Traveling for outdoor activities combines the excitement of discovering new destinations with the thrill of engaging in your favorite adventures, or perhaps the excitement of trying something totally new. However, packing the necessary gear for outdoor activities while traveling can often be a daunting task, especially when you require equipment that you do not frequently use.
Should you invest in camping equipment for Arizona while residing in a compact apartment in New York City? Will you genuinely make the most of snowshoes during your trip to Maine when you are traveling from Florida? Probably not. This context makes it apparent that rental options can be a perfect solution instead of purchasing and transporting gear for lengthy journeys.
Moreover, renting outdoor gear not only saves valuable space in your closet and money but is also a more sustainable choice. While many brands push the narrative that purchasing the latest equipment is necessary, it is essential to consider the environmental impact of producing all that gear.
The Rise of Outdoor Gear Rentals
The manufacturing, packaging, and distribution of outdoor equipment leave a significant carbon footprint. Even when brands market their products using buzzwords like “eco-friendly,” “green,” and “recycled,” more products inevitably lead to higher emissions and greater waste. Consequently, consumers are urged to be more selective about adding new items to their collection.
Fortunately, there are numerous options available for renting outdoor gear both in-person and online, making this model increasingly popular in the outdoor industry. For instance, an outdoor gear company known as Arrive was awarded the Outdoor Retailer of the Year at the industry’s bi-annual conference in 2019, offering only rental services.
Arrive caters to outdoor enthusiasts by shipping essentials such as tents, sleeping bags, snow pants, headlamps, coolers, stoves, boots, and more directly to customers, making outdoor adventures easy and accessible.
Receiving this award not only underscores the trend of minimalism in outdoor gear but also highlights the potential for trying out new equipment during your travels.
How to Rent Outdoor Gear for Your Next Trip
1. Make Plans and a Gear List.
Begin by identifying where you are headed, what activities you’ll engage in, and the expected weather conditions. If you are experienced in the outdoor activity you are pursuing, you’ll likely be aware of your requirements. However, if this is not the case, many rental companies can provide helpful guidance. Before renting, consult with knowledgeable friends or visit a local retailer to understand the gear you’ll need.
After gathering this information, create a list of items you plan to bring along and those you will need to rent. If you are flying, it’s wise to be even more selective about what you choose to pack, as checked baggage fees can accumulate quickly.
2. Choose to Pick-Up or Have Your Gear Delivered.
When it comes to gear rental companies, there are typically two options. If you are visiting a popular outdoor destination, there will likely be a variety of local gear shops providing rental services. Be sure to contact them in advance and reserve what you need, while also checking their website for reviews to avoid receiving old or dirty equipment.
The advantage of renting from a physical store is that you can inspect the gear before finalizing your rental and consult with staff directly if you have any questions regarding equipment use.
Alternatively, outdoor gear can also be rented from various online rental marketplaces, such as Arrive (US), Xscape Pod (Pacific Northwest US), ExperienceGear (Western US), Kitlender (US), and Outdoors Geek (US). These services enable users to select rental dates, choose the required gear, and have it delivered directly to their destination.
Employing these online rental services is practical, especially if you are uncertain about your requirements. Opting for a camping gear rental package guarantees that you will receive all the essentials. For instance, a “Camping Pod for 1” from Xscape Pod provides a two-person tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, stove, chair, headlamp dry sack, and various other essentials.
Outdoor gear rental companies, being relatively new, are competing for customers and thus tend to offer high-quality and well-maintained equipment. Many have established partnerships with recognized outdoor brands, ensuring that customers can test out premium gear.
While in-person consultations may not be available, many of these companies provide reliable customer support online or via telephone. For instance, Arrive offers personalized assistance with a dedicated guide who can assist you with setting up your equipment over the phone if you encounter any difficulties, or can suggest the best local trails for hiking.
3. Send It Back!
Lastly, one of the best aspects of renting outdoor gear is the simplicity of returning it after your adventure. You will not have to deal with the hassle of packing it for a flight, cleaning it in your backyard, or finding storage space upon returning home. Instead, just return it to the rental shop or utilize prepaid shipping provided by most outdoor gear rental marketplaces.
With this approach, you will conclude your trip with cherished memories sans the burden of gear that you won’t need permanently. The planet will certainly appreciate your choice, as will your wallet. Furthermore, when you eventually discover that perfect gear which you genuinely love, you will feel confident purchasing it, knowing that you are only investing in what you truly need.
