Every summer, millions of people would love to go camping. Few actually do. The number one barrier isn't the desire — it's the cost of equipment. A decent tent, a technical sleeping bag, a trekking backpack, a camping stove, a lantern: we're easily looking at €500–800 in spending for someone starting from scratch, for an experience that might happen once a year.
There's an alternative. Rent all the gear you need, use it for your vacation, return it. No capital expenditure, no storage problems, no regrets if you change your mind next year.
The complete list: what to rent for camping
Here's the full list of everything you can find on Lendmates to organize a camping vacation from scratch:
| Gear | Purchase price | Rental/day |
|---|---|---|
| 2-3 person tent | €180–350 | €10–20 |
| Winter sleeping bag | €120–250 | €8–15 |
| Trekking backpack 50-70L | €150–300 | €10–18 |
| Camping stove + canister | €40–80 | €5–8 |
| LED camping lantern | €30–60 | €3–6 |
| Self-inflating sleeping pad | €60–120 | €5–10 |
💰 For 7 days of camping, renting the full set of gear costs about €220–350 vs. €700+ to buy. A 60-70% saving, right away, on your first trip.
How to find gear on Lendmates
The process is simple. From the app, open the Explore section, filter by category "Outdoor & Camping" and enter the dates of your vacation. Lendmates shows only items available on those dates, in your city or in the area where you're going on vacation.
Search tips
- Book in advance: during summer months (June–August) camping gear gets snapped up fast. Ideally book 2-3 weeks ahead.
- Look for complete kits: many lenders offer "tent + sleeping bags + backpacks" as a single package, often more convenient than individual pieces.
- Read the reviews: for outdoor gear, condition matters. A lender with many positive reviews is an extra guarantee.
- Communicate first: use the chat to ask about the gear's condition, the exact model, any accessories included.
The pickup point: how handover works
Renting on Lendmates works with direct physical exchange: you arrange a meeting point in your city with the lender via chat, pick up the gear, use it, return it at the end of the vacation. Everything certified by QR code for your protection and the lender's.
To understand the details of the guarantee system, read our guide on how security works on Lendmates. In short: nobody takes your money without you having the item in hand.
💡 If you're going on vacation far from home, you can search for lenders in your destination city instead of your own. Useful if you'd rather not carry everything by car or train.
Is it worth it? The numbers speak for themselves
Let's say you go camping once a year for 7 days:
- Buying: €700 one-time + annual storage + maintenance
- Renting: €280/year × 10 years = €2,800, but no commitment, no space taken up, no upfront cost
The break-even is around year 3-4. But consider: in 5 years do you still want the same tent? Are you changing destinations and need different gear? The flexibility of renting is worth far more than the nominal price.
What if you already have the gear?
Your camping gear that sits idle 11 months a year is an asset that can generate income. Many lenders on Lendmates have recouped their purchase cost in a single summer season. If you have quality tents, backpacks, or sleeping bags, list them for rent — summer demand is through the roof.
Next summer, before reaching for your wallet to buy yet another item you'll use three times, try searching for it on Lendmates. Save money, space, and effort. A camping vacation doesn't need an investment — it needs a good app.
Find gear for your vacation.
Tents, backpacks, sleeping bags: find them near you on Lendmates.
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