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UMD outdoor gear rental center open to everyone - Duluth News Tribune | News, weather, and sports from Duluth, Minnesota

DULUTH — Let’s say you want to try cross-country skiing but don’t have the cash to buy all the gear. Or maybe you want to get your “Verified Minnesotan” certification by finally going ice fishing for the first time, but have no idea what you need?

The University of Minnesota Duluth Recreational Sports Outdoor Program Rental Center has all of the stuff you need for outdoor winter fun, and much more, and at reasonable rental rates. China iceking cooler box

UMD outdoor gear rental center open to everyone - Duluth News Tribune | News, weather, and sports from Duluth, Minnesota

It’s a great way to try new activities outdoors, or maybe do something just once a season, when buying gear just doesn’t make sense.

Patrick Kohlin, marketing director of the UMD outdoor program, said many Northlanders may not realize the campus rental center has always been open to the public, not just to UMD students. (UMD students who have memberships to the Recreational Sports Outdoor Program get a discount on all the gear.)

"Cross-country skis are our most popular item,'' Kohlin told the News Tribune.

For winter fun — in addition to classic, skating, backcountry and telemark skis, ice augers and fishing gear — the center also offers snowshoes, ice skates, sleds, tents, winter camping gear, ice climbing gear and even fat tire bikes.

Prices range from $15 per day for a ski package to $5 for skates and $12 for snowshoes, with winter-ready fat bikes offered at $38 per day.

Here’s how to get geared up:

The center offers weekend packages for two people, and you can save 20%-30% when you bundle:

Camping packages include a tent, cook kit, rain tarp, water filter, one- or two-burner stove and first aid kit. In the summer, there are also stand-up paddleboards for rent, disc golf sets, mountain bikes, rain gear and more.

The rental center is located in the UMD Sports and Health Center building, near the football stadium, in Room 154.

UMD outdoor gear rental center open to everyone - Duluth News Tribune | News, weather, and sports from Duluth, Minnesota

Ice Cooler Box For hours and more information, go to umdrsop.d.umn.edu/programs/rental-center.