How to Rent Backpacking Gear in Denver

Prepare for a backpacking trip with the proper equipment.

Denver has a number of camping and sporting goods stores that offer quality backpacking gear for people who plan to camp in the area. Colorado has numerous state trails that take trekkers through the Rocky Mountain National Park, Dinosaur National Monument, Echo Park and other national and state parks as well as local trails. Backpackers must prepare carefully for a backpacking trip, whatever the season. In addition to personal gear such as good hiking boots, a protective hat and a strong backpack, basic backpacking gear can include weatherproof tents and clothing, food staples, cooking utensils and more.

Instructions

1. Visit Wilderness Exchange on 15th Street in Denver for backpacking gear from Outdoor Research, Mammut, KayLand and Icelandic. In addition to conventional items, backpackers who plan to climb can find harnesses, ropes, bouldering pads, helmets and rock protection equipment. Backpackers who will backpack in cold snowy conditions can find Wilderness Exchange snow gear including snowshoes, trekking poles and all-season tents.

2. Go to REI's Denver Flagship Store on Platte Street off of Valley Highway in central Denver for tents, cooking equipment and clothing for all weather conditions as well as gadgets and electronics like binoculars, GPS systems, knives, lanterns and radios. In addition, the Denver REI store rents camping stoves, tents, backpacks, sleeping bags and sleeping bag pads.

3. Visit the Army Surplus store of Colorado in Englewood, 19 minutes outside of Denver, for outdoor clothing and gear --- tents, tarps and ground covers, camping stoves and heaters, sleeping bags, duffel bags, cooking gear, water storage containers, backpacks, freeze-dried food, camping knives, gold-panning equipment and other camping accessories --- at discount prices.

Tips & Warnings

• Wilderness Exchange has store hours seven days a week, from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m on Saturday and from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday.

• REI's Denver Flagship Store gives classes and group meetings on winter hiking and backpacking, navigating with a compass or GPS, snowshoeing basics and awareness of avalanche terrain. The store also sponsors garage sales to allow patrons to buy secondhand camping and sports equipment. The store is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and on Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

• Customers can shop at the Army Surplus store Monday through Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Customers may also place orders online or by fax.

References

• Wilderness Exchange Unlimited: Gear
• REI: Denver Flagship
• Army Surplus For Less: Outdoor Supplies