Maine gear sharing opportunities you should know about
WRITTEN BY DYLAN SAVAGEAU
For many Mainers, the biggest obstacle between staying home and heading to the great outdoors is not motivation. It’s the cost. A quality backpack, tent, canoe, or pair of skis can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars. And often, that equipment only gets used a few times each year.
Fortunately, a growing network of gear-sharing programs is working to lower that barrier by lending outdoor equipment for free or at a low cost. You can find a comprehensive list of these programs at the Maine Gear Library Network hub at mainegearshare.org.
Below is a selection of established, community-based programs across Maine that provide trusted gear lending, repair, and outdoor access.
Maine GearShare – Brunswick
Based in Brunswick, Maine GearShare serves as a coordinating hub for the Maine Gear Library Network and operates one of the state’s most established gear-lending libraries. It loans camping and backpacking equipment, including tents, sleeping pads, backpacks, camp stoves, and seasonal gear. Borrowing is free or low cost, depending on membership and partnerships, with some users accessing gear at no charge through local libraries. The organization also supports the development of new gear libraries statewide.
Adaptive Outdoor Education Center – Brunswick
Also located in Brunswick, the Adaptive Outdoor Education Center focuses on expanding outdoor access for people with disabilities and mobility needs. It provides adaptive recreation equipment along with seasonal outdoor gear and offers programs designed to make recreation more inclusive. Pricing varies by program, with sliding-scale and donation-based options available.
Katahdin Gear Library – Millinocket
Operated by the Outdoor Sport Institute in partnership with regional libraries, this downtown Millinocket gear hub serves residents and visitors exploring the Katahdin region. Seasonal offerings include mountain and fat-tire bikes, canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, cross-country skis, snowshoes, and backpacks. Members with participating library cards receive discounted rates and limited free rental time, while nonmembers may rent at standard prices.
Kindling Collective – Portland
Kindling Collective runs a sliding-scale gear library alongside inclusive outdoor education programming. Members can borrow camping, hiking, backpacking, and canoeing equipment for multiday trips. The organization centers on community building and aims to expand access for groups that have historically faced barriers to outdoor recreation.
Skowhegan Outdoors Basecamp – Skowhegan
As part of Skowhegan’s broader outdoor recreation initiative, Basecamp maintains a large inventory of bikes, snowshoes, and seasonal gear. Equipment is free for Somerset County residents, with low-cost annual memberships available for others. The centralized downtown location supports year-round access for locals and visitors alike.
Maine Bound Adventure Center – Orono
The University of Maine’s outdoor recreation center rents canoes, kayaks, camping gear, skis, snowshoes, backpacks, and wetsuits. While student rates are reduced, rentals are also available to the public, offering structured and affordable access to equipment in the Bangor and Orono region.
Emerging and Partner Programs – Gear-sharing efforts continue to grow statewide. Emerging programs in Old Town and Orono are developing through the Maine Gear Library Network, while Curtis Memorial Library in Brunswick partners with Maine GearShare to offer gear passes through its Library of Things program. Statewide collaborators, including Wabanaki Public Health and Wellness and the Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation, support broader awareness initiatives.
Gear libraries provide a practical alternative for individuals eager to explore the outdoors without a significant financial investment. In a state where outdoor recreation shapes both culture and economy, shared access helps translate interest into action.
