We are all familiar with the idea of a library. You go, check out a book, read said book, and return the book when you are done. Yes, there is a bit more mixed in there, such as attaining a library card, due dates, and late fees, but I’m sure you get the general idea.
We all know how libraries work.
But libraries aren’t just for books. You may also get the gear needed (maybe even a bikepacking book) at one of Bikepacking Roots and Old Man Mountain’s bikepacking gear libraries.
Not a Brand New Idea, but Finally Gaining Some Traction
We’ve actually covered a similar story with Bikepacking Roots and gear libraries nearly six years ago. Then, Bikepacking Roots teamed up with Blackburn and NICA to provide gear and experiences to student athletes who wanted to give it a go.
Why? Simple. Bikepacking is expensive. At least, initially.
But even more than that, it can be daunting. Knowing what racks, bags, tents, and other equipment can be pretty far out of even a seasoned mountain biker’s periphery. And, even if you do know all of the gear you need, isn’t it nice to give it a try before purchasing?
These were some of the thoughts behind the first Bikepacking Roots gear library. However, the most significant point on their agenda was getting kids out on the trail.
Unfortunately, due to COVID restrictions, this didn’t happen on the scale they hoped. Where they built a traveling inventory of gear to outfit 20 bikepackers, in the end, much smaller groups would be hitting the trail.
But, hit the trail they did, and the successful program laid the foundation for what would come.
Bikepacking Libraries Around the Country
Rather than having a traveling library, Bikepacking Roots, with the help of Old Man Mountain, is establishing gear libraries around the country. They recognize that the barrier to entry into bikepacking may be too high for many who are interested.
So, they opted to lower that barrier. At the time of writing this post, there are currently 17 gear libraries spread across the country in 14 states. Many of the gear libraries are run by bike shops and connect with riders who want to borrow gear and experience bikepacking for the first time.
Or, maybe it isn’t a first-timer, but someone who wants to try new equipment.
Some gear libraries also focus on serving groups underrepresented in cycling, such as people of color or women. Some gear libraries may also charge a small fee for maintenance and equipment upkeep.
You can see all the information and links to the different gear libraries at the Bikepacking Roots Resource Hub. There, you will see an interactive map showing the locations of the gear library. Clicking on one of those locations will provide you with links to view the specific library’s information and how to actually borrow from it.
The Resource Hub also has information on how to start your own gear library.
“I have been volunteering with my local gear library run by Wild Wolf Cycling Collective for the last couple of years, and my favorite part by far is when people arereturning borrowed gear after their bikepacking trip,” Bikepacking Roots’ Community Programs Manager, Danielle Parnes, said.
“I typically hear stories about how the trip was hard but that they had a lot of fun, how the trip wouldn’t be possible without borrowing gear, and then they start asking about what trips they should go on next!”
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