June 16, 2020

Blog, How to Backpack Series, Rental Gear

Rental Gear

Rental gear is included in the price of all of our overnight backpacking tours. We have selected gear that is lightweight, comfortable, durable and functional from brands we know and trust and have personal experience with. Below are descriptions and specifications of the backpacks, tents, sleeping pads and sleeping bags that are available to use on our tours.

Renting is a great way to try before you buy to explore what you may like (or dislike) before making a large purchase! All rental gear is cleaned and disinfected prior to use.

Backpacks:

Gossamer Gear Mariposa Backpack (Unisex)

Weight: 1 lb, 2 oz

Volume: 60L

Small – Large Sizes available.

Description: We love this backpack for its weight (just over a pound) and comfort. It has a variety of external pouches and hip belt pockets to quickly access items, as well as a spacious main vestibule to carry all your gear comfortably. We highly recommend this backpack for multi-day adventures.

Tents:

Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL1 2019 (1-person tent)

Weight: 2 lbs, 2 oz

Dimensions: 88 inches long, 38 inches wide at head (28 inches at feet), 38 inches high

Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 2019 (2-person tent)

Weight: 3 lbs

Dimensions: 88 in long, 54 inches wide at head (42 inches at feet), 40 inches high

Description: We have used Big Agnes tents for a long time and have spent hundreds of nights in this particular model. It is a very light and sturdy double walled 3-season tent that is easy to set up and take down, packs small, and for the two person model has two doors on both sides for easy access in and out. The 2-person model is also easy to split up so you and a partner can share carrying the weight. The 1-person model is a very light alternative for solo trips.

Sleeping pads and bags:

Foam Pad

We have foam bubble textured mats that fold up accordion style. They are easy to attach to the outside of packs and are also great to sit on during breaks throughout the day. Many options are available through Amazon and big box outdoor stores like REI.

Marmot Trestles Elite 20 Degree F Synthetic Sleeping Bag

Weight: 2 lb 7 oz (Regular); 2 lb 11 oz (Long)

Size: Fits up to 78 in (Long), 72 in (Regular)

Description: A lightweight bag made out of synthetic down material. This temperature rating is comfortable for nights just below freezing and is suitable for 3-season use.

For a description of what other gear is provided on our tours such as cookware and water filtration, as well as a list of what is recommended to bring for clothing and other incidentals, please visit our information page.

To get a glimpse of what Domonick has in his pack this season, view his backpacking gear list here.

Please contact us with any questions you may have about our gear rentals. If you would like more information on our overnight tours in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, including tour dates, click here.

Hiawatha Hiking Company

28 Google reviews

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Jeremy Hunt

2022-01-31

Had the pleasure to join the Intermediate Backpacking Trip in Sept. 2021. Months before the trip Domonick and Carolyn met with us individually to go over the trip and preparations. They took the time to meet again with the entire group ahead of the trip to go over last minute items to ensure we are all set. From the beginning, their preparation and professionalism was top notch and it carried through the whole trip. They made sure everyone was comfortable throughout out the trip and everyone in the group had a great time. Domonick and Carolyn are extremely knowledgeable, prepared and all around great people. We had such a great experience and would love to join them again some day. If you are heading toward Pictured Rocks and want a great experience they should be the only ones you call!

Jamie Davies O'Leary

2021-10-27

This was my first backpacking tour and Carolyn and Domonick were excellent guides! They emphasized safety and planning - from months before the trip through the last day's details - and renting their equipment made things much easier as a newbie. They were responsive to my questions beforehand and helped me and my group have such an amazing time. Dinners were excellent! I also loved hearing about their travels and what they've learned being on various trails.

paul rusch

2021-10-07

Went on a 2 night backpack trip the first weekend of October. The trip was wonderful, the colors were about 90%. The only complaint was that my 66 year old body had a hard time sleeping in a tent. Dominique and Carolyn were great. They tended to our safety, training was good, kept up an appropriate pace, provided help when needed, had a good menu and stops at great views. It was great and I am very glad that I did it.

Christine Artes

2021-09-13

Did the beginner hike over Labor Day and OMG, this was amazing! From the moment you arrive you're well taken care of with food, gear, instructions and safety from the dynamic duo that is Domonick and Carolyn. They both know this area and this trail like the back of their hands! Every detail was spot on and never once did we feel unsafe. You can rent all of the necessary gear and it is top notch! All food...REAL food is provided and the water that we drank and cooked with was filtered straight outta Lake Superior!!! So cool! If you're thinking about doing a guided hike to see PR's, this really is the only company that you should book with. No one else compares!

KAREN WHITAKER

2021-09-08

The beginning backpacking trip was amazing from start to finish. Hiawatha is very organized,, they provided training advice to prepare, the food was good, and guides Carolyn and Domonick are not only extremely experienced hikers and campers, they are wonderful people. I would definitely recommend them to anyone looking for a guided hiking experience.

Richard Clark

2021-08-26

Carolyn and Domonick were awesome! I could not have asked for a better first-time backpacking experience. All I had to do was show up with my list of everyday items, they provided the rest. Carolyn and Domonick helped with tent setup/takedown, filtered water, prepped meals and snacks, and provide moral support. The views are breathtaking. The hike is challenging but very doable. You are not rushed. The camaraderie between fellow hikers, Carolyn, and Domonick is something I will cherish forever. If you ever were apprehensive about backpacking, Hiawatha Hiking Company is the company to use and their Intro to Backpacking tour along Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is the tour to take.

Catherine Toms

2021-08-25

We had an absolutely wonderful experience! Carolyn and Domonick are incredibly kind, professional, and thoughtful guides. They thought of everything for our trip, and we were safe and well-fed. Every aspect of the hike was planned perfectly. They know the trails well, and led us to some of the most beautiful places in our country. Thank you Hiawatha Hiking Company!

Jeri Rodriguez

2021-08-25

I thoroughly enjoyed this experience. The hospitality provided from the minute I arrived until the minute I drove away was incredible.

Sarah Shields

2021-07-17

We had a great time on a sunset hike with Carolyn and Dominick on our last night in the UP! It was a terrific way to end our vacation. They were organized, well-prepared and very knowledgeable. They shared a lot of information about the Pictured Rocks and Lake Superior, as well as the surrounding area. Their pleasant demeanor made for easy conversation on the hike. It was not quite 3 miles and except for one short stretch at the beginning, mostly flat, so very manageable for inexperienced hikers. We stopped several times for beautiful photos, and then sat and watched the sunset together complete with hot chocolate and sweet treats they provided! We loved getting to see the cliffs from above - a perfect complement to the boat tour we took earlier. We highly recommend the sunset hike!

Maria Thomas

2021-07-02

Carolyn and Domonick are terrific, and the personalized sunset hike they organized for us was stunning. The hike was punctuated with quick stops and informative commentary about geology and area history. Every minute seemed ideal for a pause or a photo, from the first vista to last rays of sunlight, The adventure was made more precious because they agreed to guide us on the sunset walk on a day they don't normally lead hikes. They are personable and knowledgeable nature enthusiasts who clearly love the magnificent beauty of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and the surrounding area. Don't miss this opportunity.