How to Rent Camping Gear Before You Buy

Renting camping gear is the smartest move most beginners never consider. Before spending $400 on a tent, sleeping bag, and pad you might use once, you can borrow that exact setup for a weekend and know exactly what you're getting into. This guide covers where to find rental gear, what to rent first, what to skip, and how the costs compare.

Where to Rent Camping Gear

Outdoor co-ops and gear libraries

REI Co-op runs an equipment rental program at most of its retail locations. Members get a discount, but anyone can rent. You'll find tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, backpacks, and trekking poles. Gear libraries operate on a similar model: community-funded spaces where you pay a small membership or daily fee to borrow equipment. Search "outdoor gear library [your city]" to find one nearby.

Local outdoor shops

Many independent outdoor retailers rent gear alongside selling it. These shops often stock regional brands and can give you specific advice for trails in your area. Rental rates tend to be comparable to co-ops, and staff can point you toward gear that suits local weather and terrain.

University outdoor programs

If you're a student or live near a university, check its recreation or outdoor adventure center. These programs frequently rent to students at very low cost, and some extend access to the general public. Equipment is typically rotated regularly so it stays in decent condition.

Online rental services

Companies like CampSaver, Arrive Outdoors, and Outdoors Geek ship gear directly to your door. You return it in the same box when your trip ends. This is useful if you're traveling somewhere without a local rental shop, or if you want to test a specific brand or model. Expect to pay shipping costs on top of the rental fee, and confirm what happens if something gets damaged in transit.

Peer-to-peer platforms

Apps like Outdoorly connect gear owners with renters in the same area. Prices are often lower than retail shops, though gear condition varies more. Read reviews and check listings carefully before booking.

What's Worth Renting vs Buying

Renting makes the most sense for gear that is expensive, hard to size without trying, and takes up space when you don't need it. Buying makes more sense for personal-fit items you'll use constantly or gear that's inexpensive enough that a few rentals cover the purchase price.

Gear Item	Rent First?	Notes
Backpacking tent	Yes	Heavy investment; try a few before committing
Sleeping bag	Yes	Temperature ratings and fit vary a lot
Sleeping pad	Yes	Insulation type and thickness affect sleep quality significantly
Internal-frame backpack	Yes	Fit is personal; rent from a shop that can adjust the frame
Trekking poles	Maybe	Inexpensive to buy entry-level; rent if you're unsure
Camp stove	Maybe	Cheap stoves are under $30; rent if you want to try a specific type
Headlamp	No	Inexpensive, personal, and sanitary concerns with rentals
Rain jacket	No	Sizing and brand preference vary; fits better when you try it in person
Camp shoes	No	Footwear is highly personal and sanitation matters
Water filter	Maybe	Rent to try the format (squeeze vs. pump vs. gravity) before buying

See our guide on essential camping gear for beginners and what to skip for a broader breakdown of what actually matters on a first trip.

What Renting Costs

Rental prices vary by region and provider, but general ranges give you a useful benchmark.

A two-person tent typically runs $20 to $50 per night from a co-op or local shop, and closer to $30 to $70 per night from an online service (before shipping). Sleeping bags are usually $10 to $25 per night. Sleeping pads run $8 to $15. A full kit (tent, bag, pad) for a weekend trip can cost $60 to $120.

Compare that to buying: a reliable beginner tent costs $150 to $350, a sleeping bag $80 to $200, a pad $40 to $120. If you camp twice a year, the breakeven point on buying versus renting is roughly two to three seasons, depending on what you choose. If you camp more, buying pays off faster. If you're not sure how often you'll go, renting for the first year keeps your risk low.

Some co-ops offer rent-to-own or credit-toward-purchase programs. Ask when you book.

How to Get the Most Out of a Gear Rental

Book early. Popular rental inventory disappears fast during summer weekends and holiday weekends. Call or book online at least a week out, more if you're planning a peak-season trip.

Check the condition on pickup. Before you leave the shop, unfold the tent, check the poles and zippers, and inspect the sleeping bag's zipper and baffles. Note any damage on the rental form so you're not charged for it on return.

Ask what's included. Tent rentals sometimes include stakes and a footprint; sometimes they don't. Sleeping bag rentals may or may not come with a liner. Clarify before you leave.

Use the trip as a test. You're not just camping; you're gathering data. Pay attention to what felt too heavy, what kept you warm enough, and what you wish you had. Check our piece on how to choose a tent for camping for the specific specs to evaluate while you're using a rental tent.

Return it clean and dry. Most rental agreements require you to return gear in the condition you received it. Wipe down tent poles, shake out the sleeping bag, and let everything air dry before packing it back up. Returning wet gear can result in cleaning fees.

Sleeping Bags Deserve Extra Attention

Sleeping bags are the rental that teaches you the most. Temperature ratings are standardized by EN/ISO testing, but comfort tolerances are personal. A bag rated to 20°F might keep one person comfortable and leave another shivering. Renting a few different bags across different conditions shows you exactly where your comfort threshold is before you spend $150 on the wrong one.

Down versus synthetic fill is the other question. Down is lighter and compresses smaller but loses insulation when wet. Synthetic stays warmer when damp and is easier to care for. Renting both types on different trips gives you a direct comparison. Read our full breakdown at sleeping bags explained: how to pick the right one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent camping gear if I'm not a co-op member?

Yes. REI rents to non-members, though members pay less. Most local shops and online services rent to anyone. University programs vary; some are open to the public, others are student-only.

What if I damage rented gear?

Most rental agreements include a damage waiver you can add for a small fee, typically $5 to $15. This covers normal wear and accidental damage but usually excludes loss or theft. Read the terms before you decline the waiver.

Is it sanitary to rent sleeping bags?

Reputable rental shops wash sleeping bags between uses. If you're uncertain, ask about their cleaning process, or bring a sleeping bag liner (a thin fabric sack) to use as a barrier. Liners cost $20 to $40 and are useful to own regardless of whether you rent or buy a bag.

Can I rent gear for car camping and backpacking?

Both. Car camping gear tends to be heavier and less expensive to rent. Backpacking gear (lightweight tent, down bag, ultralight pad) costs more to rent but also costs significantly more to buy, so renting first is especially worthwhile here.

How far in advance should I book?

For holiday weekends and popular camping windows in summer, book two to three weeks out. For off-peak trips or weekday rentals, a few days is usually enough. Online services that ship gear often ask for five to seven days of lead time regardless of season.