Should You Rent Camping and Backpacking Gear for Your Next Trip? An Honest Review
Recently, we traveled to Yellowstone National Park for a camping adventure. Inventorying our gear revealed that flying would limit what we could bring, so we packed only essentials. Just days before departure, we discovered Mountain Side Gear Rental, which ships high-quality camping and backpacking gear directly to your destination.
Though too late for Yellowstone, the idea intrigued us. During the trip, our own equipment proved inadequate—we shivered nightly on hard ground.
Our next adventure to Havasu Falls, with its stunning blue waterfalls in a remote Grand Canyon section, was ideal for renting lighter adventure gear, as ours was too heavy.
We chose the complete backpacking kit for two, testing a full range of products. They also offer car camping kits.
The kit included everything shown below:
Lariat 65 Backpack
Two durable Lariat 65 backpacks arrived, each with rainfly and daypack. The daypacks were appropriately sized for backpacking, though smaller than my usual.
Big Agnes Emerald SL2 Tent
The Big Agnes Emerald SL2 tent sets up easily with practice. It withstood Grand Canyon thunderstorms and strong winds. Features include two doors for each camper—though we rarely used both.
Camp Sleep System
Two lightweight Big Agnes insulated sleeping pads provided comfort. Self-inflating, they were quick to set up.
Sleeping bag options: Monarch 0°F or Kenosha 20°F. We selected 20°F bags, ideal atop pads in 50°F+ conditions. They felt exceptionally warm.
Camp Kitchen
The compact Markill Stove uses standard butane/propane fuel, available at REI or Walmart. Similar to my favorite.
The GSI Pinnacle Dualist Cookset impressed: two bowls, pot, lid, foldable sporks, sponge, biodegradable soap, waterproof matches, and accessories—all neatly packed.
Other Essentials
Included: Fuel or Cosmo LED headlamps (camping must-haves), SOG Knives Hand Axe (useful for stakes or emergencies), two dry sacs (protected our camera in heavy rain), first aid kit, 50' paracord, and extra batteries.
Pros of Renting Camping/Backpacking Gear
U.S.-wide shipping to any location.
Superior quality to most personal gear.
Test before buying.
Ideal for nomads lacking storage or travelers flying (perfect for air travel camping trips).
Clear instructions included.
Comprehensive kit met all needs.
Cons of Renting Camping/Backpacking Gear
Cost: Frequent campers with storage should buy own gear. Here's our recommended essentials:
Camping Stove: Ultra-light, fast-heating backpacking stove.
Cookware: Compact backpacking set.
Sleeping Bags: Excellent backpacking option with top reviews.
Tent: Lightweight Marmot 2-person tent.
Sleeping Pads: Top-rated comfort.
Backpacks: Durable, light, affordable Teton Scout.
Solar Charger: For phones and cameras.
Waterproof Camera: GoPro Hero7 Black with LCD—lightweight for any trip.
Would you rent camping/backpacking gear?
Disclosure: Mountain Side Gear Rental provided a complimentary rental for this honest review. Opinions are our own.
