When renting gear you get the best of both worlds — you get the stuff you need without needing a new closet to keep it all in. At REI, you can rent skis, snowboards, camping gear and more. And starting this month, outdoor enthusiasts from kids to adults can now rent snowshoes in 70 REI stores around the country.
To help more people enjoy outdoor activities and try new gear, the co-op will continue to expand its rental program with new products and additional locations throughout 2019. Most gear available to rent can also be purchased in-store or on the website, so you can try the best outdoor products before purchasing or upgrading.
“At REI we believe in the transformative power of spending time outdoors,” says Peter Whitcomb, director of new business development and head of REI’s rental program. “Factors such as price and storage space can be barriers to getting outdoors. Offering rental gear makes it that much easier for people to learn a new hobby, check out new gear, connect with friends, and get outside.”
This marks the beginning of a significant expansion of REI’s gear rental program. Throughout 2019, the co-op will continue to grow the number of rental locations, breadth of gear and quality of rental options available to members.
“We’re rethinking how we provide high quality gear at lower prices to our customers, particularly as their behaviors and expectations change. Our expansion into snowshoe rentals and used gear is one of the key ways we’re evolving our business model to connect more people to the outdoors,” says Whitcomb.
After each season, gently used rental equipment will be sold through REI’s used gear program local garage sales so that REI members have the option to purchase affordable, pre-loved gear. Availability and pricing varies depending on location. REI Co-op members get a discounted rate on all rental gear.