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Boston Area's Best Places To Rent Outdoor Gear

hiking
(Image: iStockphoto)

It is nice to spend some time outdoors without spending too much money on outdoor gear, not to mention finding a place to store it all when vacation is over. Renting outdoor gear means spending less, getting more and being able to drop the gear back off instead of cramming it in a garage or even a closet. Whether outdoorsy folk are looking for a way to watch a movie outside with friends or planning to hike in the Berkshires, Boston has a rental store that can help.

Charles River Canoe & Kayak
1071 Soldier's Field Road
Boston, MA 02134
(617) 965-5110
www.paddleboston.com

Not everyone wants to head out of the city and camp in a remote location to get their outdoor fix, which is where Charles River Canoe & Kayak comes in. Located in four areas in and around the city, this company rents out small boats and safety equipment for paddling the Charles River. It also offers off-site rentals, but most customers go out on the river for an hour or so when the weather is nice. Take some time to enjoy the city sights while soaking up the sun and getting a little exercise.

Related: Winter Camping Guide For Boston

Pack Out Gear
50 Terminal St. #722
Charlestown, MA 02129
(617) 337-5826
www.packoutgear.com

Pack Out Gear is a fantastic company that fully loads individuals who are hiking or camping. Customers come in, grab a pack, fill it with the gear they need and hit the trail. Sleeping bags, sleeping mats and tents are among the gear this company has available. The equipment is great for minimalist camping, as everything goes in a pack. Of course, campers will have to remember food and other survival equipment, which is why it is important to go with a buddy and disperse the load.

Fun Flicks Of Massachusetts
Boston, MA
(978) 377-8367
www.funflicks.com

For those who are looking for a less than woodsy outdoor experience, but want to enjoy good weather with friends, family or co-workers, Fun Flicks has it covered. Rent an outdoor movie setup and curl up under the stars on a blanket. Whether it is for a community event or even for a fun night at a local campground, it is possible to get a screen set up for a mixture of modern technology and timeless nature. All that is needed is a field or a backyard.

El Monte RV Rentals
25 Harvard Ave.
Allston, MA 02134
(617) 204-1118
www.elmonterv.com

For families and individuals whose idea of outdoor fun involves a moving house, RV rentals are the way to go. Campers near Boston can head to El Monte RV Rentals for a mobile home that will keep them safe, warm and moving for a road trip or an RV camping trip. RVs are available for round-trip and one-way adventures, so book what is needed without worrying how the motor home will make it back to El Monte.

Related: Best Camping Sites Near Boston

BC Campus Recreation
Flynn Recreation Complex
140 Commonwealth Ave.
Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
(617) 552-0797
www,bc.edu

The BC Campus Recreation department rents outdoor gear to members via the Outdoor Adventures' Weekend Gear Rental Program. This limits who can use the service, but members and those heading out with members can take advantage of what is actually one of the best places to rent gear in the city. Gear runs the gamut from tents to wetsuits. Rentable equipment includes lamps, paddleboards, snowshoes, gaiters, life jackets, pot sets and more. Few places have as many options, even if availability is limited.

Shelly Barclay is a professional freelance writer and amateur author. She writes on a variety of topics from food to mysteries. She loves to share the culture and rich history of her birthplace and home, Boston, with the rest of the world. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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