Buy vs Rent Trekking Equipment

# Buy vs Rent Trekking Equipment

Use this simple rule: **rent bulky, expensive, single-use gear; buy personal, fit-critical, frequently-used gear.**

## Rent These

– **Down jacket** — bulky, $200+, only used on cold treks
– **Sleeping bag** — bulky, $150+, single-trip for most people
– **Sleeping mat** — bulky
– **Trekking poles** — awkward to fly with, $60+
– **Duffel bag** — bulky, single-use
– **Tent** — bulky, expensive

## Buy These

– **Trekking boots** — fit-critical, must be broken in, personal
– **Base layers** — personal, worn daily
– **Trekking trousers** — personal, fit-critical
– **Headlamp** — small, personal, useful everywhere
– **First aid kit** — personal medications

## The Math

A 14-day EBC trek renting jacket + bag + poles + duffel ≈ $70. Buying the same gear ≈ $450. Renting saves $380 and 7kg of luggage.

## When to Buy

If you trek multiple times a year, or live in a cold climate where you’ll use a down jacket at home, buying makes sense. Otherwise, rent.