Let’s be honest. Bikepacking can be expensive. Although I try to preach that it doesn’t HAVE to be expensive and the best bike/gear is the stuff you already own, it’s easy to drop money in this world. It took me nearly a decade to acquire the gear I have now. I strategically upgraded items piece by piece, taking the time to really consider each purchase. Now I have a couple of options for the different types of routes I choose to ride. If I am on a singletrack adventure in the Chilcotins, I can grab items that are more downhill-friendly. If I am on forest service roads and rail trails, I might bring bigger items and therefore need more bag space. It’s always evolving for me, and I would have loved the option to try out what style of bags, enclosures, etc. I prefer before purchasing them.
That is why it became a BMB mission to establish a free gear library (or by donation!). The library contains bikepacking bikes, bags, camping equipment, and more. It’s our mission to break down the financial barrier to accessing gear so that bikepacking is more accessible for all riders. If you want to test a saddle without dropping $150, this is the place for you. If you’ve been interested in a Kootenay-made Durston tent but want to try it first, look no further. If you’re not sure whether to use a seat pack or a rack on your bike, you can test both with us!
It was a tough road to find rental space that was free or affordable, and there was a moment I thought this library wouldn’t happen. Especially when considering the tremendous administrative load of managing a library without any supportive software. But with the help of the Neighbourhood Small Grants and my partner’s encouragement to run the library out of our basement (thanks for all that you do, Harry), we were able to make it a reality.
BMB’s Gear Library is currently hosted on MyTurn (click the link here!). Borrowing gear is easy. Simply make an account on MyTurn, locate the gear you wish to borrow, use the reservation calendar to select the dates you wish to borrow and return gear, submit your reservation, and wait to receive a confirmation email with pick-up information and further details. More information on reserving items through MyTurn is available here. Our default loan length is 7 days, with a maximum borrowing limit per item for 14 days, or one renewal. Please note that although we wish we could provide access everywhere, pickup for gear is located in Nelson, BC.
All of the gear in the library was donated by community members and businesses that support Building Momentum Bikepacking’s goal of creating community through accessible bikepacking. We received donations from the following incredible organizations:
Redshift Sports
OneUp Components
Terry Cycling
Rogue Panda Designs
Swift Industries
Paul Component Engineering
Dispersed Bikepacking
Durston
Thief Bikepacking
Bassi Montreal
We are also incredibly grateful to the Neighbourhood Small Grant that allows us to keep the Gear Library a free and accessible resource for our community! The Neighbourhood Small Grants program is funded by the Osprey Community Foundation and the Vancouver Foundation.
The Gear Library wouldn’t be possible without this generous support. Please follow our guidelines to ensure everyone has access to gear for as long as possible.
BMB Gear Library Guidelines:
It is expected that gear borrowed is returned in the same condition as when it was lent out.
Gear is not meant to be used for long-term use. Please check out gear only for specific trips or testing so we can ensure other members have access as well.
All bikes must be returned with a clean and re-lubed chain, in washed condition, and any changes to positioning back to their original location.
Food Use: If using gear to carry food, ensure all items are securely sealed to prevent leaks. Please wipe gear down with a sanitary wipe to remove crumbs and food scents that could attract animals.
Items out for borrow and their return date will be clearly indicated in MyTurn.
At this time, the Gear Library is stored at one of our organizers’ homes. As a result, gear is not available for in-person viewing prior to checkout.
I cannot wait to see how the gear library expands! And I hope you can try our gear soon.
xx
Moe