Gear rentals - Wild Texas Forums: Parks, Travel & Recreation

07-06-2005, 12:20 PM

For everyone's information:- the Houston REI stores rent out camping and paddling gear, tents, backpacks, sleeping bags, pads, camp stoves, and kayaks. A three-man tent rents out for $24 the first day and $9 each day afterwards ($20 and $7 for members of the co-op), to give an example. It's not a bad deal for anyone who's planning a big backpacking trip and doesn't own all the necessary gear.

They'll take reservations up to 1 month in advance with payment, either in person in the store or over the phone with a credit card. The Willowbrook store rents out camping gear and the Galleria store on Westheimer rents out boats. I've never had a problem renting out camping gear, but apparently kayaks are usually booked for most weekends in the summer especially. The phone numbers are 832-237-8833 (Willowbrook) and 713-353-2582 (Galleria).

Shannon · 07-06-2005, 05:39 PM

REI's rentals are just another reason I really, really wish we had an REI locally (in San Antonio). Apparently, our local market hasn't attracted an REI yet, despite a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities and being just 1 hour outside of Austin.

I just checked REI's website and found the following information on REI rental offerings statewide:
REI Rentals in Texas

At least we are getting a Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World here soon, due to having a thriving market for hunting and fishing licenses (best sales in the state, I've heard).