What Camping Gear is Worth Buying and What’s Better to Rent
Camping gear can get expensive fast!!!
And honestly, a lot of people heading to Tofino & Ucluelet don’t necessarily want to spend thousands of dollars on camping gear they may only use once or twice a year.
Over the years, we’ve definitely noticed there are some camping items that make sense to own and some that are honestly way easier to rent.
Especially for families, first time campers, or people trying to somehow fit kids, coolers, luggage, snacks, beach gear, and camping gear all into one vehicle 😅
Camping Gear That’s Usually Worth Buying
Good Rain Gear
Living on Vancouver Island, good rain gear is honestly one thing we use all the time. Our whole family owns quality rain gear even my husband and I.
West coast weather changes quickly and having layers that keep you dry makes a big difference, especially around Tofino & Ucluelet where weather can change fast.
Hiking Boots or Shoes
Having your own comfortable hiking shoes is 100% worth it. Nothing ruins a trip faster than blisters halfway through a hike.
Clothing Layers
Warm sweaters, comfy clothes, extra socks, and layers are things most people prefer bringing themselves anyway.
So many people make the mistake of not being warm enough clothing to the West Coast. You forget how chilly west coast evenings can get even in the middle of summer.
Smaller Personal Camping Items
Things like:
travel mugs
pillows
blankets
Camping Gear That’s Usually Better to Rent
Tents
Tents take up so much room. Especially older ones that aren’t the best quality. And quality tents that actually handle west coast weather well can get expensive quickly. A lot of people also don’t realize how nice it is having a simple tent setup after a long drive to Tofino instead of standing in the dark trying to figure out poles and instructions for the first time. Our gear is simple, quality, and easy to easy.
Coolers
Large coolers are one of those things that are amazing when you need them but annoying to store the other 95% of the year.
Propane Fire Pits
These have honestly become one of our most popular rentals. Especially with campfire bans happening so often and so early in the season on Vancouver Island. There’s just something about sitting around a fire at camp after a beach day that makes the whole trip feel extra cozy. Kids love it too.
Camp Stoves & Cooking Gear
Cooking gear always seems simple until you actually start packing it all. Our camp kitchen gear is lightweight, clean, easy to use and everything it there.
Backpacking Gear
Backpacking gear is expensive! Especially lightweight gear that are the good brands. And honestly, a lot of people aren’t sure if backpacking is something they’ll do regularly until they actually try it first. Renting gives people a chance to experience it without fully committing right away.
Beach Gear
Beach chairs, umbrellas, wagons, coolers, and beach toys are awesome to have on Vancouver Island but not always awesome to store year round. Especially for visitors flying in or travelling across BC.
Renting Makes Camping Feel Much Easier
One of the biggest things people say after renting camping gear is honestly how much easier the trip felt.
Less packing. Less stress. Less storage at home. Less cleanup after.
And after a camping trip, not having to unpack wet gear and dry out tents at home is honestly such a relief. I do it instead..
Being able to simply pick up organized gear in Port Alberni before heading toward Tofino, Ucluelet, Bamfield, or the west coast just makes the whole trip feel easier and doable.
Final Thoughts
Camping doesn’t have to mean buying an entire garage full of gear.
For a lot of people, renting just makes more sense especially for occasional trips or anyone wanting a simpler experience.
Honestly, sometimes it’s nice just packing your clothes and food and knowing the camping gear part is already taken care of. It’s that easy.