Last Updated on 08/2025 by Mom Goes Camping

The Complete Guide to Borrowing Camping Gear (From a Mom Who’s Been There)

After 15+ years of family camping and lending out my gear to countless friends and neighbors, I’ve learned that there’s definitely a right way and a wrong way to borrow camping equipment. Let me share what I’ve discovered through both wonderful experiences and a few not-so-great ones!

When I first started camping with my kids, I was that nervous mom asking to borrow everything from tents to camp chairs. Now, as someone with a garage full of camping gear, I’m usually on the other side of those conversations. Trust me when I say that following proper etiquette isn’t just about being polite – it’s about building lasting relationships and ensuring you’ll be welcomed back for future adventures.

Why Borrowing Camping Gear Makes Perfect Sense

Let’s be honest – camping gear is expensive. A decent family tent can easily cost $200-400, and that’s before you factor in sleeping bags, cooking equipment, and all the extras. If you’re new to camping or only go once or twice a year, it’s completely reasonable to borrow gear instead of making a huge financial commitment.

I actually love it when people ask to borrow my camping gear. Every time I lend out equipment, I’m potentially helping create a new camping family. Some of my best camping buddies today started by borrowing my gear for their very first trip!

Also read: How much does camping cost?

The Golden Rules of Camping Gear Borrowing Etiquette

1. It’s Perfectly Fine to Ask (But Ask Thoughtfully)

Don’t be embarrassed about asking to borrow camping gear – most experienced campers remember what it was like starting out. However, be specific about what you need and when you need it. Instead of saying “Can I borrow some camping stuff?” try “Would you mind if I borrowed a 4-person tent and two sleeping bags for our trip to [specific location] from [dates]?”

Give your friend at least 2-3 weeks notice if possible. This gives them time to check their own camping calendar and ensure the gear will be available.

Pro tip: Offer something in return, even if it’s just bringing them a souvenir from your trip or cooking them dinner when you return the gear.

2. Know Your Limits (And Respect Expensive Equipment)

Here’s something I learned the hard way: not all camping gear should be borrowed by beginners. I once lent my $300 down sleeping bag to a friend who had never used a compression sack before. Let’s just say it didn’t end well for the sleeping bag.

Be honest about your experience level. If you’ve never set up a tent before, don’t borrow someone’s lightweight backpacking tent that requires specific setup techniques. Similarly, expensive items like high-end headlamps, GPS devices, or specialized cooking equipment are probably best left for when you have more experience.

What happens when inexperienced campers borrow delicate equipment

3. Always Do a Gear Test Run Together

This is absolutely crucial and cannot be skipped. I always insist on doing a “gear demo” session with anyone borrowing my equipment. We set up the tent in my backyard, go through the sleeping bag stuff sacks, test all the flashlights and headlamps, and run through the camp stove operation.

During this session, I share the quirks that every piece of gear has. For example, my favorite tent has a rain fly that needs to be attached in a specific order, and my camp stove’s igniter only works about half the time (so you need matches as backup).

This testing session serves multiple purposes:

• You learn how to properly use the equipment
• You discover if anything is missing or broken before you leave
• You get comfortable with the gear in a low-pressure environment
• The owner can share specific care instructions

4. Create a Detailed Inventory List

I can’t stress this enough – write everything down! And I mean everything. Don’t just write “tent” – write “REI Co-op Kingdom 6 tent with rainfly, footprint, and stuff sack.” Include brand names, models, colors, and any distinctive features.

Take photos of expensive items or anything with unique characteristics. This protects both you and the owner if something goes missing or gets damaged. I’ve seen friendships strained because someone returned a “similar” item instead of the exact one they borrowed.

Here’s a sample inventory format I use:

• Item: Coleman 4-Person Dome Tent
• Color: Blue with gray rainfly
• Included accessories: Rainfly, stakes (12 total), guy lines, repair kit
• Condition when borrowed: Excellent, small stain on left side panel
• Return date: [Date]

5. Master the Art of Tent Care

Tents are the most commonly borrowed camping item, and they’re also the most commonly damaged. Here’s what you need to know:

During your trip:

• Always use a footprint or tarp under the tent
• Keep shoes and dirty items in the vestibule, not inside the tent
• Be gentle with zippers – don’t force them
• If it rains, give the tent time to dry before packing up (even if it means a late checkout)

After your trip:

• Set up the tent immediately when you get home (even if you’re tired!)
• Shake out all dirt, leaves, and debris
• Wipe down any mud or sticky spots with a damp cloth
• Let it air dry completely – this can take 6-24 hours depending on humidity
• Check for any damage and address it immediately

Trust me, I’ve received tents back that were packed wet and developed mold. It’s not a fun conversation to have with a friend.

6. Handle Sleeping Bags with Special Care

Sleeping bags require different care depending on their type. Down sleeping bags are particularly finicky and expensive to replace. Here’s what I tell everyone who borrows my sleeping bags:

Before washing: Always, always, always ask the owner about washing instructions. Even if the tag says it’s machine washable, the owner might have specific preferences. Some people only trust certain detergents, or they might want to wash expensive bags themselves.

General sleeping bag care:

• Air them out daily during your trip
• Don’t eat inside the sleeping bag
• Keep it as dry as possible
• Store it uncompressed when you return it

I once had someone return a sleeping bag that smelled like campfire smoke and had s’mores residue inside. It needed professional cleaning, which cost more than they probably expected.

7. Power Up: Battery and Electronic Care

Modern camping involves more electronics than ever before. Headlamps, lanterns, portable chargers, GPS devices – they all need power. Here’s proper electronic gear etiquette:

• Fully charge everything before your trip
• Bring backup batteries if the device uses them
• Clean battery contacts if they get corroded
• Fully recharge devices before returning them
• Test that everything works when you return it

Nothing’s worse than planning a camping trip only to discover your borrowed headlamp is dead and you have no way to charge it.

What to Do When Things Go Wrong

Despite your best intentions, accidents happen. I’ve had gear returned broken, lost, or damaged, and I’ve also been on the other side when I accidentally damaged someone else’s equipment. Here’s how to handle these situations gracefully:

If You Damage Something

1. Be honest immediately: Don’t try to hide damage or hope they won’t notice. Call or text as soon as you discover the problem.
2. Take responsibility: Even if it wasn’t entirely your fault, you were using their gear.
3. Offer to replace it: Research the exact replacement cost and offer to pay for it immediately.
4. Go above and beyond: Consider upgrading to a newer model or throwing in something extra to show your appreciation.

I once had someone tear my rainfly on a branch. They immediately texted me, researched the replacement part, and had it ordered before they even got home. They also brought me a nice bottle of wine and a detailed story about their trip. That’s how you handle a mistake with class.

If You Lose Something

Lost gear happens, especially small items like tent stakes or guy lines. The key is being proactive:

• Search thoroughly before declaring something lost
• Contact the campground – they might have a lost and found
• Replace lost items with the exact same product if possible
• If you can’t find the exact item, upgrade to something better

Building Long-Term Borrowing Relationships

Want to ensure you can continue borrowing gear for future trips? Here are some ways to be the borrower everyone wants to help:

The Return Experience

Make returning gear as pleasant as the borrowing experience:

• Return everything clean and dry
• Pack items the same way they were given to you
• Return promptly – don’t make them ask for their gear back
• Include a small thank-you gift or gesture
• Share highlights from your trip with photos

Reciprocate When Possible

Even if you don’t have camping gear to lend back, find other ways to reciprocate:

• Offer to help with gear maintenance or organization
• Share your new camping knowledge and research
• Invite them on future camping trips
• Help them with non-camping favors

When to Stop Borrowing and Start Buying

There comes a point when it makes more sense to invest in your own gear. Here are signs it might be time to make the transition:

• You’re camping more than 3-4 times per year
• You’ve developed strong preferences for specific gear types
• You’re having to plan trips around gear availability
• You want to try more challenging camping (backpacking, winter camping)
• You have the budget to invest in quality gear

When you do start buying your own gear, remember how helpful it was when people lent to you. Pay it forward by being generous with your own equipment!

Special Considerations for Different Types of Gear

Cooking Equipment

• Clean thoroughly after each use
• Check that all pieces are included (lids, utensils, etc.)
• Test gas connections and burners before your trip
• Return propane canisters with fuel if you didn’t use them completely

Backpacks and Bags

• Empty all pockets and compartments
• Check for and remove any food residue that might attract animals
• Adjust straps back to their original position
• Clean zippers if they got dirty or sandy

Coolers

• Clean thoroughly with soap and water
• Let dry completely before returning to prevent odors
• Check that drain plugs and latches work properly
• Return any ice packs or accessories that came with it

Final Thoughts: It’s All About Respect and Gratitude

At the end of the day, borrowing camping gear etiquette comes down to treating other people’s belongings with respect and showing genuine gratitude for their generosity. When someone lends you their gear, they’re not just giving you equipment – they’re sharing their passion for the outdoors and trusting you with items that help create their own family memories.

I’ve built some of my strongest friendships through sharing camping gear. Some of my favorite camping memories involve trips where we combined everyone’s gear and figured out creative solutions together. The camping community is incredibly generous and welcoming, but that spirit only continues when we all do our part to maintain these relationships.

Remember, every piece of camping gear has stories attached to it. That tent might have sheltered someone through their first thunderstorm. That sleeping bag might have kept their kid warm during a unexpectedly cold night. When you borrow these items, you’re becoming part of those stories.

So be the borrower who makes lenders excited to help the next person. Follow these etiquette guidelines, show appreciation, and most importantly, use that borrowed gear to create amazing outdoor memories with your own family.

Happy camping!

Also check out: Camping Checklist (Printable)

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Have you had experiences borrowing or lending camping gear? Share your stories and tips in the comments below! And if this post helped you, please share it with other families who might be considering their first camping trip.