Sustainable holiday gift ideas in Bend, Oregon
December 21, 2023
10 minute readBend has countless outdoor activities to explore, and we’re all here to have a heaping, sweet slice of the adventure pie. Mountain biking, skiing, paddle boarding, camping, hiking, snowmobiling, kayaking, e-biking, snowboarding, rafting, ouch! Sorry, I got writer’s cramp from naming just some of the outdoor activities around here. With so many adventures, the demand for rental equipment is real, and the options are here.
It’s just so easy and convenient. Instead of trying to pack all your toys in the car or plane, visit one of many local outdoor shops offering rentals for the entire crew. Let the savvy and friendly employees guide you every step of the way, ensuring you find rental equipment that’s safe, reliable, properly fitted, and appropriate for your adventure. And renting is an easy way to try out different activities without having to commit to buying all the gear.
Even if your garage overfloweth with adventuring essentials, take the opportunity to try the latest and greatest. How about trying this year’s top-reviewed powder skis or finally giving that smooth-as-butter electronic shifting a try on your road ride? You’ll find outdoor rental shops in Bend doling out the newest, fastest, smoothest, and funnest outdoor gear.
Gear rentals make it fun and easy to enjoy the great outdoors. Whether you’re heading to Sparks Lakes to go kayaking for the first time or an experienced adventure junkie, there’s something for everyone.
Have you made your Bend activity list? That’s great! Let’s talk about the different rentals, depending on the season.
Plan those rentals in advance. Bend’s an outdoor lover’s paradise, so it’s no surprise that gear rentals can go fast. Just ask any Saturday afternoon. If you plan on hitting the trails, the river, or the slopes, it’s best to make a reservation in advance. Some shops don’t take rental reservations, so it’s always a good idea to call ahead to make sure.
Bike rentals in Bend are a breeze, with several local bike shops offering a wide variety of bikes. How about a mountain bike ready to conquer the over 600 miles of singletrack around Bend? Or embark on an off-road adventure with a versatile gravel bike. For those looking to keep their wheels on the pavement, you can rent road bikes and cruisers or grab an extra boost of power with an e-bike rental. Check with Pine Mountain Sports, Sunnyside Sports, Project Bike, Wheel Fun Rentals, and WebCyclery for bike rentals.
If time on the water is what you crave, we got you. If you’re itching to dip your paddle and toes in a tranquil lake where towering mountains encompass the skyline, gear up with a canoe or kayak rental. Or how about gliding along the water and enjoying the simple pleasure of being one with nature on a standup paddleboard. For some rowdier excitement, grab a raft or tube rental for a thrilling float along the Deschutes River. For rentals, stop by Tumalo Creek and Stand on Liquid.
Climbing rentals open up a world of vertical adventures. Known as a “bona fide climbing town,” according to National Geographic Magazine, Bend is an ideal playground for climbers of all levels with renowned rock, routes, epic scenery, and state-of-the-art indoor gyms. For an overnight adventure sleeping under the stars or an epic day hike, backpacking rentals are available through TruNorthwest Adventures with an online reservation.
Bend is a winter wonderland for skiers and snowboarders. With several local ski shops, including a full rental shop at Mt. Bachelor, you can easily find the right skis, board, boots, and accessories for your skill level and preferences. Hit the slopes surrounded by breathtaking views of the Cascade Range, and feel the adrenaline rush as you make your way down Mt. Bachelor. For those craving something different, like making your own tracks up and down the mountain, you can find splitboards, backcountry skis, and safety gear rentals. Stop by Powder House, Tactics, or Mt. Bachelor for ski and snowboard rentals.
Embrace the tranquility of the snowy landscapes as you glide along groomed trails or explore the backcountry in a peaceful winter wonderland. From skate skis to metal-edged and classic Nordic ski rentals, Bend boasts a multitude of sno-parks suitable for all techniques and skill levels. Or head to Mt. Bachelor’s Nordic Center, where you can glide on groomed trails surrounded by snow-draped trees and breathtaking mountain views. Check out WebSkis, Sunnyside Sports, or the Nordic Center at Mt. Bachelor for nordic rentals.
Embrace the tranquility of hiking through a winter wonderland by renting a pair of snowshoes. Explore the breathtaking sno-parks along the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway, which offers stunning views of the snow-covered Cascade Mountains. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a first-timer, snowshoeing is a great way to exercise and enjoy winter’s peace and tranquility. Stop by Pine Mountain Sports, Powder House, or Mountain Supply for snowshoe rentals.
If you’re looking for accessible outdoor adventures, the folks at Oregon Adaptive Sports provide life-changing outdoor experiences for individuals with disabilities. OAS offers custom, group, and community-based programs for individuals of all ages with various disabilities to experience sports such as adaptive skiing, cycling, paddling, and mountain biking. OAS maintains state-of-the-art adaptive sports equipment and access to highly trained staff and volunteers to make the wonders of the outdoors in Central Oregon accessible to all!
Another way to make recreating outdoors more accessible is by buying used gear. Bend has a few shops in town selling affordable used outdoor clothing, footwear, and gear, including Gear Fix, Play It Again Sports, and Latitude 44 Sports.
Whatever your outdoor pursuit of choice is while in Bend, we bet you’ll find a rental that rolls on trails, floats on water, or slides across the snow to take you where your heart flourishes and your smile is everlasting from pure outdoor joy.