Disclaimer: I’m an ambassador for Auckland Outdoors, a Colorado company I am about to talk about, and while I am being reimbursed for my work with them all opinions and such are my own! I applied to be an ambassador because I love the gear sharing concept they’ve come up with and how they make it easier to get everyone outside! If you have any questions/suggestions/thoughts…send them my way! I’d love to hear them and pass them along, anything to help make Auckland Outdoors more successful!
Let’s imagine a situation…one that many of you have probably been in.
You have friends or family flying in from out of town with big plans to go camping, backpacking or hiking. With the astronomical baggage costs they are packing light…which means they are coming without the proper camping gear.
Or, you have a friend in town that keeps saying they are jealous of your trips into the mountains…you plan out an easy adventure to get them experience the backcountry first hand but don’t have the gear needed to make their first trip comfortable and fun.
Or, you’re traveling to Denver without knowing many people in the area. You want to head into the mountains to do some exploring but don’t have the gear you need…and aren’t sure where to go.
You have a few options…
- borrow from friends [but what if they are using their gear?!]
- rent from a gear store like REI [but there are strict pick up/drop off locations and time frames]
- buy new gear [whoa, crazy expensive…unless Mom + Dad are buying it for you to keep…]
- rent from a local who listed their gear on Auckland Outdoors [and get suggestions for must-see places to visit and tips from locals!]
Personally, I think the last option is the best…you get to pick from a variety of gear, narrow down the options by the times/locations each item is available for pick up and you’re supporting a local’s outdoor addiction by handing over a little cash [via PayPayl] to take their gear on a trip.
It’s a pretty sweet set up – like a mix of the Craigslist/AirBnB concepts and the generic brick + mortar gear rental company with a lot of local love. And it’s not just about finding the gear you need for a weekend with out-of-state’ers…you can list your gear too!
Backyard camping at it’s finest…or just a nicely posed photo to make sure I know how to set up the tent…you decide.
If you’re stuck working a weekend or just can’t get into the mountains it doesn’t mean your gear has to suffer in the city with you! You can list your gear on Auckland Outdoors, choose a public pick up location [like a coffee shop] and list the times you’re available to meet. Once someone requests your gear you get an email, can vet them as much or little as you want and then meet up to hand off the gear.
All transactions are handled through PayPal and your gear ends up earning you a little money any time you’re not using it! Like I said, a pretty sweet set up!
Check out their site [www.outdoors.io] to see what is listed, to post your own gear or just to scope it out!
Even better?! Auckland Outdoors has been working with Eddie Bauer which means the First Ascent Stargazer tent + Alchemist 40L pack + 20 degree sleeping bag are all available for renting! I’ve been using the sleeping bag + tent on weekend ventures into the mountains – the tent is freaking awesome! I’m pretty sure you could actually fit 3 people in this 3 person tent!
Also up for grabs right now? Cornhole, volleyball net, SteriPen kit…and whatever you happen to list! Seriously, all the little things you need from time to time but don’t necessarily want to dump a lot of money into!
What do you think? Any suggestions for their site? Auckland Outdoors is the epitome of a start up company and have been incredibly receptive to any suggestions the ambassadors have passed along, so keep the ideas and thoughts coming so we can help them become a big part of the local outdoor community!
PS – They also just launched an Android app so gear rentals and postings are easy peasy lemon squeazy! The iOS app is on it’s way!
7 Comments
I LOVE LOVE LOVE this idea! I’ve been dreaming of hiking trips in the Rocky Mountains but it’s to far for me to drive, and I couldn’t plan out an effective way to get all my gear there. This is genius!
Right?! It’s a great idea!
And since you’re renting from locals they will most likely be able to give you advice on locations and weather and…everything else! If they don’t have it, hit me up, I’ll tell you what I know! RMNP is an awesome place to explore — I’m doing a 50M loop hike there in a few weeks!
This is a great idea for people like me who want to spend more time in the mountains but don’t have the gear for it (or the money for said gear). Thanks for passing this info along!
It’s the perfect idea for you! Let me know if you ever need anything, I have more stuff available than I have posted so I might be able to help you out!
I’m intrigued by this! Out of curiosity, do they have some type of contingency plan set up if a borrower damages the gear?
They do — their current plan covers up to $500 in intentional damage or theft. You do have to file a police report for theft, but otherwise it’s pretty straight forward — if the gear goes out intact and comes back ripped to shreds you’re covered!
I think the bocce balls add a nice touch to the photo!