Gearing up to try new outdoor activities is becoming increasingly accessible to Maine families, thanks to this growing network of outdoor gear libraries and consignment shops.
Maine Outdoor Gear Libraries
These community-centered gear hubs offer affordable access to skis, snowshoes, and a wide variety of other equipment, empowering their communities to try new outdoor activities together. Together, they break down barriers, helping everyone experience Maine’s outdoors safely, comfortably, and confidently.
❉ Maine GearShare (Brunswick) – Maine GearShare is a nonprofit gear lending library and repair shop that equips schools, nonprofits, and community groups with essential outdoor clothing and equipment. By providing the right gear to get out safely and comfortably, they are increasing access to the outdoors. Visit MaineGearShare.org
❉ Katahdin Gear Library (Millinocket) – The Katahdin Gear Library (KGL) is a gear lending library, outdoor adventure hub, and public space where people of all ages can access equipment and tools, information, and leadership, and connect with others around a shared interest in outdoor adventure and recreation. Visit Their Website.
❉ Kindling Collective (Portland) – Kindling Collective is a queer-centered gear library and education center creating an accessible pathway to outdoor experiences in Wabanaki Confederacy Territory / Maine. They aim to build community and support people in cultivating and sustaining relationships with the natural world and with one another. Visit KindlingCollective.org
❉ Skowhegan Outdoors (Skowhegan) – Launched in 2019, the Skowhegan Outdoors Basecamp Gear Library offers free, guided outdoor activities and gear, ensuring that everyone in Somerset County can enjoy the outdoors. By hosting hundreds of programs annually, Skowhegan Outdoors is inspiring healthier, more active lifestyles and transforming the community through outdoor recreation. Visit SkowheganOutdoors.com
❉ Mainely Outdoors-University of Maine Farmington – The UMF Fitness & Recreation program offers students and community members a range of fun outdoors excursions, equipment and gear signout/rentals, clinics, events, and more. Visit their website.
❉ Maine Bound Adventure Center- University of Maine Orono – The Maine Bound Adventure Center offers gear rentals for the University of Maine community and the general public. Visit their website.
❉ Portland Gear Hub (Portland) – Portland Gear Hub is a non-profit community bike and outdoor gear shop. They refurbish, sell, and donate bikes and outdoor gear, operate a full-service shop, provide educational programming, and host community events and bike rides. They are working hard to make access to bikes, education, and the outdoors more equitable. Visit PortlandGearHub.org
Maine Outdoor Gear Consignment Shops
Ready to own your gear? These outdoor-focused consignment shops are also a great resource when shopping for affordable, gently used gear and apparel:
❉ Woods + Waters Gear Exchange (Brunswick) – Woods + Waters Gear Exchange is a consignment shop dedicated to giving outdoor gear new life, reducing waste, and promoting sustainability. As a community hub, it connects adventurers to share stories and inspire each other, all while fostering a more sustainable outdoor lifestyle through environmental responsibility and reuse. Visit WWGearExchange.com
❉ Play It Again Sports (Portland, Auburn, Portsmouth) – Play It Again Sports buys, sells, and trades quality used sports and fitness gear. Locations & Info
❉ Midcoast Sports Exchange (Camden) – Midcoast Sports Exchange is keeping gear in the game with an assortment of used sporting goods and outdoor gear. Visit Their Facebook Page
❉ Community Sports (Bethel) – Community Sports is a seasonal sports consignment shop in the Maine mountains offering repurposed adventure gear. Visit Their Facebook Page
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