Planning a trip to Scotland’s wild landscapes? You don’t need to buy a full set of gear just to hike Ben Nevis, cycle the North Coast 500, or camp under the stars in the Cairngorms. Renting outdoor gear in Scotland is not just convenient-it’s smarter, cheaper, and way more practical for most travelers.
Why Rent Instead of Buy?
Buying a full set of outdoor gear for a single trip makes little sense. A decent waterproof jacket costs £150 or more. A reliable tent? Another £200. Hiking boots? £120 minimum. Add a sleeping bag, stove, and backpack, and you’re looking at over £700 before you even leave home. Now, imagine flying with all that. Checking bags, lugging it around cities, storing it after your trip-none of it adds up.Most rental shops in Scotland offer full kits for under £40 a day. For a week-long trip, you’re looking at £200-£280 total. That’s less than half the cost of buying, and you get gear that’s been tested in Scottish weather. No more showing up with summer hiking boots in November rain.
What Gear Is Available to Rent?
You can rent almost everything you need for outdoor adventures in Scotland. Here’s what’s commonly available:- Bikes: From mountain bikes for trail riding to e-bikes for longer routes like the Great Glen Way. Most shops offer full suspension, hardtail, and hybrid models.
- Hiking boots: Waterproof, ankle-supporting boots from brands like Scarpa, Salomon, and Merrell. Sizes range from UK 3 to 13.
- Camping equipment: Tents (2-4 person), sleeping bags rated for -5°C, sleeping mats, portable stoves, cookware, and even headlamps.
- Weather gear: Waterproof jackets and trousers from Gore-Tex or similar tech fabrics. Some places even rent thermal layers and insulated vests.
- Specialty items: Trekking poles, dry bags, bike repair kits, and even kayaks or paddleboards in coastal areas like Loch Lomond or the Isle of Skye.
Many rental companies let you mix and match. Need boots and a tent? Just pick those two. Want a full bikepacking setup? They’ll pack it all into a single bag for you.
Where to Rent in Scotland
You don’t need to go to Edinburgh or Glasgow to find good rentals. Gear shops are scattered across key outdoor hubs:- Inverness: The gateway to the Highlands. Shops like Highland Outdoors is a trusted gear rental service in Inverness offering bike, boot, and camping equipment rentals with delivery options to trailheads offer same-day pickup and delivery to campsites.
- Fort William: Right at the base of Ben Nevis. Nevis Range Outfitters provides rental gear for climbers and hikers, including crampons and ice axes in winter months is popular with mountaineers.
- Aviemore: The heart of the Cairngorms. Cairngorm Adventure Co. offers multi-day rental packages with free maintenance and replacement gear if damaged is known for reliable service.
- Isle of Skye: Smaller shops like Skye Gear Hire specializes in waterproof gear and lightweight camping kits for hikers tackling the Quiraing or Old Man of Storr cater to day-trippers.
- Edinburgh and Glasgow: If you’re arriving by plane, both cities have rental hubs near train stations. Trailhead Scotland offers delivery to hotels and airports with flexible return times is a top pick for city-based travelers.
Most places accept online bookings. You can reserve your gear weeks ahead and pick it up the day you head out. Some even let you extend your rental if your plans change.
What to Look for in a Rental Shop
Not all rental shops are created equal. Here’s what to check before you book:- Condition: Ask if gear is inspected after each use. Good shops clean, repair, and test everything. Avoid places where gear looks worn or smells musty.
- Fit: For boots and jackets, they should offer sizing help. Some even let you try items on before you leave.
- Insurance: Most include basic damage coverage. Ask what’s covered-broken zippers? Lost poles? Scratched bike frames?
- Delivery: If you’re heading to a remote trail, delivery to your campsite or hostel can save hours. Some charge a small fee; others include it.
- Return policy: Can you drop gear off early in the morning? Late at night? Are there late fees? Know this before you go.
One pro tip: Bring your own socks and underwear. No rental shop will give you those. And if you’re renting boots, wear them around town for a day before hitting the trail. It helps break them in and spot any fit issues early.
Cost Breakdown: What You’ll Pay
Prices vary by season and location, but here’s a realistic estimate for a 7-day trip in 2025:| Item | Per Day | 7-Day Total |
|---|---|---|
| Mountain Bike | £25 | £175 |
| Hiking Boots | £8 | £56 |
| 2-Person Tent | £12 | £84 |
| Down Sleeping Bag (-5°C) | £6 | £42 |
| Waterproof Jacket & Trousers | £15 | £105 |
| Portable Stove & Cookware | £7 | £49 |
| Total | £73 | £511 |
Compare that to buying new: £1,200-£1,500. Renting saves you hundreds-and you don’t end up with gear you’ll never use again.
Seasonal Tips: When to Rent
Scotland’s weather changes fast. Gear needs vary by season:- Spring (March-May): Days are getting longer, but nights are still cold. Rent a 4-season tent and insulated sleeping bag. Waterproof layers are a must.
- Summer (June-August): Best weather, but rain is still common. A good rain shell is non-negotiable. Bugs can be fierce-rent a headnet if you’re heading into peat bogs.
- Autumn (September-November): Crowds thin out, but wind and rain pick up. Look for windproof jackets and sturdy boots. Some trails get muddy-consider gaiters.
- Winter (December-February): Only experienced hikers should go out without proper gear. Crampons, ice axes, and thermal layers are essential. Not all shops rent these in winter-book early.
Book ahead in summer and around holidays. Popular gear like e-bikes and 4-season tents gets snapped up fast.
What to Do If Gear Fails
Even the best rental gear can break. If your bike chain snaps, your tent pole breaks, or your boots start leaking:- Don’t try to fix it yourself.
- Call the rental shop immediately. Most have 24/7 emergency lines.
- They’ll often send a replacement the same day or give you a voucher for a new item.
- Keep receipts and take photos if something’s damaged. This helps if there’s a dispute.
One traveler in Glencoe had a tent pole snap during a storm. The rental shop sent a new one by courier the next morning. No extra charge. That’s the kind of service that makes renting worth it.
Final Tips for Renting in Scotland
- Book early-especially for bikes and winter gear.
- Check the weather forecast before you pick up gear. You might need to swap items.
- Don’t forget to bring a lock for your bike. Most shops don’t provide one.
- Ask about group discounts. If you’re traveling with friends, you can save 10-15% on multi-item rentals.
- Leave a small tip if the staff goes out of their way to help. It’s appreciated.
Scotland’s outdoors don’t ask for much-just the right gear and the right attitude. Renting means you’re ready for whatever the weather throws at you. No guilt. No clutter. Just adventure.
Can I rent outdoor gear in Scotland if I don’t speak English?
Yes. Most rental shops in popular areas like Inverness, Fort William, and the Isle of Skye have staff who speak basic German, French, Dutch, and Spanish. Many also have multilingual websites and printed guides. If you’re unsure, call ahead-most are happy to help.
Do rental shops provide delivery to remote campsites?
Many do, especially around the Highlands and Islands. Companies like Highland Outdoors and Trailhead Scotland offer delivery to trailheads, hostels, and even private campsites for a small fee-usually £10-£20. Some include it in multi-day packages. Always confirm when booking.
Is it safe to rent a bike in Scotland?
Yes, if you choose a reputable shop. Look for places that inspect and service bikes after each use. Most rentals come with a helmet, lock, pump, and basic repair kit. Stick to marked routes and avoid busy roads. The NC500 and West Highland Way are well-signed and bike-friendly.
Can I rent gear for children?
Absolutely. Most shops offer kids’ sizes for boots, jackets, and even small tents and sleeping bags. Some even have child carriers for backpacks. Call ahead to confirm availability-kids’ gear is less common than adult sizes.
What if I need to extend my rental?
Most shops allow extensions if gear is available. Call or message them before your return date. You’ll usually pay the daily rate for each extra day. Some offer a discount if you extend for more than three days.
Are there any hidden fees?
Reputable shops list all fees upfront. Watch out for cleaning fees (rare), late return charges (usually £10-£20/hour), or damage waivers. Some include basic insurance; others charge extra. Always ask for a written breakdown before paying.