Camping Gear Is Expensive. Here’s How To Rent It For Less
(Photo: Courtesy of The Base Outdoor Rentals)
Whether you’re just trying out the outdoorsy lifestyle for the first time or don’t want to invest in top-of-the-line camping equipment for your next trip, these companies let you rent everything you need to answer the call of the wild.
From portage packages to winter-adventure essentials, these are the best camping gear rentals in Canada.
Where to rent camping gear in Canada in 2024
Camp Rentique
Where: Southern and central Ontario
Best for: Beginners
Not sure if you even like the great outdoors? This company’s founder was once in the same position. When Polina Ratnichkina first looked into trying out camping and tallied up the costs of all the equipment she’d need—tent, sleeping bag, stove, air mattress—she quickly realized it was out of her budget.
With Camp Rentique, she aims to make camping more accessible to newbies by renting spring and summer kits, starting from $45, as well as backpacking and portaging packages that start at $57.
The Trail Shop
Where: Halifax, N.S. and Moncton, N.B.
Best for: Elevating your camping experience
This 57-year-old store offers gear rental, including tents, sleeping bags, stoves, and coolers. The shop rents gear for 24 hours, three days or one week, and offers all the basics plus items to make your experience even better, like a hammock ($15 for a day) or an inflatable kayak ($150 for three days).
If you decide to buy the gear after your trip, you get the rental fee back towards a purchase.
The Base Outdoor Rentals
Where: the Yukon
Best for: The essentials and prepping your winter adventures
Kohei Sugie had just started working as a northern lights tour guide in Whitehorse when he noticed that the demand for rentable gear far exceeded the local supply. He and his wife, Kozue, decided to launch a business renting summer and winter gear to tourists. They deliver rentals to customers’ hotels or have them ready to pick up at the airport.
Summer hiking and camping sets start from $47. The company offers winter packages (from $105 for three days), which are perfect for activities like dog-sledding, ice-fishing and snowmobiling. They include all the essentials, like down pants and jacket, boots rated to -40°C, toque, and mitts.
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