Best Places To Rent Outdoor Gear In The Chicago Area
Want to try an outdoor adventure this season but not really sure you're going to commit to making it a regular thing? Renting gear rather than purchasing something expensive when you're faced with the possibility of not making use of it again makes the most sense. For Chicagoans looking to try out a little adventure, here are a few places you can check out.
Viking Ski Shop
3422 W. Fullerton Ave.
Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 276-0732
www.vikingskishop.com
If you're looking for a snowy ski adventure, Viking Ski Shop is the place in Chicago to rent. Viking is family owned and run and the owners are sure to get you the equipment you need. Every skier knows how important it is to get a good fit for your ski boots and Viking's staff will spend however much time you need making sure your boots fit properly and are the correct boots for your experience level. Be sure to call ahead for rental information (the website doesn't list equipment available) to be sure that the shop has what you want available. Whether you're going on a short or long trip, Viking has a staff with the knowledge to fit you for proper equipment. If you decide that you want to make skiing a regular thing, it has high quality equipment available for sale also. Check out the website for specific needs. The prices are usually better than what you would find looking around online.
Q9 PowerSports USA
2337 Vondron Road
Madison, WI 53718
(608) 240-9252
www.q9powersports.com
If you're looking for more of an outdoor vehicular experience, head on up to Madison, Wisconsin where there are not only an abundance of outdoor areas to frolic in, but Q9 PowerSports which has everything from ATVs to dirt bikes available for you to rent. Children's vehicles and helmets are available as well if you're looking to make it a family adventure. If you eventually decide you're in the market to buy your own ATV, Q9 PowerSports can ship it out to you. The staff is knowledgeable and helpful. If you do decide to have something shipped and end up having questions, they can usually troubleshoot and fix the problem over the phone. Q9 staff won't try and upsell you to buy something you don't need. They are informative and will help you if you're a first-time user looking to pick out appropriate equipment.
Related: Best Outdoor Gear Stores In Chicago
Ski Haus
1975 E. Rand Road
Arlington Heights, IL 60004
(224) 735-3133
www.skihausus.com
Still looking to ski and willing to head out of the city to take advantage of potential deals? Try Ski Haus in Arlington Heights! The staff is knowledgeable and friendly and they're always offering some kind of discount or incentive on previous seasons' equipment. The owner is a former championship skiier and thus knows his stuff and can make great recommendations. The skis and equipment are well maintained and varied, so you'll be sure to find what you need for your trip. The staff has all used all of the equipment that is offered in the store so they have the knowledge to answer all of your questions and make informed recommendations. As a bonus, if you just need a quick wax or tune-up on your own skis, you can't beat Ski Haus's prices and they will do them for you while you wait. This give you ample time to watch fun ski videos on their screens or look at the merchandise they on offer.
Related: Best Outdoor Apparel Stores In Chicago
Meredith Lyons is an actor, competitive fighter and fitness instructor in Chicago who also owns an amazing cat named Jake. Meredith has been writing on Examiner as the Chicago Martial Arts Examiner since 2008. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
