By Kathy Hayes

Ramp up your fitness outdoors this summer. Have a blast hiking, cycling, camping, and paddling while also boosting physical and mental health. In our area, options abound for renting, buying, and even borrowing new or used gear for the whole family, so you can try it all!

Poudre River Library District

Use your library card to borrow items from the Gadgets & Things collection, which includes Frisbees, yoga mats, jump ropes, bird watching kits, Fitbits, and more. Check out a State Parks pass complete with a backpack containing binoculars and outdoor guides. Download or borrow guides for exploring Colorado trails and parks.
poudrelibraries.org/things/

Gearage Outdoor Sports

Check out Gearage’s constantly changing inventory to rent or buy quality outdoor gear. Bike rentals start at $25/day and $140/week and include helmet, lock, and flat repair kit. Kid trailers also available. Paddleboards rent for $65/day or $200/week. Find new and used camping gear (backpacks, child carriers, tents, sleeping bags), hiking boots, and rock climbing, cycling, and water sport gear, and guides.
gearageoutdoorsports.com

Recycled Cycles

Kids Trade-In Guarantee offers you at least 50 percent of the price you paid when you trade up to the next size bike and helmet for toddlers through youth. Large inventory of new and used bikes, trailers, trikes, and tagalongs. Rentals start at $30/day and $120/week for 7-speed hybrid bikes. Electric bike (E-bike) rentals are $25/hour, $100/day. Try before you buy, and apply rental fees toward the purchase of a bike.
recycled-cycles.com

Pace Bike Share

Use the Pace app to check out a smart bike from one of the Pace stations around town, and dock your bike at any local bike rack when you’re done. Cost is $1 for every 15 minutes. Pause the meter to make quick stops. Low-cost monthly and annual plans available. Discounts for students, seniors, military personnel, and EBT members.
ridepace.com/fortcollins/

Fort Collins Bike Co-op

One-stop shop for refurbished bikes, bike parts, helmets, lights, and more. Used kids’ bikes just $5. For $12/hour, a mechanic will provide tools and expertise to help you get your bike in tiptop shape. Apply to the Co-op’s Earn-a-Bike program and get a free bike by volunteering at a local nonprofit.
fcbikecoop.org

More rental options

Jax Outdoor Gear: Rent tents, stoves, cooksets, backpacks, backpack child carriers, sleeping bags, and trekking poles. Costs vary from $3-$20. Paddleboard, canoe, and kayak rentals start at $35/day. jaxgoods.com
REI: Rent tents, bear canisters, and paddle sports equipment. Pricing information available in May at rei.com.