Try It to Buy It: Near Zero Launches Backpacking Gear Rental Program

It’s not the mileage, inclines, or creepy crawlies that can scare off new backpackers fastest — it’s the cost of gear. The hefty price tag associated with collecting backpacking equipment is a reasonable hesitation. It’s also hard to know if you love overnight backpacking without the gear to try it first.

That’s why Near Zero launched its backpacking gear rental program on March 18, 2025. The program offers one-person, two-person, three-person, and youth rental gear options for up to 14 days, shipped right to your door.

It’s a way to test gear from a brand that makes full backpacking kits, and if you like it, you have the option to buy the equipment when you’re finished. If you do, Near Zero will refund your rental costs.

“We understand those new to the trails can be hesitant to buy gear, not knowing if backpacking and camping is going to be for them,” Scott Jensen, founder and owner of Near Zero, said in a press release. “After users rent our gear, we are confident they’ll want to get back outdoors with the comfort and ease our gear offers.” 

Near Zero Gear Rental: How Does It Compare?

Backpacking gear rental programs are nothing new. REI offers rentals out of several hubs around the country, as do Christy Sports and Evo. Some online companies, like Gearo, connect local gear and rental shops through one platform. Local guiding outfitters may also rent out equipment.

Near Zero’s program stands out from the rental options by offering full kits of its own branded lightweight backpacking and camping gear. The brand makes everything from sleeping bags to backpacks, cookware, and headlamps.

It will ship its kits anywhere in the continental U.S. Near Zero offers both youth and adult sizing for backpacks and sleeping bags. It even boasts customizable options to meet a group’s specific needs.

No matter the size of your group, Near Zero says it has you covered. It offers one-person (from $200), two-person (from $295), and three-person (from $390) packages. They come with everything you need for each size group, and you can order multiple plural-person kits.

Should you only need a tent, you can rent them separately with fees from $15 to $20 here. Check out all of the rental options on the Near Zero Gear Rental webpage.

You have to pay for the delivery shipping. But the brand will provide a free prepaid return label, so you can send the gear back for free. If you really like it, you can purchase the exact gear kit you rented, and Near Zero will refund you the full rental cost.

Backpacking Bundles: What’s Included

Each rental bundle includes essential items for overnight camping trips.

The one-person bundle includes: Dynalite tent (with one-person, two-person, or three-person options), Peralta sleeping bag, inflatable sleeping pad, inflatable pillow, Komet 350 Lumen headlamp, first-aid kit, Mini Stove, Voaz 750mL cooking pot, titanium spork, Ultra-Compact Folding Chair/Stool, Lifestraw Peak Squeeze 650mL water filtration system, carabiner with compass and thermometer, and a Dean 60L pack to carry it all.

Two- and three-person rental bundles include additional backpacks, sleeping bags and pads, pillows, stools, headlamps, pots, compasses, and sporks. Each bundle allows you to choose the size tent that will fit your adventure. That’s even if you’re renting a one-person bundle but want a three-person tent.

You can have the equipment shipped right to your door. Or, you can ship it wherever you’ll be backpacking and pick it up at your location. Alternatively, you could save the one-way cost of shipping with local pick-up if you’re in the Mesa, Ariz., area where Near Zero is headquartered. If you decide at the last minute to extend your trip, you can upgrade your rental duration.

Mission-Minded Rentals: Making Camping Gear More Accessible

As mentioned, there are numerous companies from which you can rent backpacking gear. But Near Zero’s program is a pretty sweet deal. The option to have gear shipped to your door and to customize it for different-sized groups of people and kids makes it especially convenient. The fact that the brand will refund your rental if you choose to purchase the gear is also very cool.

Scott Jensen, Near Zero’s founder and owner, said this program is designed to make its own high-quality gear more accessible to all experience levels. It aims to give families and groups an easier and more customizable means of renting gear and getting outside.

“We’re excited to continue our mission by sharing our gear through this rental program,” Jensen says, “which we know will help get more families and individuals outside so they can come to love the outdoors as much as we do.”

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