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

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.

REI Rental Prices - Cost - Rates

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.   

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

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 

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

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) 

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) 

Bear Canister Rental REI

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!

Camp Kitchen Rentals 

Stove Rental 

REI Sleeping Bag Rentals (Adult)

REI Down Sleeping Bag Rental (Adult) 

* Not available in California due to government regulations.

Synthetic Sleeping Bag RentalS REI

Youth Sleeping Bag Rental REI

Sleeping Comfort Rental 

Illumination Rentals 

REI Backpacking and Camping Chair Rental 

Camp Water 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

Hiking Pole Rental REI

Climbing Gear REI Rentals

Mountaineering Gear Rentals REI

REI Climbing Gear For Rent

REI Cycling Gear 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!