The Smart Traveler's Guide to Adventure Gear Rentals

Nearly every adventure destination has no shortage of opportunities for gear rental -- and most resorts (particularly all-inclusives) offer gear rentals or loaners on-site.

Travel Light, Adventure Big

Adventure doesn’t come with a free checked bag. Whether you’re trekking in Patagonia, ice-climbing in Iceland, or kayaking through Alaskan fjords, your packing list can get long -- and heavy -- fast. That’s where adventure gear rentals come in. Instead of paying oversized baggage fees or lugging half your garage across the globe, smart travelers tap into local rental services offering everything from trekking poles to dry suits.

For us, this has become a game-changer. We’ve shifted almost entirely to carry-on-only travel, even for two-week expeditions. The secret? Renting gear when we arrive. It keeps things lighter, simpler, and lets us focus on what actually matters: the adventure.

This guide is here to help you decide what’s worth renting, where to find quality gear, and how renting can actually enhance your trip -- from saving your back to supporting local communities.

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Why Rent Adventure Gear?

Packing for adventure travel isn’t like packing for a beach week or city break. Technical gear takes up space, adds weight, and often needs specialized handling. Rentals solve several problems at once:

• Save space & stress: No need to stuff trekking poles, crampons, or bulky helmets into your carry-on.

• Avoid airline fees: Airlines charge heavily for oversized items -- skis, duffels, etc. can often cost more to fly than to rent. And if you are a one-bag convert like us, you'll know by now that there are certain things you can't carry on (e.g., trekking poles).

• Access specialized gear: Why buy an ice axe, a dry suit, or a bear canister you’ll only use once? Rentals give you access to high-quality, trip-specific gear without the investment.

• Test before you invest: Rentals let you try gear in real conditions. If you fall in love with a certain backpack or camera lens, you’ll know it’s worth purchasing later.

• Eco-friendly choice: Renting means fewer people buying gear that will collect dust most of the year. It cuts down on production waste and supports local outfitters.

In short: renting gear is smarter, lighter, and more sustainable. It’s the adventure traveler’s secret weapon.

Imagine moving through airports and transfers with ease, knowing that you'll have high-quality gear waiting for you when you arrive at your destination.

What's Worth Renting vs. Bringing Yourself

One of the biggest questions we get: "What should I rent, and what should I pack?"  The answer depends on your trip, but here’s a quick guide:

Best for Renting

• Bulky gear: tents, sleeping bags, expedition packs, kayaks

• Technical gear: crampons, ice axes, dry suits, climbing ropes

• Destination-specific gear: snowshoes in Iceland, bear canisters in Alaska, safari camera lenses in Kenya

• “One-time” gear: things you may not need again after the trip

Best for Bringing

• Personal essentials: boots/shoes you’ve broken in, base layers, swimwear

• Hygiene-related items: snorkel mouthpieces, climbing harness if you already own one

• Small, versatile items: headlamps, packable rain jackets, multi-tools

Rule of thumb: If it’s big and specialized, rent it. If it touches your skin all day or makes/breaks your comfort, bring it.

Bring the essentials -- leave the tent at home.

Popular Destinations Where Rentals Shine

Adventure gear rentals really shine in destinations where you need technical, bulky, or destination-specific gear. Here are some of the best examples:

Patagonia

• Rent trekking poles, tents, expedition packs, or even full camping kits.

• Great for hikers tackling Torres del Paine or the W Trek without dragging a 65L pack across continents.

• Pro Tip: Chilean and Argentine operators usually rent well-maintained gear, and you’ll find options in Puerto Natales, El Chaltén, Ushuaia, or even on site at your lodge.

Iceland

• Ice gear (crampons, helmets, axes) for glacier treks.

• Waterproof outer layers if you don’t want to invest in Arctic-ready gear.

• Pro Tip: Reykjavik outfitters are excellent for quality -- just book ahead in peak summer or winter.

Alaska

• Kayaks, dry suits, bear canisters, and camping kits.

• Essential for glacier kayaking or Denali backcountry trips.

• Pro Tip: Bear canisters are legally required in many Alaskan parks, so renting is often easier than buying and flying with one.

African Safaris

• High-end camera lenses, binoculars, and sometimes even full camera kits.

• Great way to experience premium optics without the $5,000 investment.

• Pro Tip: Many lodges partner with local photographers or gear outfitters.

Trust us: leave the ice axes at home. Airport security tends to frown on such things in carry-on luggage.

Luxury & Eco-Friendly Gear Rentals

Rentals aren’t just about saving weight -- they can elevate your trip:

• Luxury setups: Premium camping kits with memory foam mattresses, gourmet cookware, and curated touches.

• High-tech gear: Drone rentals, stabilized gimbals, or safari-ready lenses.

• Eco-conscious choice: Renting avoids unnecessary production and supports local operators committed to sustainable practices.

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Tips for Renting Adventure Gear

Not all gear rentals are equal. Here’s how to make sure your gear works for you, not against you:

1. Vet the company: Look for established outfitters with strong reviews and clear policies.

2. Check hygiene: Ask how often wetsuits, sleeping bags, or helmets are cleaned.

3. Confirm availability: Peak season means limited supply -- book rentals early.

4. Ask about insurance: Know what happens if something breaks or gets lost.

5. Try before you trek: If possible, test your gear at the shop before heading out.

For photographers, specialized gear like tripods and telephoto lenses is often available for rent in your final destination -- this is particularly true for safari trips.

Conclusion: Travel Lighter, Adventure Better

Renting adventure gear isn’t cutting corners -- it’s smart travel. It gives you access to top-quality equipment, lightens your load, and supports sustainable travel practices.

For us, it’s why we can travel with just a carry-on backpack and still take on glacier hikes, desert treks, and backcountry expeditions. Rentals give us the freedom to say “yes” to adventure, without dragging half the garage through airport security.

Ready to plan your next adventure? Let us help you design a journey that balances comfort and challenge, with the right gear waiting for you when you arrive.

Plan Your Adventure