Rent Outdoor Camping Equipment at REI in USA

From Family Tent Rentals & Camp Stoves to Mountain Climbing Gear

© Christina Gregoire

May 17, 2009
Backpacking Gear, kafziel
REI is a great place to rent outdoor camping equipment in the US. They have everything from family tent rentals and camp stoves to mountain climbing gear.

REI started out in 1928 as a humble cooperative, in Seattle, for climbers who needed serious mountain climbing gear like that used in the European Alps. Now, REI has morphed into an upscale megastore in 28 states. It is, however, still a good place for mountaineers to rent ice axes, backcountry campers to rent camp stoves, and for novice campers to find down sleeping bags, family tent rentals, and other outdoor camping equipment.

REI Membership Benefits

REI is a consumers’ cooperative just like it was with its first 23 Mount Rainier climbing buddies, except now there are over 3 million active REI members. Campers do not need to join the co-op to buy or rent equipment, though membership at REI brings a discount on family tent rentals and other outdoor camping equipment. Membership includes a discount on shop services, such as bike repairs and ski tune-ups.

Membership benefits include a 10% refund or rebate on a member’s purchases in the form of an annual dividend.

List of Outdoor Camping Equipment Carried in Various REI Stores

  • Mountaineering Gear
  • Camp Stoves
  • Tents (Family tent rentals and other tents)
  • Backpacks (Mostly used by campers in the outback, though ask an REI employee.)
  • Sleeping Bags and Pads (Don’t let children use the same sleeping bag they use for indoor sleepovers.)
  • Paddling Gear
  • Alpine Skiing Equipment (Downhill skiing)
  • Snowboarding Equipment
  • Nordic Skiing (Cross-country and telemark skiing)
  • Snowshoes

Other Camping Gear Essentials

Don’t forget to bring a Coleman lantern or something similar. Several hand-held flashlights are also needed for night time trips to the bathroom. Older campers may find a camping chair (or beach chair) a godsend for old bones.

Locations of REI Stores

REI Co-ops are Located in 28 States. Check here for the REI Store Directory to see what areas have a co-op store in the neighborhood. If there is no store in the area, call or email REI. The employees are fanatics about outdoor activities and adventures, so someone may be able to pass on information about other stores that rent outdoor camping equipment.

Also, it may be worthwhile to check prices at other stores (or online stores) for camping gear rentals or sales. Or, look for used equipment on Craigslist.

Family Tent Rentals, Camp Stoves, and Down Sleeping Bags

Each REI Co-op store carries different camping gear for rent. Use this directory of REI Rental Equipment to find out which stores carry the required equipment. Ask the employees what they think a camper might need for a particular camping adventure. The sales people are knowledgeable about the details of each state and each sport.

For lucky people who are living in or visiting Washington State, here are some of the best places for camping. There are other people love the great outdoors, but may be too old for camping or may have too many family members to make it work logistically. Here are options for those who don't like sleeping on the cold ground: the best place to rent a cabin at Mt Rainier and the best lodge at Mt Rainier.

There are many places in the United States and Canada which rent outdoor camping equipment, however, REI is a good place to start. REI has camp stoves, down sleeping bags, and family tent rentals. They also rent equipment for paddling excursions and winter sports. For the more advanced outdoor adventurer, the REI co-op rents mountain climbing gear.


The copyright of the article Rent Outdoor Camping Equipment at REI in USA in Washington State Travel is owned by Christina Gregoire. Permission to republish Rent Outdoor Camping Equipment at REI in USA in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.


Outdoor Store, coolcaesar
Camping Supplies, mwanner
Camping Gear, n thurston
Backpacking Gear, kafziel
Camping Equipment, MarcusObal


Post this Article to facebook Add this Article to del.icio.us! Digg this Article furl this Article Add this Article to Reddit Add this Article to Technorati Add this Article to Newsvine Add this Article to Windows Live Add this Article to Yahoo Add this Article to StumbleUpon Add this Article to BlinkLists Add this Article to Spurl Add this Article to Google Add this Article to Ask Add this Article to Squidoo