Reserve Rental Gear
Don't want to book online, or date you want not available? Looking for a la carte gear rental options? Contact us.
We rent trekking poles, bear canisters, ursacks, kid carrier packs, daypacks, and Kahtoola ExoSpikes from our downtown Asheville location. These can be booked in advance online or via phone or email, or are available for walk-in rentals. Rental items can be picked up and dropped off any time during regular business hours. Longer and shorter rentals are available, just give us a call!
We rent backpacking gear (backpacks, tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, trekking poles, cook set, water filter, bear canister, bear bag) from the Appalachian Trail-er in Hot Springs, NC. Full gear packages can be booked online or via phone or email. A la carte gear rentals are booked via phone or email. Backpacking gear rentals are picked up and dropped off by appointment. Gear rentals can be picked up at our Asheville location with at least 1 week's notice.
If you prefer not to book online, you can fill out our Gear Rental Request Form.
Gear Rental FAQ
What kinds of rental gear do you have available?
We rent backpacks, sleeping bags with liners, sleeping pads, tents, trekking poles, cooksets (stove, pot, fuel), water filters, bear canisters, and kid carrier packs. We do not rent maps, cups/bowls/utensils, or first aid kits (all are available for sale at the Trail-er). We also have meal packages available for gear rentals with advanced reservations.
What does rental gear cost?
You can see our price list here.
Do rentals require an advanced reservation?
Rentals of kid carrier packs, trekking poles, bear canisters, ursacks, and Kahtoola ExoSpikes picked up from our Asheville, NC location do not require an advanced reservation (though a reservation is recommended to ensure availability). All backpacking gear rentals require reservations in advance.
What happens if gear is damaged while I'm using it?
We expect some wear and tear on gear while its being used. If gear is damaged beyond normal wear and tear or not returned, a repair or replacement charge may be issued.
How heavy is the gear going to be?
Depending on how much personal gear and clothing you have, your pack may weigh around 25-35 lbs fully packed.
Where do I pick the rental gear up?
We rent most backpacking gear out of our Bunkhouse in Hot Springs, NC. We also offer pickup in Asheville, NC with at least 1 week advance notice. Some day hike gear - trekking poles, bear canisters, and kid carrier packs - is available for pickup at our shop in Asheville, NC.
Do you rent Bear Canisters?
Yes. We rent Bear Vault BV500. These are required for several sections of trail in Western NC. We also rent Ursack bear resistant food bags, which must be used in conjunction with Opsak odor proof bags in order to be used in place of a bear canister. We have Opsaks for sale at our Asheville location.
Is it OK if I bring the gear back muddy?
Gear should be returned clean and dry, if possible. We clean all gear between rentals. If gear is returned exceptionally dirty, an additional cleaning fee may be required.
Besides renting gear, do you also offer shuttles?
Yes! Give us a call to arrange a pick-up!
