Why Rent Your Outdoor Gear Instead of Buying: The Sustainable Choice
The average piece of outdoor gear sits unused 95% of the year. Renting is cheaper, better for the planet, and gives you access to better equipment. Here's why the sharing economy is the future of outdoor recreation.
Sustainability • Published 2026-06-13
The Hidden Cost of Owning Outdoor Gear
Think about your garage or storage closet. That tent you used once at a festival. The snowboard that gathered dust for two seasons. The kayak that hasn't touched water since 2023.
The average Canadian household owns over $3,000 in outdoor equipment — and most of it sits unused for 50 weeks a year. Meanwhile, someone down the street is buying the exact same gear for their one trip.
The Environmental Case for Renting
Every piece of gear manufactured has a carbon footprint:
- A paddle board: ~120 kg CO2 to manufacture
- A tent: ~80 kg CO2
- A pair of skis: ~90 kg CO2
When 10 people share one paddle board through renting, that's 1,080 kg of CO2 saved compared to everyone buying their own.
The Financial Case
| Item | Buy New | Rent (3 days) | Rent (7 days) |
|------|---------|---------------|---------------|
| Paddle Board | $900 | $150 | $350 |
| DSLR Camera | $1,500 | $120 | $300 |
| Mountain Bike | $3,000 | $180 | $420 |
| Camping Tent | $400 | $60 | $140 |
Renting makes sense for anyone who uses gear less than 20 days per year.
Beyond the Numbers
When you rent from a local on Rented Local, you also get:
- Local knowledge: Your owner knows the trails, water conditions, and best spots
- Better gear: Access to pro-level equipment you might not buy yourself
- No storage: No garage full of gear you use twice a year
- No maintenance: The owner handles cleaning, tuning, and repairs
The Sharing Economy in Action
Every rental on Rented Local is:
- A neighbor making extra income from gear they already own
- A visitor experiencing the outdoors without buying single-use equipment
- Less manufacturing demand, less waste, less clutter
Ready to rent instead of buy? Find gear near you.