Valerie Root

Simple and Easy

Rent Your Adventure.

Before you commit to buying all the gear, test it out with REI Rentals.

Ultimate Guide to REI Rentals: W/ Costs, Tips, and Deals!

rei rental

In 2019, REI increased the number of stores offering rentals from five to 125.  

This new REI Rentals initiative was spurred by the company's commitment to the environment and the outdoor community.

While it may seem counter-intuitive in capitalistic USA, REI believes many people buy equipment that they do not need which ultimately ends up in landfills unnecessarily.

Simple and Easy.

Rent Your Adventure.

Before you commit to buying all the gear, test it out with REI Rentals. You might be amazed with the options.

Consequently, 125 REI stores now offer gear and equipment rentals to help reduce the amount of recreational equipment that ends up in landfills.

REI rents a wide variety of gear in multiple outdoor categories, including, camping, hiking, cycling, climbing, paddling, and snow equipment

Your REI Store may not offer everything as they only offer gear rental for outdoor activities in their area.

The brands offered varies from store to store along with the types of equipment but top-end equipment can be rented

We have contacted multiple REI Rental Associates to speak with them about the process and find out what types of equipment are available to rent. 

REI GEAR FOR EVERYONE

Millions of options - all of them guaranteed for one year.

Get the latest gear.

Grab nearly perfect pre-loved gear.

Find new gear on clearance.

They all say that reservations are highly recommended for any equipment because they have limited space and quantities. 

You can call and speak with a rental associate during normal store hours to discuss your specific adventure needs. 

Members do not have to provide a deposit for any rental equipment but you will not receive dividends on REI rental payment. 

Rental Options: REI offers a wide variety of rental equipment for outdoor activities like camping, hiking, skiing, snowboarding, cycling, paddling, and more. Some examples of rental equipment include tents, sleeping bags, backpacks, skis, snowboards, bikes, canoes, and kayaks.

Rental Terms: The rental terms vary depending on the type of equipment and the duration of the rental. Generally, the rental period can be for as little as a day or up to a week or more. The rental fee typically includes the equipment and any necessary accessories like helmets or paddles. Customers are responsible for returning the equipment in good condition and on time, or they may incur late fees or replacement costs.

When to Rent: Renting outdoor equipment can make sense in a few different scenarios.

Firstly, if you're new to an activity and don't want to invest in expensive equipment until you're sure it's something you want to do regularly. Renting allows you to try out gear before making a commitment.

Secondly, if you only participate in a particular activity occasionally, renting can be more cost-effective than buying and storing equipment that you rarely use. For example, if you only go skiing once a year, renting skis may be a better option than buying them outright.

Finally, renting can be a good option for traveling when it's not practical to bring your own equipment. Renting gear at your destination can save you the hassle and expense of transporting your own equipment.

In summary, REI rental equipment offers a convenient and cost-effective option for trying out new activities or participating in outdoor activities without investing in expensive equipment. Rental terms vary depending on the type of equipment and duration of the rental, and renting may be a good option for those who only participate in outdoor activities occasionally or for those who want to avoid the hassle of transporting equipment while traveling.

REI Rental Prices - Cost - Rates

REI rental prices are the lowest we could find in the US. Unless you are going to use the equipment on the reg, there isn't much reason to buy it if your local Recreational Equipment Inc. will rent it for a low cost. 

REI rentals cost a fraction of the purchase price of the gear. 

We have included in our charts the price to purchase the rental equipment you are renting to give you an idea of how good the rates are. 

In fact, most gear weekly rental rates are 4 to 10 times the actual cost to purchase the equipment brand new. 

That means that it is a better deal to rent if you are not planning on using the gear for more than 28 to 70 days. 

Let’s be honest, I have a top of the line Nemo Dragonfly 1 person backpacking tent sitting in my garage that has spent a total of 4 nights camping in the past two years. 

I could have saved that $350 and rented a Quarter Dome for seven nights with less than $50 dollars. 

Todd, an REI Rental Associate in San Diego, said that one employee benefit is that they get to rent everything for free, so they are always adding the best equipment to the rental section.   

He then pointed to a pile of for rent ‘Magma 800 fill down sleeping bags’ as an example of the very best available products for fractions of the cost.

REI rentals rates tend to increase or decrease proportionately with the cost of the gear. 

However, they appear to have subsidized the rental prices for kids rental gear and equipment, making kids outdoor equipment rentals very inexpensive.


REI Camping and Hiking Gear Rentals

Rentals for Your Next Adventure 

No need to store, repair or spend a whole lot of money when you rent your gear from REI!

Rentals for Your Next Adventure

No need to store, repair or spend a whole lot of money when you rent your gear from REI!

REI Camping Gear Rental

If you're planning a camping trip but don't have your own gear, renting camping equipment from REI can be a great option. However, with so many rental options available, it can be challenging to know what to look for when choosing the right gear for your needs. In this article, we'll discuss what you should consider when renting camping gear at REI, including whether to upgrade to premium gear and what type of gear to rent at a minimum if you're a first-time camper.

When renting camping gear at REI, one of the first things to consider is whether to upgrade to premium gear or stick with standard gear. Standard gear is perfect if you're on a tight budget or don't require high-end equipment. The standard gear is functional and reliable, but it may not be as durable or as comfortable as premium gear. On the other hand, if you want to invest in top-of-the-line equipment for a more comfortable and enjoyable camping experience, premium gear is the way to go. Premium gear is designed to withstand the toughest outdoor conditions and provide maximum comfort, making it ideal for serious campers and outdoor enthusiasts.

When renting camping gear at REI for the first time, it can be overwhelming to know what to rent at a minimum. Here are some essential items to consider:

  1. Tent: A tent is an essential item for any camping trip. REI offers a variety of tent sizes and styles, from ultralight backpacking tents to family-sized tents that can accommodate up to eight people.

  2. Sleeping Bag: A good sleeping bag is crucial for a comfortable night's sleep. REI offers a range of sleeping bags suitable for different climates and temperatures, from warm-weather bags to cold-weather bags that can withstand freezing temperatures.

  3. Sleeping Pad: A sleeping pad is essential for providing insulation and cushioning between your body and the ground. REI has a variety of sleeping pads, including foam pads, self-inflating pads, and air pads.

  4. Cooking Gear: If you plan to cook meals while camping, you'll need some cooking gear. REI offers a range of cooking equipment, from camping stoves to cookware and utensils.

  5. Lighting: Having a reliable source of light is essential when camping. REI offers a variety of lighting options, including lanterns, headlamps, and flashlights.

REI Backpacking And Camping Kit Rental 

CAMPING KITS

REI RENTAL COST

INCLUDES

Basic Backpacking Kits

First Night - $137 

Additional Night - $27 

Weekly - $299

Includes: backpack, tent, sleeping pad, and sleeping bag.

Lightweight Backpacking Kits

First Night - $163 

Additional Night - $31

Weekly - $349

Includes: backpack, tent, sleeping pad, and sleeping bag.

Car Camping Kits

First Night - $114

Additional Night - $27

Weekly - $276

Includes: backpack, tent, sleeping pad, and sleeping bag.

In conclusion, renting camping gear from REI is a great option if you don't have your own gear or don't want to invest in expensive equipment. Whether you choose standard or premium gear, be sure to consider your needs and the conditions you'll encounter. If you're renting camping gear for the first time, be sure to rent a tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, cooking gear, and lighting for a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience.

Don't miss out on the REI Co-op Magna 15 degree sleeping bag deal that can be rented for a week at the low price of $52... for a bag that will cost you $399.00 brand new. 

Be sure to fill up and check your sleeping pads before going on your trip, a leaky pad can ruin any chance of a good night’s sleep.



REI Tent Rental

If you're planning a camping trip but don't have your own tent, REI tent rental can be a great option. However, with so many rental options available, it can be tough to know what to look for when choosing the right gear for your needs. In this article, we'll discuss what you should consider when renting a tent at REI, including whether to upgrade to premium gear and what type of gear to rent at a minimum if you're a first-time camper.

REI tent rental cost is pretty inexpensive considering the cost of the tents rented. 

Starting at $20 and $4 each additional night you can rent the REI Co-op Quarter Dome 1 person tent which is not a bad deal considering it would cost you $299 to buy it new.  

If you are looking to rent a tent then you'll have a wide selection of tents for 1 person backpacking up to 6 person camping tents.

All of the tents for rent are REI brand tents including their Quarter Dome, Half Dome, Kingdom, and Base Camp models. 

If you REI Rent Tent instead of buying a tent is a good way to find out which tent would work best for you. 

REI Tent Rental (Backpacking) 

BACKPACKING TENT

REI RENTALS COST

OR SIMILAR

1 Person

First Night - $20 

Additional Night - $4

Weekly - $44

2 Person Basic

First Night - $25

Additional Night - $4

Weekly - $49

2 Person Lightweight

First Night - $30

Additional Night - $5

Weekly - $60

4 Person

First Night - $40

Additional Night - $6

Weekly - $76

When renting a tent at REI, there are several factors to consider. First and foremost, you'll need to decide between a backpacking tent or a car camping tent. Backpacking tents are designed to be lightweight and compact, making them ideal for hiking and camping in remote locations. On the other hand, car camping tents tend to be larger and more spacious, making them a better choice for campgrounds or areas with easy vehicle access. REI tent rental offers both types of tents, so be sure to choose the appropriate one for your needs.

Once you've decided on the type of tent you need, you'll need to choose between standard and premium REI tent rental options. Standard tents are more budget-friendly and suitable for most camping trips, while premium tents are typically more expensive but offer more features, such as increased weather resistance, additional ventilation, and extra space. If you're camping in a location with unpredictable weather or want the best possible camping experience, upgrading to premium REI tent rental may be worth the extra cost.



If you're renting a tent from REI for the first time, you'll need to rent a minimum of a tent and a sleeping bag. You may also want to consider renting a sleeping pad for added comfort and insulation. When choosing a tent, be sure to consider the size and weight of the tent, as well as its features and level of weather resistance.

In conclusion, renting a tent from REI tent rental is a great option if you don't have your own gear or don't want to invest in expensive equipment. Whether you choose standard or premium REI tent rental, be sure to consider your needs and experience level. If you're renting a tent for the first time from REI tent rental, be sure to choose the appropriate backpacking or car camping tent, and rent a sleeping bag and sleeping pad for added comfort. With these tips, you can have a safe and enjoyable camping experience.

REI Tent Rental (Car Camping) 

CAMPING TENTS

REI RENTAL PRICES

OR SIMILAR

4 Person

First Night - $40 

Additional Night - $6 

Weekly - $76

6 Person Basic

First Night - $50 

Additional Night - $6 

Weekly - $86

6 Person Basic

First Night - $50 

Additional Night - $6 

Weekly - $86

REI GEAR FOR EVERYONE

Millions of options - all of them guaranteed for one year.

Get the latest gear.

Grab nearly perfect pre-loved gear.

Find new gear on clearance.


Bear Canister Rental REI

For some reason, bear canisters are the most frequently sought item to rent.

Our local San Diego REI has hundreds of them on their rental wall and from speaking to other REI rentals associates, this is the norm. 

Bears aren’t even a problem in our county, you have to drive two-plus hours before you could possibly run into a bear and yet my local REI rental shop looks like we are the bear capital of the world. 

Probably because we all head to the local mountains where there are plenty of bears.

Most REI's offer the BearVault BV500 for rent at a reasonable $5 the first night and $2 each additional day.

That seems like a reasonable price to keep bears from sniffing around your campsite.

Hey bear... hey beaR... Hey Bear..HEY BEAR!

REI BEAR CANISTER

REI RENTAL PRICES

OR SIMILAR

Bear Canister

First Night - $5 

Additional Night - $2 

Weekly - $17

Counter Assault Bear Keg (New - $79.95)

Bear Canister

First Night - $5 

Additional Night - $2 

Weekly - $17

Simple and Easy.

Rent Your Adventure.

Before you commit to buying all the gear, test it out with REI Rentals. You might be amazed with the options.

Simple and Easy

Rent Your Adventure

Before you commit to buying all the gear, test it out with REI Rentals.


Camp Kitchen Rentals 

KITCHEN

REI RENTAL RATES

OR SIMILAR

Camp Cooksets

First Night - $6

Additional Night - $2

Weekly - $18


Basic Coolers

First Night - $5

Additional Night - $2 

Weekly - $17


Camp Tables

First Night - $5

Additional Night - $2 

Weekly - $17



Stove Rental 

STOVE

REI RENTAL RATES

OR SIMILAR

Stoves - Camping

First Night - $8 

Additional Night - $2 

Weekly - $20

Stoves - Backpacking

First Night - $8 

Additional Night - $2 

Weekly - $20


REI Sleeping Bag Rentals (Adult)


REI Down Sleeping Bag Rental (Adult) 

* DOWN SLEEPING BAG

REI RENTALS COSTS

OR SIMILAR

Sleeping Bag - Down

First Night - $28

Additional Night - $4

Weekly - $52

REI Co-op Kilo Expedition - 20 Sleeping Bag

Sleeping Bag - Down

First Night - $28

Additional Night - $4

Weekly - $52

Sleeping Bag - Down

First Night - $28

Additional Night - $4

Weekly - $52

* Not available in California due to government regulations.

REI GEAR FOR EVERYONE

Millions of options - all of them guaranteed for one year.

Get the latest gear.

Grab nearly perfect pre-loved gear.

Find new gear on clearance.


Synthetic Sleeping Bag RentalS REI

* SYNTHETIC SLEEPING BAG

REI RENTAL RATES

OR SIMILAR

Sleeping Bag - Synthetic

First Night - $18

Additional Night - $3 

Weekly - $36

Sleeping Bag - Synthetic

First Night - $18

Additional Night - $3 

Weekly - $36

Sleeping Bag - Synthetic

First Night - $18

Additional Night - $3 

Weekly - $36

REI Co-op Zenith 0 Degree Sleeping Bag - Mens

Sleeping Bag - Synthetic

First Night - $18

Additional Night - $3 

Weekly - $36

REI Co-op Zenith -5 Degree Sleeping Bag - Womens

* Not available in California due to government regulations. 

Rentals for Your Next Adventure 

No need to store, repair or spend a whole lot of money when you rent your gear from REI!

Rentals for Your Next Adventure

No need to store, repair or spend a whole lot of money when you rent your gear from REI!


Youth Sleeping Bag Rental REI

* YOUTH SLEEPING BAG

REI RENTALS COST

OR SIMILAR

Sleeping Bag - Youth

First Night - $10

Additional Night - $2 

Weekly - $22

* Not available in California due to government regulations. 


Sleeping Comfort Rental 

* SLEEPING COMFORT

REI RENTALS COST

OR SIMILAR

Sleeping Pads - Car Camping

First Night - $10

Additional Night - $2

Weekly - $22

Sleeping Pads - Backpacking

First Night - $14 

Additional Night - $2

Weekly - $26

Sleeping Pads - Backpacking

First Night - $14 

Additional Night - $2

Weekly - $26

Premium Sleeping Pads/Cots

First Night - $16 

Additional Night - $2

Weekly - $28


Hammocks

First Night - $6

Additional Night - $2

Weekly - $18


* Not available in California due to government regulations. 


Illumination Rentals 

LIGHT OPTIONS

REI RENTAL RATES

OR SIMILAR

Lanterns

First Night - $4

Additional Night - $2 

Weekly - $16


Headlamps

First Night - $5

Additional Night - $2 

Weekly - $17


Simple and Easy.

Rent Your Adventure.

Before you commit to buying all the gear, test it out with REI Rentals. You might be amazed with the options.

Simple and Easy

Rent Your Adventure.

Before you commit to buying all the gear, test it out with REI Rentals.


REI Backpacking and Camping Chair Rental 

CHAIR

REI RENTAL PRICES

OR SIMILAR

Backpacking Chairs

First Night - $6

Additional Night - $2

Weekly - $18


Camp Chairs

First Night - $4

Additional Night - $2 

Weekly - $16



Camp Water Rentals

WATER

REI RENTAL RATES

OR SIMILAR

Water Filters

First Night - $8

Additional Night - $2

Weekly - $20


Camp Showers

First Night - $5

Additional Night - $2 

Weekly - $17


REI GEAR FOR EVERYONE

Millions of options - all of them guaranteed for one year.

Get the latest gear.

Grab nearly perfect pre-loved gear.

Find new gear on clearance.

Simple and Easy.

Rent Your Adventure.

Before you commit to buying all the gear, test it out with REI Rentals. You might be amazed with the options.

Simple and Easy

Rent Your Adventure

Before you commit to buying all the gear, test it out with REI Rentals.


REI Hiking Gear Rentals


REI Backpack Rental

Why buy a backpack when you can rent an awesome one for a fraction of the price! 

All of the REI Backpack rentals are going to be from their very own brands, including the Traverse, Flash, Tarn, and Trail styles. 

They offer packs anywhere from 70 liters to the Trail 40 liter day pack for pretty unbelievable prices. 

You can rent an adult premium lightweight backpacking pack over an entire week for a total of $48 or buy it brand new for $199.00

BACKPACK

REI RENTAL PRICES

OR SIMILAR

Backpacking Packs - Womens Basic

First Night - $20 

Additional Night - $3 

Weekly - $38

Backpacking Packs - Mens Basic

First Night - $20 

Additional Night - $3 

Weekly - $38

Backpacking Packs - Mens Lightweight

First Night - $24 

Additional Night - $4

Weekly - $48

Backpacking Packs - Womens Lightweight

First Night - $24 

Additional Night - $4

Weekly - $48

Backpacking Packs - Youth Medium

First Night - $12

Additional Night - $2

Weekly - $24

Backpacking Packs - Youth Large

First Night - $12

Additional Night - $2

Weekly - $24

Day Hiking Packs

First Night - $15

Additional Night - $2

Weekly - $27


Hiking Pole Rental REI

HIKING POLES

RENTAL COST

OR SIMILAR

Trekking Poles

First Night - $6 

Additional Night - $2 

Weekly - $18


Climbing Gear REI Rentals

Simple and Easy.

Rent Your Adventure.

Before you commit to buying all the gear, test it out with REI Rentals. You might be amazed with the options.

Simple and Easy

Rent Your Adventure.

Before you commit to buying all the gear, test it out with REI Rentals.


Mountaineering Gear Rentals REI

MOUNTAINEERING

REI RENTALS COST

OR SIMILAR

Mountaineering Packages

First Night - $40 

Additional Night - $8 

Weekly - $88

Includes: Boots, Crampons, and Ice Axe.

Mountaineering Boots - Adult Plastic

First Night - $30 

Additional Night - $6 

Weekly - $66

Koflach Degre Plastic Climbing Boots

Mountaineering Boost - Adult Leather

First Night - $38

Additional Night - $8 

Weekly - $86


Crampons

First Night - $15 

Additional Night - $3

Weekly - $33

Crampons

First Night - $15 

Additional Night - $3

Weekly - $33

Ice Axes

First Night - $8

Additional Night - $2

Weekly - $20

Mountaineering Tents - 2 Person

First Night - $65

Additional Night - $13

Weekly - $143


REI Climbing Gear For Rent

CLIMBING

REI RENTALS COST

OR SIMILAR

Rock Climbing Shoes - Adult

First Night - $8

Additional Night - $2

Weekly - $20

Rock Climbing Shoes - Adult

First Night - $8

Additional Night - $2

Weekly - $20

Rock Climbing Shoes - Kids

First Night - $4 

Additional Night - $2

Weekly - $16

Climbing Helmets

First Night - $6 

Additional Night - $2

Weekly - $18

Petzl Ecrin Roc Climbing Helmet

Bouldering Crash Pads

First Night - $15 

Additional Night - $3

Weekly - $33


REI Cycling Gear Rentals

Rentals for Your Next Adventure 

No need to store, repair or spend a whole lot of money when you rent your gear from REI!

Rentals for Your Next Adventure

No need to store, repair or spend a whole lot of money when you rent your gear from REI!

REI Bike Rentals

REI Cycling has come a long way and they now offer their own brand of Full Suspension Mountain Bikes, Hardtail Mountain Bikes, Hybrid Bikes, and Kids Bikes. 

Renting a bike from REI is the perfect way to explore new terrain, get a workout in, or just have some fun outdoors. Whether you're an experienced rider or a beginner, REI bike rentals offer a range of options to suit your needs. And let me tell you, it's absolutely worth it to upgrade to premium gear if you're a serious cyclist looking for top-of-the-line equipment. Trust me, it makes all the difference!