Portland State Outdoor Program and Rental Center
Overview
Expert Summary
Detailed Insights
This is a prime spot for parents looking to equip their families for outdoor adventures (including kayaking, rafting, and cross-country skiing) on a budget. The unique value lies in their significantly below-market-value gear rentals, making outdoor activities more accessible. While staff are generally friendly and some gear is excellent, be prepared for potential inconsistencies in gear quality and a very strict return policy.
Key Highlights
- ✓Significantly below market value pricing for outdoor gear rentals.
- ✓Friendly and helpful staff (as per Review 1).
- ✓Offers a wide variety of outdoor gear including kayaking, rafting, and cross-country skiing equipment.
- ✓Some gear is described as 'very nice, clear' (implying good condition and cleanliness).
- ✓Customer service is generally 'fine' or 'great'.
Standout Features
- ⭐Exceptional pricing for gear rentals, offering significant savings for families.
- ⭐Broad selection of outdoor equipment, allowing families to try various activities.
- ⭐The availability of 'nice, clear gear' suggests some items are well-maintained.
- ⭐Generally friendly and accommodating staff (despite some rigidity in policy).
Perfect For
Ideal For
💡Pro Tips from Reviews
- →**Inspect gear thoroughly upon pickup:** Always check all components (e.g., tent poles, straps, paddles) for functionality and condition *before leaving the rental center* to avoid issues and ensure safety during your trip (and to document any pre-existing wear).
- →**Understand the return policy and be meticulous:** Be prepared for 'very picky' staff during returns. Clean and organize all gear precisely as it was received to avoid potential charges or disputes.
- →**Plan return timing carefully:** If there's a specific return window, adhere to it strictly. Arriving early might not grant early return and could result in waiting (Review 2).
- →**Communicate any gear issues immediately:** If you find something like a stretched tent cord, report it before use if possible, or upon return with clear documentation.
Things to Consider
- ⚠Some gear may need TLC; a specific example is a tent with 'totally stretched' shock cords requiring manual tying (Review 5).
- ⚠They are 'very picky' about gear returns, requiring everything to be returned 'the way you got it' (Review 4).
- ⚠The gear return protocol can be rigid and confusing (e.g., asked to wait until an exact time for return, even if early, only to drop gear on a counter – Review 2).
Price & Value
Excellent value for money. Reviews consistently highlight 'way below market value' and 'good prices' for gear rentals, making it a very economical choice for outdoor equipment.
♿Accessibility & Special Needs
- •No specific information on accessibility accommodations for special needs children or families mentioned in reviews.
🍎Food & Drink Policy
- •Not applicable as this is a gear rental facility, not an activity venue with food services.
🚗Parking Info
- •No information about parking availability or cost mentioned in reviews.
👥Crowd Levels
- •No information regarding crowd levels or busiest times mentioned in reviews.
🛡️Safety Features
- •While not explicitly detailed, the mention of 'clear gear' (Review 1) suggests a degree of cleanliness and maintenance. The 'very picky' return policy (Review 4) might also contribute to maintaining gear in good, safe condition for subsequent renters, though this is an inference.
- •No specific staff supervision or dedicated safety protocols for children are mentioned, as this is a rental center.
⏰When to Avoid
- • Parents who expect perfectly new, flawless gear for every rental.
- • Families who are pressed for time or dislike strict, potentially inflexible return procedures.
- • Anyone unwilling to meticulously clean and organize gear before returning it.
Recent Reviews
Zoe Cunningham
2 months agoAwesome place to rent outdoor gear, very friendly staff, and very nice, clear gear!! Will definitely be coming back!
Henry Hall
a year agoOverall great experience. Only thing I thought was funny was returning the gear. I got there 2 minutes early. Was asked to wait inside until 2. Then when they opened said I could just put the gear on the counter. If I could do that than why did I have to wait until 2?
Braxton Reece
3 months agoGreat place to rent cross country skiing gear!
Jason van Warmerdam
6 years agoGreat service in that they offer gear rentals way below market value. We always try to rent our rafting gear here when it's available. They are very picky though when returning gear, so make sure everything is returned back the way you got it.
Mollie Ebner
7 years agocustomer service is fine and prices and good. Some of the gear needs tlc. Shock cord on my tent was totally stretched. Had to tie the poles together and then untie them when i took down the tent.