What’s better than getting out to enjoy the fresh Alberta air?
For one, there’s worry-free access to the latest outdoor gear that makes your all of adventures possible.
A tremendous benefit of living in Calgary is umpteen ways to stay fit, active and entertained outdoors all year round. Those of us in the city’s Northwest need no reminder —the parks and proximity to beautiful trails, the mountains and rivers scare away most excuses.
When it comes to gear for all of our adventures, we’re opting to rent—here’s three reasons why.
1. First is savings.
Quality sporting gear can add up quickly.
This passion has a price, and adventure-seekers can easily spend thousands keeping up with the latest and greatest in outdoor-tech. Before buying a fat bike, kayak or set of snowshoes, give them a go so you know what you want and need. Rental shops afford adventurers a chance to test products you are considering adding to your adventure-gear arsenal. Our suggestion to combat cost: try before you buy.
Get familiar with a new sport or product options by renting to be sure you’re ready to commit to a new purchase. and get you out of the house.
2. Second is maintenance.
While many of us love the great outdoors, fewer of us are enthusiastic about what needs to be done to maintain our gear season after season.
If worries of the work associated with keeping gear are keeping you away from the trails, try a rental on for size. If you find that the thought of keeping bike tires pumped, life vests stored, skis waxed or GoPro charged is all too much, you can rent with worry-free access to the latest essentials that make fitness fun and easy.
3. Third is convenience.
The reality of organizing a family outing—whether it’s packing picnics, planning routes, finding wayward ski poles or hurrying the lazy out of bed— isn’t always pretty.
Imagine the sweet relief that comes when all the gear you need is either brought to your doorstep or made ready for pick up whenever it suits you. Embrace the joy of gear rental: getting outdoors and into your day faster and without the hassle.
A breath of fresh air to an industry in need of an evolution.
Owner of Nomad Mobile Gear Rentals, Andrel Reid, is helping others prepare for their outdoor excursions by bringing gear right to Calgarians —a modern twist on the traditional model of gear rentals.
Citing a childhood spent around his grandparents’ ski shop in the 60s and 70s, Andrel drew inspiration for Nomad from days spent biking and hiking alongside his family, and made it his mission to bring his own experiences to helping YYC enjoy the outdoors with ease.
We were thrilled to have worked alongside Nomad at U/D’s first annual Northwestival in 2017, and wanted to learn more about what Nomad is bringing to our outdoor community. We spoke with Andrel Reid of Nomad Mobile Gear Rentals to get the inside track on how Nomad is promoting with wellness with fresh perspective in Calgary.
What separates Nomad from traditional gear rental companies?
What has greatly influenced Nomad’s development is a study of what most people dislike about gear rentals.
After having spent six years working in rental shops throughout the Canadian Rockies, I grew familiar with the frustrations that accompany more traditional renting experiences. From lines that stretch outside of the ski-shop doors, to unhappy kids over bundled and overheated, renting gear isn’t always a picnic.
Beyond the wait at the rental shop itself, picking up and transporting gear back on time after use can often be difficult for those who don’t own cars — a reality for many living in larger cities.
Nomad is structured to make the entire rental experience seamless, taking the stress out of activities that should be fun and freeing. In addition to being paperless and making the online rental process a breeze, Nomad is completely mobile — we deliver and pick up, which is especially great for families and groups.
Have you noticed any recent activity trends? What’s been popular?
The first activity that comes to mind is fat biking! The activity has seen a huge surge in popularity recently —many people are excited to be able to rent the bikes and test out the activity before committing to buying one of their own.
Beyond this, cross-country skiing has also become way more common, it’s a phenomenal choice for even those among us who like staying inside the city limits—tons of local Calgary parks offer groomed tracks for people to ski on.
Both fat biking and skiing are relatively inexpensive and makes for great family-friendly activities— a huge bonus!
What else does Nomad offer beyond rentals?
Not everybody knows this, but in the winter time we offer discounted lift tickets to Lake Louise and the Canadian Rockies Resorts. We’re happy to drop these off at the same time as your rentals, which cuts out any additional time spent on waiting in line once you’re at the slopes!
Last year we launched our bike tours that take groups around some of our favourite local spots around the city, and we were so excited by the initial turnout! Stay tuned to see what bike tours we’re offering next, you never know, maybe it will take us to the Northwest!
Favourite place to spend outside in the NW?
Hands down, Edworthy Park — it offers something for everyone.
From hiking areas and bike paths, to playgrounds for kids and river access, the activities you can enjoy out there are endless. As an added bonus, the park is only a short bike ride from U/D and has easy access into downtown!
Have a great gear-rental experience or other tips to stay active in Calgary? We’re always on the lookout for inspiration —from Northwest friends, partners and neighbours — let us know in the comments below.
The University District blog is a resource for Calgarians who want to live, work, play, visit or buy in the northwest. We will provide you with information, stories, news and a closer look at the things that matter so you can live a more inspired, active and connected life in NW Calgary at University District… Life works here.
Join the Discussion