Eddie Bauer’s new Gear Rental division, the result of a partnership with Arrive Outdoors, offers high-quality apparel and gear from the outfitter’s existing lineup ‘at a fraction of the retail price.’
The Eddie Bauer Gear Rental program, announced on Wednesday, is a brand-new initiative to overcome common barriers to adventure — namely, budget constraints and convenience.
“Rentals offer consumers unique opportunities to try items before they commit to a large purchase, secure quality gear for a once-a-year trip when they need it, or try a new activity altogether,” the brand said in a press release.
Here’s how Eddie Bauer’s gear rental platform will work.
Gear Rental Ethos
Coupled with EB’s other recent initiatives (last month, the company gave away 1,000 free PNW campsite reservations for its upcoming Sleep Under the Stars Night), the Rental Program signals a broader movement toward inclusivity regardless of price point.
“Adventure should be self-prescribed. It looks different to everyone, and living your adventure can take many forms. Through our first rental program, we hope to reach even more people, offering them the gear, apparel, and resources they need to get outside,” Eddie Bauer CEO Damien Huang said.
In a press release announcing the new program, the company expressed its intention to step up its role in the circular economy. EB credits this new capacity to extend product lifecycles to its new partnership with Arrive Outdoors. Arrive Outdoors, established in 2017, is a gear rental organization that specializes in the management of high-end outdoor products.
Eddie Bauer Gear Rental Options
The online store divides reservable items into three categories: Men’s Apparel, Women’s Apparel, and Gear, all of which are reported to be in “like-new” condition.
Currently, the Rental Program offerings include (but are not limited to):
- day packs
- insulated parkas and ski jackets
- rainwear
- sleeping bags
- specialized boots and hikers
- technical apparel (fleece, joggers, leggings)
- tents
- UPF shirts and pants
Rentals: Access and Pricing
EB’s rental pricing structure is traditional — a per-day dollar amount is specified above the full retail value of each garment or gear item in the rental catalog. Customers can then view more specification options like size, color, and rental periods — anywhere from 2 to 21 days.
Prices range from around $5-20 for apparel, bags, and footwear to $20 and above for higher-end tents and full camping sets.
Patrons can opt for in-store pickup or direct shipping delivery methods. Shipping is available anywhere in the contiguous U.S., and in-store pickup is only available at Eddie Bauer retail locations. As part of its opening offer, the company is giving folks $10 off their first in-store pickup.
Part and parcel with the program’s focus on convenience, each free rental quote includes return costs. Each order ships with a return label, too.
Sift through the full catalog and reserve rental gear at the Eddie Bauer Gear Rental page. For general information, trip-preparation insights, and other questions specific to renting, head to Eddie Bauer’s Gear Rental FAQ.
