-friendly option, as it allows you to try quality items without spending money on cheaper gear that will end up in a landfill not long after purchase. This is a big deal for those who care about the environment they are exploring.
Where to Rent Camping Gear
Whether you are going on a weekend cabin trip or a week-long trek through the mountains, these companies offer camping gear for rent that fits even the most basic needs. Most companies also ship nationally, providing a convenient way to get the specific gear you require wherever you are. Here is where to rent camping gear according to your specific region in the U.S.
REI
REI offers a quick and convenient way to rent camping gear. With more than 150 locations across the U.S., REI rentals are affordable, offering rental items on their own or as part of a kit. For instance, you might choose a rental kit from REI, complete with a tent, sleeping bags, chairs, a table and coolers. While you can expect high-quality REI gear, some stores might be able to swap out for a different brand if you are looking for something specific.
To reserve your gear at a store near you, find a rental location.
Arrive Outdoors
California-based Arrive Outdoors is a gear rental service stocking equipment from top brands like Black Diamond, Marmot and Nemo. You can choose the gear you want by item or order a camping package that includes basics like camp chairs, coolers and full cooking kits. You might also go bigger with packages that include hammocks, solar-powered lighting and grills. Choose from curated sets for specific activities, like backpacking or camping.
Arrive Outdoors can deliver rental gear directly to your home, hotel or a FedEx location near you.
RightOnTrek
RightOnTrek is based in Montana, offering backpacking meals, adventure planning tools and camping essentials. The company takes a different approach to gear rentals, with facilities allowing customers to walk in at any time of the day to rent their gear and purchase meals through an automated locker system. To add even more convenience, RightOnTrek doesn’t require a reservation. Whether you walk in or reserve your gear online, you can conveniently pick up your gear at any of the company’s three locations near Glacier National Park.
LowerGear Outdoors
LowerGear Outdoors is based in Arizona, but you can get gear rentals nationwide through the online platform. This company focuses on trail and water sports, offering packages designed for backpacking trips or family camping excursions. You can also choose items outside of packages, with kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals available for local pickup.
Rocktown Adventures
If you are planning on camping in the Midwest, Rocktown Adventures offers plenty of quality gear at affordable prices. Located in Illinois, this company offers camping gear with prices by the day, long weekend or for a week, depending on the length of your trip. Choose from multiple tent styles and sizes, as well as stoves, sleeping bags, cookware and other camping essentials.
Kit Lender
Kit Lender offers equipment and apparel rentals for various outdoor activities, including camping, triathlons and sports. Choose from complete kits designed for events like car camping, fly fishing, traveling with dogs and snowmobiling, with sizes ranging from toddler to adult. The company ships deliveries conveniently to your destination, offering free shipping and returns.
Mountain High Outfitters
With various locations across Tennessee, Georgia and Alabama, Mountain High Outfitters is your go-to rental shop if you plan on camping in the South. While you can find tents, backpacks and other camping essentials in-store, they also include equipment like kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and bikes. Mountain High Outfitters also rents from select stores, carrying top outdoor brands like Patagonia, Chaco and Hydro Flask.
Outdoors Geek
While based in Denver, Colorado, Outdoors Geek ships outdoor rental equipment anywhere in the U.S. Browse their selection of backpacking, camping and hiking gear, as well as quality glamping tents and packages. Elevate your camping trip by choosing from a vast selection of yurts, dome tents and glamping beds, and add games and hot chocolate that are perfect for the whole family.
Basecamp Outdoor Gear
If you are flying into Vegas to start your camping adventure, turn to Basecamp Outdoor Gear. This small and local business offers quality rental gear and various outfitting packages, such as essentials for a hike into the Grand Canyon — all neatly packed into a single tote. With a selection ranging from baby backpack carriers and hammocks to quality headlamps and cooking accessories, you’re sure to find what you need for your next excursion.
Basecamp Outdoor Gear is located less than a mile from McCarran International Airport, making pick-up a breeze.
Xscape Pod
Located in Portland, Oregon, Xscape Pod offers local pickup and nationwide shipping for your next excursion. Rental gear includes premium equipment in one comprehensive camping “pod.” This includes a tent, sleeping bag and liner, sleeping pad, camp chair, headlamp and a fire starter — all packed into a single pod to easily slide into the trunk of your car. Other packages include a backpacking pod with lightweight gear for overnight treks, or you might opt to rent gear by the item if needed.
Plan Your Next Trip at Kampgrounds of America, Inc.
Once you have rented your gear, you are ready for your next outdoor adventure. Whether you are planning a quick getaway or an extended trip, KOA has you covered. With more than 500 locations throughout North America and long Pull-Thru RV Sites, our campgrounds offer convenience for traveling campers. Find recreation and staff-led activities, as well as top-of-the-line services and amenities that make KOA the ultimate camping getaway.
To plan your next adventure, find a KOA near you today.
About the Author: Kampgrounds of America
Kampgrounds of America is the largest system of open-to-the-public campgrounds in the world, with over 500 locations across the United States and Canada. Founded in Billings, MT in 1962, KOA’s family of campground brands – KOA Journey, KOA Holiday and KOA Resort – today serve more than a million camping families each year. KOA is dedicated to “connecting people to the outdoors and each other” by providing people with a variety of camping experiences and the information they need to make the most of their camping trip. Read more of their camping and travel resources by visiting KOA.com/blog.
