Let’s face it, outdoor gear is expensive. From backpacks, tents and sleeping bags to snowshoes, cross-country skis and all the necessary clothing and accessories, getting properly outfitted for spending time in the great outdoors can tally into the thousands of dollars. This is a prohibitive cost for many Mainers and an unfortunate barrier to their involvement. Thankfully, there’s a movement afoot to change this paradigm. 

The Maine Gear Library Network is a coalition of organizations working together to help make outdoor adventures more accessible, affordable and sustainable for more people. By sharing resources and knowledge, they are expanding access to outdoor equipment across the state of Maine. Launched late this summer, the alliance of gear libraries has already grown by one, and more are expected to come under the umbrella. 

The problem of gear ownership is particularly acute in rural, low income and historically excluded communities, according to Emily Mackeown, advancement manager with Maine GearShare, the lead organizer of the Maine Gear Library Network. “Through collaboration, more Mainers can enjoy the outdoors in all seasons. They can try (an activity) for the first time and see if (it) is for them. We want to spread the word that these libraries exist.” 

The term “gear library” didn’t enter my lexicon until six years ago while on a multi-day tour of Nordic ski trails in the Millinocket region. Thanks to a tip from a random skier, I learned of the Katahdin Gear Library and made my way to the downtown location for a look. Lo and behold, there I discovered an impressive inventory of skis, boots, poles, snowshoes, backpacks and more that was available to anyone with a library card. A brilliant concept.

Today, in addition to Maine GearShare in Brunswick and the Katahdin Gear Library in Millinocket, there’s the Adaptive Outdoor Education Center in Brunswick, Kindling Collective in Portland, the Maine Bound Adventure Center in Orono, and Skowhegan Outdoors. The Old Town/Orono Gear Library is in development. Each entity operates on a slightly different model, but the goal is the same: gear access for all. 

“Each gear library is a little different. Here at Maine GearShare, for example, we work with a variety of outdoor brands such as Kelty, L.L. Bean and Cabela’s, but we also accept donations,” said Mackeown. “The smaller libraries also solicit donations as well as raise money to purchase gear. The libraries each try to meet the needs of their local users by carrying the most appropriate items. We all aim to provide a high quality outdoor experience.”

The focus at Maine GearShare is on backpacking and camping gear and clothing. They also carry canoes, skis and snowshoes, and some bikes and whitewater equipment. Visit the store, take a good look around, and you’ll be amazed at the depth and breadth of the inventory. The place is a true gear head’s paradise. If they let me put a couch, bunk, mini-fridge and a TV in there, well, I’d probably move in amongst all the colorful stuff. 

Maine GearShare rents gear to their member non-profits such as school outing clubs, affinity groups and summer camps. They also rent gear to the general public, often to first-time users and visitors from out-of-state. But everyone is welcome and encouraged to get in on this gear sharing bonanza, and rental fees help support the overall operation. What a beautiful thing to have these goods available and not have to own them. 

“We can outfit 150 people at a time for camping and backpacking,” Mackeown said. At the time of my visit, Maine GearShare was preparing to send out 1,000 pieces that week. Wow. “We track user days (people x days outdoors) and figure we’ve outfitted something like 14 years of outdoor time (5,116 user days divided by 365) in the last year. We are most definitely a capacity building resource.” 

Another exciting facet of Maine GearShare’s business is their ability to repair gear. With a bank of heavy-duty sewing machines and a cadre of trained staff and volunteers, they can fix pretty much anything within reason. I brought in a spray skirt and day pack in need of some tender loving care, and they were able to mend both in short order for a fair price. Gotta love that. 

Visit the Maine Gear Library Network at www.mainegearshare.org/maine-gear-library-network for more information about the alliance and their specific services. 

Carey Kish of Mount Desert Island is a Triple Crown hiker, freelance writer and author of three hiking guides. Connect with Carey on Facebook and Instagram and at [email protected].