Maine gear sharing opportunities you should know about

BANGOR DAILY NEWS • May 22, 2026

For many Mainers, the biggest obstacle between staying home and heading to the great outdoors is not motivation. It’s the cost. A quality backpack, tent, canoe, or pair of skis can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars. And often, that equipment only gets used a few times each year. Fortunately, a growing network of gear-sharing programs is working to lower that barrier by lending outdoor equipment for free or at a low cost. You can find a comprehensive list of these programs at the Maine Gear Library Network hub at mainegearshare.org.