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  • Written by Travis Reill

Where to Find the Best Outdoor Gear in Bend

Mountain Biking Bend Oregon Trails

In Bend, there is no shortage of adventures to be had. But, not having the proper gear and equipment can stand in the way of getting out and enjoying all Central Oregon has to offer. From snowshoes to ATVs, mountain bikes to ski boats, Bend has rentals to meet every adventure. 

Group Floating on the Deschutes River
Photo by Nate Wyeth

Best Gear for Summer Adventures

Get on the Water!

With the Deschutes River cutting through the middle of town and many lakes within an hour’s drive from Bend, summer happens on the water. Nothing could be more “Bend” than a lazy summer float on the Deschutes River. Tube rentals are easy and affordable with Tumalo Creek. The rental comes with a personal flotation device (PFD), which must be with you while you float and worn if under 12. You can also include a shuttle ride for just $6. Tumalo Creek also rents stand-up paddleboards for two-hour and all-day adventures. Paddleboard rentals come with a paddle, PFD, and rooftop pads and straps. They also rent whitewater rafts, kayaks, and offer lessons.

Tumalo Creek Kayak & Canoe
805 SW Industrial Way, Bend, OR 97702541-317-9407

All the Boats!

Maybe you’re planning a long weekend at one of Central Oregon’s many lakes. If you book with nearby Cultus Lake Resort, you can enjoy the water in several ways. Cultus Lake offers ski boat rentals and an additional towing package that allows you to also rent wakeboards, tubes, and kneeboards. Those 18 years and older can also rent jet skis that fit up to two adults and one child. If your idea of a lake day is all about relaxation, check out their pontoon boat rentals.

Cultus Lake Resort
55885 Cascade Lakes Highway, McKenzie Bridge, OR 97413541-408-1560

Scenic bikeways in Central Oregon
Sherar’s Falls Scenic Bikeway

Bend Loves Bikes!

Summer in Bend means plenty of bike rides. Whether you are hitting the local trails, looking to put in miles on a road bike, or simply cruise the city, there is a bike for you in Bend.  Bend has an ample number of bike shops, so you are likely to find a bike to rent even at the busiest times of the season. Bike shops like Project Bike have a large rental fleet covering all riding disciplines.  If you need transportation options for your rental, check if your chosen bike shop offers bike racks or tailgate pads for rent.

Project Bike
35 NW Bond St, Bend, OR 97703541-668-6377

Car camping under the stars
Photo by Austin White

Camping

Make your next camping adventure more comfortable by renting a camper van or motorhome. And with Happy Campers RV Rentals, you’re covered. If you’re looking for a longer getaway, check in about extended road trip rentals.

Happy Campers RV Rentals
62955 Boyd Acres Rd, Bend, OR 97701541-931-8060

Octane Adventures ATV Trip
Photo of Octane Adventures, by Cody Rheault

Adrenaline Junkies

For the ultimate off-road adventure, check out ATV rentals from Octane Adventures. Rental options are four or eight hours, with no need to tow, since you will meet at the trailhead. Octane Adventures also offers guided tours, which we highly recommend!

Octane Adventures
541-439-8441

Rentals for All Seasons

If there isn’t too much snow and you can handle the cold, many Bend adventures can be done year-round.

Year-Round Gear Supply

For adventure enthusiasts seeking quality equipment without the sticker shock, Gear Fix and Second Wind Sports Bend are treasure troves just waiting to be explored. Gear Fix specializes in expertly refurbished outdoor equipment, breathing new life into pre-loved items (and your outdoor adventures). Meanwhile, Second Wind Sports Bend offers an impressive selection of consignment gear that lets you outfit yourself for Central Oregon’s outdoor playground without breaking the bank.

Alan Watts at Smith Rock in climbing gear
Alan Watts at Smith Rock in climbing gear | Photo by Trevor Roemer

Rock Climbing

World-class rock climbing is just a stone’s throw away (pun intended) at Smith Rock State Park. If you are new to the sport, a great place to start and rent equipment is at Bend Rock Gym. To maintain safety standards, the shoes, harnesses, and other climbing gear rented must be used at Bend Rock Gym’s indoor facility.

Bend Rock Gym
1182 SE Centennial Ct, Bend, OR 97702541-388-6764

Fishing on the Deschutes
Photo by Toby Nolan

Fishing

With standup paddleboarding, kayaking, and river tubes, plenty of fun happens on the surface of the Deschutes River. But, ask any fisherman and they’ll tell you that there is more life happening underneath the water. [More fishing here.] If you’d like to try fishing, find poles, reels, waders, boots, and floats at Bend’s The Patient Angler.

The Patient Angler Fly Shop
822 SE 3rd St B, Bend, OR 97702541-389-6208

Photo by Brandon Nixon

Best Gear for Winter Adventure

Skiing and Snowboarding

If it is your first time skiing or snowboarding, or you’re just between setups, Mt. Bachelor has you covered. There are two rental shops at the mountain — located at the West Village Lodge and the Sunrise Lodge. Rentals can conveniently be reserved the day of, or scheduled ahead of time. Use gear for a day, lease for the season, or rent for any amount of time in between. 

Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort
13000 SW Century Drive, Bend, OR 97702541-382-1709

Do you want to pick up gear before heading to the slopes? Check out local shops such as the Powder House on Century Drive. They offer daily and seasonal rentals for everything you need. Stop in or call ahead. 

Powder House Ski & Patio
311 SW Century Dr, Bend, OR 97702541-389-6234

Cross-country skiing at Swampy Lakes sno-park near Bend, Oregon
Photo by Richard Bacon

Cross Country Skis and Snowshoes

Sprinkled along either side of the Cascade Lakes Highway are a variety of snow parks that are a great launching point for an XC ski or snowshoe adventure. The Virginia Meissner Sno-Park features 40 kilometers of groomed skiing trails. Up the road, Wanoga Sno-Park welcomes Nordic skiers and snowshoers.

Bend has several options for XC ski and snowshoe rentals. Sunnyside Sports is a great stop for XC ski and snowshoe rentals, including sleds for gear or kids!

Sunnyside Sports
930 NW Newport Ave, Bend, OR 97703541-382-8018

If you want to get into the competitive side of Nordic skiing, visit the groomed tracks at Mt. Bachelor’s Nordic Center. It has 22 trails and 56 kilometers of track and rents any needed equipment. For those new to the sport, the Nordic Center offers both lessons and clinics.

Mt. Bachelor Nordic Center

13000 SW Century Drive, Bend, OR 97702541-693-0999

Snowmobile drive on the snow
Octane Adventures | Photo by Arian Stevens

Snowmobiles

If the adrenaline rush of downhill skiing and snowboarding isn’t enough, consider renting a snowmobile. Adrenaline Rentals provides a lineup of the top snowmobiles and snowbikes on the market. Sleds are loaded on a trailer and are ready to be hooked up for your adventure.

A full-face, fog-resistant helmet is included in your rental. Adrenaline Rentals also has snowmobiling suits, gloves, and boots available for rent. Other accessories available include a ski/snowboard rack or a pull-behind utility sled.

Adrenaline Rentals
100 SE Bridgeford Blvd f, Bend, OR 97702541-216-7017

Fat Tire Biking
Brett Pulliam rides at Todd Lake. Photo David Braun

Winter and Fat Tire Biking

Who says you can’t ride bikes because of snow? That person has never heard of fat-tire bikes. The wide tires set at low pressures act as snowshoes, distributing the weight of you and your bike as you pedal across the snow. Groomed fat bike trails can be found at Wanoga Sno-Park.

But fat tire bikes aren’t the only winter pedaling available. When the snow sets on Bend’s infamous westside trails, mountain bikers head east of town to ride the best winter mountain biking trails

Regardless of the winter riding you’re doing, Bend has many bike shops, such as Pine Mountain Sports, that rent regular mountain bikes and fat tire bikes. 

Pine Mountain Sports
255 SW Century Dr, Bend, OR 97702541-385-8080


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