Top Spots To Rent Outdoor Gear In Philadelphia
Philadelphia is where 21st-century Jeremiah Johnsons shop for their outdoor gear. Philly may be a major metropolis where camping, hunting and outdoor games aren't really possible, but the surrounding region has plenty to keep outdoorsmen occupied. City shops carry the latest and widest array of equipment for those aching to sleep under the stars and explore the outdoors beyond the concrete jungle. From cycling and kayaking to hiking and backpacking, check out these top spots to rent outdoor gear in Philadelphia.
Eastern Mountain Sports
3401 Chestnut St.
Philadelphia, PA 19104
(215) 382-0930
www.ems.com
Eastern Mountain Sports provides outdoorsmen with the rental equipment needed for hassle-free camping and backpacking. Students at the University of Pennsylvania love this store. In addition to offering customers training and access to a host of outdoor adventure experiences, including rock climbing, kayaking and skiing lessons, the store is an advocate for the environment, supporting both the Conservation Alliance and the Access Fund. When it's time to rent gear for your next outdoor experience, head to Eastern Mountain Sports for top-of-the-line sleeping bags, pads and packs.
Fairmount Bicycles
2015 Fairmount Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19130
(267) 507-9370
www.fairmountbicycles.com
For those who yearn to get their heart rate pumping while feeling the wind through their hair, where better to rent a bicycle than Philadelphia – the city where freedom rings? Fairmount Bicycles has just the ticket. Newbies can rent the Jamis Trail XR, a wide tire cycle great for exploring city streets and park paths for $35 a day. Experienced cyclists biting at the bit for a triathlon or Philly-to-shore ride would do better with the Jamis Ventura Sport, a $60/day aluminum bike rental. Locks and helmets are included.
Related: Top Bike Shops In Philadelphia
Fireside Camp Supply
2207 South St.
Philadelphia, PA 19146
(267) 928-2757
www.firesidecampsupply.com
Fireside Camp Supply is a trendy boutique that stocks all of your essential camping gear and supplies. Whether you are a weekend warrior or veteran backpacker, this go-to store is your one-stop shop for all things camping related. The pragmatic camper can rent tents, sleeping pads, chairs, stoves, lanterns and mess kits for prices that won't break the bank. Reserve your gear at least one week ahead of your trip, and you're all set.
Hidden River Outfitters
Walnut St.
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(267) 588-3512
www.hiddenriveroutfitters.com
If you're more of a sea dog than a landlubber, check out Hidden River Outfitters. Paddle boarding is the latest wet entertainment, with boards renting here for $60/day, $75 if you need it delivered. Kayak rentals cost $55/day with a $15 added delivery charge. Discounts are available for multi-day and weekly rentals, but be sure to reserve in advance.
Ocean City Fishing Center
300 Bay Ave.
Ocean City, NJ 08226
(609) 545-8736
www.oceancitynjfishingcenter.com
Rods, reels, nets, buckets and tackle boxes can take up a lot of your city dwelling's limited storage space. Take out the hassle by renting gear at the the Jersey Shore. Ocean City Fishing Center not only has pontoon and skiff rentals, but rod rentals, too. The skiffs are 17 feet in length with 15 hp motors and are available in two-hour increments – perfect for anglers fishing in the back bays. As an added bonus, all boats come equipped with nets, buckets, bait knives, cutting boards and maps.
Susan DeFeo has been a professional writer since 1997. She served as a community events columnist for New Jersey's "Cape May County Herald" for more than a decade. A writer for numerous online publications, Susan has covered health, fitness, beauty and travel, all subjects that are near and dear to her as a married mother of seven children. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
