Simply hire bike bags, tents and the like instead of buying them?

Anyone who only goes on a longer outdoor trip once or twice a year - whether by bike or on foot - might find VAUDE's new business model appealing. The company offers interested parties the opportunity to simply rent outdoor equipment such as rucksacks, tents, bike bags and luggage instead of buying them. The share offer is available in all VAUDE stores nationwide, online and at the factory outlet in Tettnang. The minimum rental period is three days.

The advantages of hire equipment

Saving space is an advantage of tent hire and the like that should not be underestimated. Storage space is a rare commodity, especially in city flats, and a trekking rucksack or saddlebags can quickly fill up a large part of the cupboard. Renting such things gives you more space for permanent items.

If items are rented out, they are generally used more often than their purchased counterparts. In the worst case scenario, purchased outdoor equipment lies around unused for years until it finally ends up in the bin - even though it is still in good condition. In terms of sustainability, a hire concept is therefore definitely a good idea. Newcomers can also get a taste of a new sport without having to go to the expense of buying their own equipment.

According to VAUDE, the cost of rucksacks from four euros and tents from eight euros per day is significantly lower than the purchase price. So if you don't need to hire items too often, you can save a lot of money.

The disadvantages of hire equipment

Despite all the benefits, there will certainly be outdoor enthusiasts who do not want to share everyday items such as bike bags with strangers for reasons of hygiene - even if the items are professionally cleaned and maintained, of course.

Anyone who is often out and about also likes to have important items such as a first aid kit or repair kit ready to hand and ready to go in their own luggage all year round - and knows where to find them immediately if needed.

Of course, the cost saving is only given if you are only on the road for a few days a year - if you go on a bike tour or outdoor holiday for several weeks, the rental price can exceed the purchase price at some point. iRentit also offers the option of buying a new product that corresponds to the rental product and then having the previous rental costs offset.

And this is how iRentit works

Reservations should be made online two weeks before the start of the hire period. The desired items will be delivered to your home and should be returned one day after the end of the rental period. In the store or factory outlet, a reservation four days in advance is recommended - the reserved products can then be picked up the day before the start of the rental period and returned the day after the end of the "rental period".

Further information on the topic:

Rental service iRentit

iRentit rental stations in the VAUDE Stores

More about VAUDE in the Sustainability report