Maine GearShare believes that connection to nature is fundamental to a healthy life and builds connected, resilient communities. We offer deeply discounted memberships to groups doing equity-based work to foster those connections.

  • We have a large inventory of outdoor equipment for hiking, camping, and backpacking.

  • Groups can purchase an annual membership to access gear. They use our online reservation system to check it out for their trips and programming.

  • When they return the gear, we wash, maintain, and store it for the next user.

Read below to see if your group qualifies for our equity-based discount and sign up. If you lead a group or organization needing gear that does not qualify below, contact us to discuss other options.

Browse Our Inventory

  • Our deeply discounted annual memberships are reserved for groups doing equity based work. Does your group’s mission fit into one of the following descriptions?

    1. Nonprofit, school, or community-based organization that practices values of equity, solidarity, and cooperation; or

    2. Maine-based camp, guide service, or other organization that promotes equitable access to outdoor recreation through free or subsidized programs (e.g. equity-based scholarships).

    If yes, move on to Step 2.

    If no, you can still access gear through our per diem rental service. Click here to learn more.

  • Total # of People Using Gear X Days of Use = Participant Days

    Example 1: Your club’s 5-day backpacking trip has 12 participants, but only two need to borrow apparel, backpacks, and trekking poles. 2 participants x 5 days = 10 participant days.

    Example 2: Your school is sending 30 students on a 5-day canoe trip. 30 participants x 5 days = 150 participant days.

    Example 3: Your organization runs a 6-day trip every week for 8 weeks. Each trip has 8 participants. 8 participants x 48 days = 384 participants days.

  • Use the chart below to identify the membership tier that’s right for your organization. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out.

A Note About Pricing

Our deeply discounted pricing model is designed to expand the availability of gear for mission-aligned groups, while also collecting data on gear usage and member value.

Please contact us if you require additional financial support to afford the tier your organization needs. 

Maine GearShare’s program and pricing design may change in the years ahead as we adapt and grow in partnership with our member organizations.

If your group is majority led and/or governed by marginalized or underserved populations, you qualify for free access to a Starter Membership. Simply fill out the form and check the box indicating your enrollment in that program.

Annual Membership Benefits:

  • You can access high-quality gear at deep discounts that are exclusively reserved for groups promoting equitable access to outdoor recreation.

  • We store, clean, and repair all gear so you and your staff don’t have to! No more hours spent at the laundromat washing sleeping bags.

  • You gain an upfront understanding of seasonal cost and can budget accordingly.

  • You have the flexibility to reserve the gear you need, test new items, expand your programming, and try out new activities.

  • You can reduce the gear burden for your participants and their families by eliminating items from your participant packing lists.

  • You access premium gear and apparel from brands such as L.L.Bean, Hyperlite Mountain Gear, MSR, GSI Outdoors, Big Agnes, and Therm-a-Rest.

Maine GearShare Reservation and Rental Procedures

  • Maine GearShare is responsible for gear cleaning, maintenance, and storage. We will communicate with members in a timely and respectful manner about gear requests. We are committed to an inclusive outdoor community and welcome feedback on all of our processes.

  • When borrowing gear, it is expected that you and all others in your group will treat the gear respectfully and follow all the guidelines provided here, as well as in the orientation. It is expected that you will care for the gear according to the care guidelines provided by Maine GearShare and/or the manufacturer's specifications.
    Please also only reserve the gear you expect to use. Remember that this is a shared resource for the entire Maine GearShare community, designed to give more people equitable access to outdoor gear.

  • Gear must be reserved in advance. Requests should be submitted via Booqable at least 14 days before pick-up, whenever possible. We will approve gear reservation requests on a first-come, first-serve basis.

    Changes to gear request reservations must be emailed to rental@mainegearshare.org. If items are available, some changes can be made at the time of pickup. However, Maine GearShare does not guarantee that any changes will be accommodated after the time of initial reservation.

  • Upon gear pickup, you will receive a Gear Deployment Slip listing each item included in their order. Use this Deployment Slip to track if anything gets lost or damaged during your trip.

  • You are solely and wholly responsible for the gear while it is in your possession. If you are borrowing Maine GearShare gear for group use, it is expected that you will inspect gear prior to use and ensure that all group members are using the gear according to care guidelines provided by Maine GearShare and/or the manufacturer's specifications. You are responsible for any damages to the equipment beyond normal wear and tear expected from reasonable use.

  • Please arrive on time for your agreed-upon return date. Communicate with us via phone or email as soon as possible if this presents an issue. That same gear might be headed out with someone else very soon.
    You are responsible for gear that is lost or damaged due to negligent use. Our Gear Library staff inspects each piece of gear when it is returned and will write an invoice for the cost of any necessary replacement or repair. Gear replacement prices are shown for each item in our inventory.

  • We love to see pictures of our gear in action and appreciate any photos you can share! Please send pictures to emily@mainegearshare.org. If you are running a group trip, please consider adding “Maine GearShare” as an additional party on your organization’s photo release form. In the alternative, you could ask each trip participant (and/or guardian) to sign our Photo Release.