When you rent gear from us, we enclose a helpful tip sheet(s) in the package that has some general suggestions on gear by category. If you want to know more about a particular piece of gear, you can usually find it included within its detailed description on our product-rental pages. There are links to user guides and how-to videos on most of our gear listings. We've also compiled most of our manuals - or links to the manufacturer's web site or our relevant advice pages if that might be helpful - that you can browse through.  Keep in mind that sometimes the user guide or external link listed may be a for a slightly different version than the one you receive from us; we can't keep up with every model change unfortunately.  But the general concepts for using the piece of gear, or the specs and general information, should be relevant and useful.  Review and/or print out any information as you like, or give us a call with any questions. Just be sure to figure everything out before you leave on your trip!

Backpacks

We currently carry backpacks from Gregory, Osprey and Deuter. Here is additional information on some of these packs:
Osprey Volt/Viva (from our Medium Capacity Packs)
Deuter 65+10 (from our Medium Capacity Packs)
Osprey Poco (Child carrier)

Learn more about backpacks, including the pros and cons of externals vs internals; info on fitting; how to load up with your gear and how to select the best pack for you. We also have a video about our backpacks.

Food Preparation & Water Treatment

See user guides and more info on our water filters and bladders:
Water Container - 3-Liter Water Bladder
Katadyn Hiker Pump Water Filter
MSR Sweetwater Water Filter
MSR MiniWorks Filter
Platypus Gravity Feed Filter

For user guides and more information on our cooking gear and related items:
Garcia Bear Resistant Food Container
BearVault Bear Canisters
MSR Pocket Rocket Canister Stove
Coleman Two-Burner Base/Family Camp Stove
Mountain House Dehydrated Foods

For tips on usage of water treatment options and related technical information, see our general discussion of water treatment in our Advice Pages. Also see our Advice Pages for more information on cooking in the woods, preparation tips and eating right while on the trail. See videos on our cooking gear, hydration equipment and other rental items.

GPS Navigation Units

We carry handheld GPS Navigation Units from Garmin. Here are links to the user manuals on popular models:
Garmin eTrex  Handheld
Garmin 60cx Handheld
Garmin nuvi Auto Navigation

For more about using a GPS, including information on geocaching if you are planning an event, or for the basics, see our Advice Pages, such as a great article on how the GPS system works. See videos on our GPS units and other rental items.

Sleeping Gear

There are generally not a lot of operating issues associated with sleeping gear, but for more information and specs, here are links to the manufacturers' web sites for some of our more popular sleeping gear items.  Brands change the design and specs all the time, so there may be variations with what we rent.

Kelty Sleeping Bags (Cool and Cold Weather models)
Big Agnes Sleeping Bag (Double Wide)
Thermarest Mattress Pads

Also see our Advice Pages to learn more about getting a good night's rest while camping, and see videos on our sleeping gear and other rental items.

Tents

We carry tents from MSR, Kelty, Alps Mountaineering, and Big Sky International. Click below for owner's manuals and other information by specific product:

Big Sky (Backpacking tents)
Alps Mountaineering Merramac (Family Car Camping Tents)
Big Sky Chinook (4-season tent)
Also, see our Advice Pages for more information on tents and shelters for camping and backpacking such as how to choose the best tent and how to find and make a good camp site. See videos on our tents and other rental items

Miscellaneous Gear

Trekking Poles:
See one of our Advice Pages for an article on using poles, including proper techniques and care, as well as a how-to video demonstrating their use.

Auto Roof Top Cargo Carrier
Sherpak Go