Adventure Gear Rental
Rent quality, brand-name gear for your next weekend adventure through the Outdoor Adventure Center. From backpacks and tents to cook stoves and sleeping bags, find what you need for your time on the trail.
How to Rent Gear
Adventure Gear is available for weekend rentals to Rec Sports members on a first-come, first-served basis. Gear may be picked up during OAC open hours on Thursdays and Fridays and must be returned the following Sunday or Monday. Individuals must agree to all rental policies below and complete payment at pickup.
During holiday and academic break periods, gear may be picked up and returned only on the adjusted dates listed below:
- Labor Day weekend
- Pickup: Thursday, September 3
- Return: Tuesday, September 8
- Fall Break
- Pickup: Tuesday, October 13, or Wednesday, October 14
- Return: Monday, October 19
- Thanksgiving Break
- Pickup: Tuesday, November 24
- Return: Monday, November 30
Rental List and Pricing
| Item | Weekend Rental | Replacement Fee* |
|---|---|---|
| Backpack (70L) | $12 | $200 |
| Two-person tent | $15 | $160 |
| Three-person tent | $20 | $200 |
| 0° sleeping bag (7° comfort rating) | $12 | $150 |
| 20° sleeping bag (27° comfort rating) | $12 | $150 |
| 30° sleeping bag (37° comfort rating) | $12 | $150 |
| Closed-cell sleeping pad | $5 | $65 |
| Bear canister | $4 | $90 |
| MSR Pocket Rocket cook stove | $5 | $75 |
| 1L pot, cup and camping silverware | $5 | $65 |
| Headlamp | $5 | $50 |
| Crash pad | $15 | $300 |
*Individuals may be assessed the replacement fee if gear is not returned or is damaged beyond repair.
Rental Policies and Fees
To rent Adventure Gear, individuals must understand and agree to the following:
- Individuals must be current Student Life Recreational Sports members to rent gear through the Outdoor Adventure Center.
- Gear is rented on a first-come, first-served basis and is subject to approval by Student Life Recreational Sports staff.
- Individuals may rent up to four of the same item at one time.
- No insurance coverage is provided. Individuals renting gear are financially responsible for theft, loss, abnormal wear and tear, damage and any applicable fees:
- Late fee: A $10 fee will be assessed for each day equipment is not returned after the scheduled return date.
- Replacement fee: Gear not returned within seven days of the scheduled return date, or equipment returned damaged beyond repair, will result in a replacement fee. Costs vary by item.
- Cleaning fee: Gear returned in a condition that requires extensive cleaning or minor repairs will result in a $25 cleaning fee.
- Individuals responsible for unpaid Adventure Gear Rental fees will be suspended from facility access, programs and services until payment is made in full.
- Individuals must be able to transport all equipment to and from the Outdoor Adventure Center, located within the Adventure Recreation Center. Student Life Recreational Sports does not provide transportation, delivery or pickup of equipment.
- Individuals renting gear must follow all applicable policies of Student Life Recreational Sports, The Ohio State University and all local, state and federal laws.
Questions About Our Gear?
Unsure what gear you need for your adventure or have a specific rental question? Contact adventure@osu.edu to review options with an OAC staff member.
Need help using your rented gear? Our staff are happy to assist during pickup, whether you need help lighting a camp stove, pitching a tent or getting familiar with your equipment.
Nearby Adventure Destinations
Columbus Metro Parks, Central Ohio
- Great for day hikes to test out gear.
- Explore Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks
Zaleski State Forest, Southeast Ohio
- About 1.5 hours from Columbus, near Athens, Ohio.
- 28 miles of backpacking trails.
- Great for first-time backpackers.
- Explore Zaleski State Forest
- View the Zaleski State Forest map (PDF)
Red River Gorge, Kentucky
- Great for experienced backpackers.
- About four hours from Columbus.
- Explore hiking at Red River Gorge
Dolly Sods, West Virginia
- A popular backpacking destination within a six-hour drive of Columbus.
- Explore Dolly Sods Wilderness