Where to Rent Hiking Gear in the Philippines

You Don't Need to Own Everything

One of the biggest barriers for new hikers is the upfront cost of gear. Tents, sleeping bags, cooking sets. It adds up fast, especially if you're not sure hiking is going to become a regular thing for you.

The good news? You can rent most of what you need. Renting lets you try different gear, figure out what you actually like, and save your money for the stuff that really matters (like good shoes, which you should always buy).

Where to Rent Gear

Outdoor Equipment Shops

Several outdoor shops in the Philippines offer gear rental alongside their retail business. These shops typically rent tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, cooking sets, and trekking poles.

Popular options:

• ROX (Recreation Outdoor Exchange) - Multiple locations in Manila. They carry premium brands and some locations offer rental services
• Habagat Outdoor Equipment - A well-known outdoor shop with rental options
• Local outdoor shops near popular trailheads - Towns near major mountains (Baguio, Bontoc, Kidapawan) often have small shops that rent gear to hikers

Rental rates vary, but expect to pay around PHP 200 to PHP 500 per item per night for basic gear.

Online Rental Services

A growing number of online businesses and individuals offer gear rental with delivery and pickup.

Where to find them:

• Facebook Marketplace - Search "hiking gear rental" plus your city
• Shopee/Lazada - Some sellers offer rental options alongside sales
• Instagram - Several small businesses specialize in outdoor gear rental

The convenience is great, but always check reviews and confirm the condition of the gear before your trip.

Hiking Groups and Communities

This is where it gets really practical. Many Filipino hiking communities have members who lend or rent gear to fellow hikers, often at lower rates than shops.

Where to look:

• Facebook hiking groups (search for groups specific to your area or target mountain)
• Mountaineering clubs at universities and workplaces
• The Peaksy community - connect with hikers who may have extra gear to share

Group hikes organized through these communities sometimes include gear as part of the package, which takes the hassle out of sourcing equipment individually.

Near-Trailhead Rentals

For popular mountains, locals near the trailhead often rent gear directly to hikers. This is common at mountains like:

• Mt. Pulag - Ranger stations and local guides often have tents and sleeping bags available
• Mt. Apo - Equipment rental available at some jump-off points
• Mt. Pinatubo - Tour operators include gear in packages

The quality varies, so inspect everything before you head up. Check zippers, seams, and general condition.

What's Worth Renting vs Buying

Not all gear is created equal when it comes to rental. Some things make sense to rent. Others you really should own.

Rent These

Tents - A decent tent costs PHP 2,000 to PHP 8,000. If you only camp once or twice a year, renting at PHP 300 to PHP 500 per night is a better deal. Plus, it lets you try different sizes and styles before you commit.

Sleeping bags - Unless you camp frequently, renting makes sense. Just bring your own sleeping bag liner for hygiene.

Cooking sets - Stoves, pots, and fuel canisters are easy to rent and don't need to be personalized to you.

Trekking poles - Nice to have but not essential for every hike. Rent them for steep or long trails and buy your own when you know you'll use them regularly.

Buy These

Shoes - Always buy your own. Fit is personal, and broken-in shoes prevent blisters. Renting shoes is a recipe for a miserable hike.

Backpack - Your pack needs to fit your body. A poorly fitting backpack causes shoulder, back, and hip pain. Even a budget backpack that fits you well is better than an expensive rental that doesn't.

Clothing - Base layers, rain jackets, and hiking pants. These are personal items that you'll use on every hike.

Headlamp - Affordable enough to own (PHP 400+) and something you should always have in your pack.

Water bottle - Just buy one. You'll use it everywhere, not just hiking.

Typical Rental Costs

Here's a rough guide to what gear rental costs in the Philippines:

| Item | Typical Rental Rate | |---|---| | 2-person tent | PHP 300 to PHP 600 per night | | Sleeping bag | PHP 150 to PHP 300 per night | | Sleeping pad | PHP 100 to PHP 200 per night | | Cooking set (stove + pot) | PHP 200 to PHP 400 per night | | Trekking poles (pair) | PHP 100 to PHP 250 per day |

For a typical overnight hike, renting a full camping setup (tent + sleeping bag + pad + cooking set) runs about PHP 750 to PHP 1,500. Split that with a tent-mate and it's very reasonable.

Tips for Renting Gear

Before you rent:

• Book early, especially during peak hiking season (November to May). Popular rental items sell out fast on holiday weekends
• Ask about the brand and condition of the gear. A cheap rental isn't a deal if the tent leaks
• Confirm what's included. Does the tent come with stakes and a footprint? Does the stove come with fuel?

When you pick up:

• Inspect everything. Check zippers, seams, and pole connections
• Make sure you know how to set up the tent. Ask for a quick demo if needed
• Count all pieces and note any existing damage so you're not blamed for it later

When you return:

• Clean and dry everything before returning. Most rentals charge extra for dirty or wet gear
• Return on time. Late returns usually mean extra charges
• Report any damage honestly. It's better than getting a surprise charge

Start Hiking Without Breaking the Bank

Renting gear is one of the smartest moves for new hikers. It removes the financial barrier, lets you experiment with different equipment, and keeps your pack closet from overflowing with stuff you use once a year.

The Peaksy community makes it even easier by connecting you with hikers and organized events where gear is often included or available at group rates. Start exploring, and let the gear come naturally as you figure out what you love.