Camping Gear Rental FAQs: Everything You Need to Know
Thinking about camping but don’t own the gear? Renting is the easiest way to get outside without spending hundreds of dollars on equipment before you know if you love camping. At Basecamp Brooklyn, we make it simple for NYC campers, festival-goers, and weekend adventurers to grab quality gear, enjoy the outdoors, and return everything when you’re done.
Here are the answers to the questions we get most often:
1. Is the Gear Easy to Set Up?
Yes! All of our gear is beginner-friendly and designed for quick setup.
Tent: A spacious 3-season tent (ideal for two people + their gear) that sets up in minutes. Just thread the poles and pop it up.
Sleeping Pad: Self-inflating. Just unscrew the nozzle and let air flow in for 5–15 minutes. Want extra cushion? Add a few breaths to fully fill.
Sleeping Bag: Unroll, unzip, and you’re good to go. Packing up is just as easy — fold in half, roll tightly, and slide it back into the bag.
To make things even easier, we’ll walk you through the basics when you pick up your gear. Every renter also gets a step-by-step tent setup PDF and a short video guide so you can refresh your memory at camp. With these resources, most campers have their tent pitched in under 10 minutes.
2. What Weather is the Sleeping Bag Good For?
Our bags are rated to 35°F, perfect for most spring, summer, and fall trips. Whether you’re in the Catskills, Vermont, or Pennsylvania, you’ll stay warm and cozy through chilly nights.
3. Is the Gear Cleaned Between Rentals?
Absolutely! Cleanliness is a top priority.
Tents are aired out and inspected.
Pads are sanitized and wiped down.
Sleeping bags are professionally laundered after every rental.
Your gear will always be fresh and ready for your adventure. See a quick behind the scenes of our process here.
4. Can I Take the Gear Backpacking?
Not really — our standard gear is best for car camping. Here’s why:
Tent: 8 lbs 8 oz — sturdy, but heavy for long hikes.
Sleeping Bag: 3 lbs 1 oz — manageable, not ultralight.
Sleeping Pad: 2 lbs 14 oz — bulky for a backpack.
👉 Want backpack-friendly options? Check out our guide to motorcycle & backpacking gear for lighter recommendations.
5. Is the Gear Suitable for Motorcycle Camping?
It can be — depending on your bike. The packed gear bag measures 34" x 25" x 11" and weighs about 12 lbs total. Works fine on larger bikes with storage. For smaller rides, we recommend checking our favorite compact motorcycle gear list.
7. Can Families Use This Gear?
Yes! Our gear is great for families. The tent comfortably fits 2 adults with 2 small children, but if you need extra storage space, consider renting two tents. Older kids will enjoy having their own space to hang out and sleep.
8. What If I Encounter Issues with the Gear?
We stand by the quality of our gear and are here to help. If you encounter any issues during your rental period, contact us immediately, and we'll do our best to resolve the problem swiftly. We want your camping experience to be worry-free and enjoyable.
9. Are There Any Restrictions on Where I Can Use the Gear?
Our gear works in most environments, from established campgrounds to remote wilderness areas. Be sure to check local camping regulations before heading out.
10. How Do I Care for the Gear During My Trip?
Take care of the gear so the next camper has just as great an experience:
Pitch tents on smooth, clear ground.
Keep sleeping bags dry and clean.
Store pads properly when not in use.
How Do I Book My Gear?
Booking is easy! Simply visit our Camping Gear Rentals page to reserve your gear online. Availability goes fast, especially in spring and summer!
Pickup & Drop-Off in Greenpoint, Brooklyn
Location: Bond Collective Building, 276 Greenpoint Ave (look for the glass awning at Greenpoint & Provost).
Pickup: Wednesday evenings
Drop-off: Monday evenings
(Need a different time? Contact us before booking.)
No car? Pickup is easy—we’re just two blocks from the Greenpoint Ave G train. Some renters also use Uber Connect (package delivery in the Uber app) to shuttle gear to and from our studio. Pricing is set by Uber and shown upfront in the app, and it can be a handy option if you’d rather not carry gear on the subway.
For our “Fly-In” Campers:
Many of our renters fly into NYC for festivals or weekend camping trips.
From JFK via public transit: Take the AirTrain JFK to Jamaica Station -> E train to Court Square, -> G train, and get off at Greenpoint Ave. 🕒 About 50–55 minutes total.
From LGA via public transit: Take the free Q70 “LaGuardia Link” SBS to Jackson Heights–Roosevelt Ave. -> 7 train to Court Square -> G train to Greenpoint Ave. 🕒 About 45–60 minutes total.
By Uber/Lyft or taxi: Typically 20–40 minutes depending on traffic.
Once you’re on the G train, you’re almost here — our studio is just two blocks from the Greenpoint Ave stop.
Got more questions? Check out our rental page for full details or email us below.
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