Rab, the UK-based outdoor brand (owned by Equip Outdoor Technologies Ltd.) has announced a new program to improve the sustainability of their products. The Rab Rental service will allow customers to access quality outdoor gear and apparel for a fraction of the cost of a full-price purchase. It arrives in Britain on March 4^th.

The benefits of this program are twofold: first, newcomers now have an opportunity to dip their toes into more specialised outdoor activities without having to own the specialised gear, thus reducing the highly wasteful epidemic of ‘single-use purchases’. Second, access to the outdoors (especially areas that are difficult to navigate without the right equipment) is broadened to anyone with enthusiasm, or even curiosity – not just those with deep enough pockets.

The Rab Rental will be managed by the Rab Service Centre who clean, reproof, and repair returned gear as necessary. All equipment will be assessed as it ages, and will be either cleaned, serviced, and upcycled, or stripped for parts, recycling remaining materials where possible.

“We have designed a process that makes it as easy as possible for anyone to choose the kit they need”, comments Matt Clarke, Head of Customer Experience at Equip. “At the same time, we’re offering an opportunity to try before you buy, while extending the lifecycle of our gear and reducing the need to buy new every time.” Win Win.

Kit will be available to hire between three and 21 days through the Rab website. The brand will provide a range of Rab and Lowe Alpine products, including expedition and mountaineering sleeping bags, tents and bivis, trekking and hiking packs, waterproof shells, and insulated jackets. If this initial run proves successful, Rab plans to expand its operation throughout the UK, possibly also reaching the USA.