Rent trad gear?

I had a request to rent trad gear, specifically a set of cams. Know of a guide service or retail store that does this?

Highly unlikely due to liability issues. Soft goods (the slings attached to cams) are sensitive to chemicals and other wear and tear. There is no way to ensure that the cams were properly cared for during their time with each customer. This is why you won't find companies renting things like harnesses, ropes, and other safety related equipment. This is also why it's not a good idea to buy soft goods used. If you do buy used cams, most prefer to have them re-slung depending on the reported condition and the buyer's level of trust with the seller.

I know of a pawn shop in Canada that will allow you to trade gear. It's sort of strange. You show up with a rope and trade it for a different rope, or for some draws or something of the sort. It seemed to be a hot deal as they had a ton of used gear in the store.

You could rent deez nuts!

20 kN wrote:I know of a pawn shop in Canada that will allow you to trade gear. It's sort of strange. You show up with a rope and trade it for a different rope, or for some draws or something of the sort. It seemed to be a hot deal as they had a ton of used gear in the store.

Where was this shop at?

Gavin W wrote: Where was this shop at?

I believe it was in Canmore, Alberta.

My collegiate outdoor club had gear you could borrow. Included a rack etc if I recall correctly. Never seen a commercial rental setup.

mattm wrote:My collegiate outdoor club had gear you could borrow. Included a rack etc if I recall correctly.

Mine did too, bitd - but only for students who were members of the club.

mattm wrote:Never seen a commercial rental setup.

They don't exist in the states due to liability issues.

There are guide services that regularly provide their clients with any gear (harnesses, cams, slings, etc.) their clients may or may not have. However, this is usually only during a course or a guided trip.

Alex May wrote:This is why you won't find companies renting things like harnesses, ropes, and other safety related equipment.

Also, most gyms allow customers to rent harnesses, locking carabiners, and ATCs. I realize there are many gyms that require you to use your own rope to lead, but at mine they require you to use the ropes provided by the company.

I do realize that both of these situations occur while either within the gym or while under the supervision of a guide. Only within the gym situation is it usually referred to as "renting gear". Just thought I would point it out.