Gear Shouldn’t Be a Barrier

AMC Maine leaders recently met with Maine Gear Share, a new Maine-based nonprofit that helps people get outside by making outdoor gear more accessible — and repairing the gear we already love.

Here are the key takeaways AMC members may find helpful:

• Gear access = more people outside
• AMC has an agreement with Maine Gear Share to help remove gear barriers for AMC activities. The goal is simple: more access, more participation, and safer trips, without making assumptions about who can or can’t afford gear.
• Leaders learned that broad, welcoming language works best, such as:
• “Gear shouldn’t be a barrier to joining this activity. If you’re missing something, please contact the trip leader.”

This approach opens the door without putting anyone on the spot.

When free gear vs. renting makes sense

AMC Maine has a discount code intended to open doors. Leaders are encouraged to respond to participant cues rather than pre-judge need. Examples include:

• A leader borrows extra microspikes, mittens, or a puffy jacket to carry on a winter hike for safety and backup
• A member wants to try a new activity for the first time without buying gear up front
• A participant reaches out after seeing “gear shouldn’t be a barrier” language and asks about options
• Someone is missing an item and asks where to rent gear affordably — Maine Gear Share is a great answer

The idea isn’t “free gear for everyone,” but flexibility that keeps people included and safe.

How reservations work:

• Participants should reserve their own gear when possible (this keeps liability with the individual)
• Leaders can reserve gear for a group if needed
• Groups can coordinate one pickup/drop-off if that works better
• Notes can be added so Maine Gear Share knows the AMC trip dates or leader name

The system is designed to be flexible, and Maine Gear Share is actively learning alongside AMC about what works best.

Gear repair = gear that lasts longer

Maine Gear Share also offers gear repair services, helping fix beloved equipment instead of replacing it.  They regularly host repair events and workshops, and AMC leaders may even coordinate future field-repair skills sessions for trail use.

This partnership is about:

• Increasing access to AMC activities
• Supporting leaders with safer, better-prepared trips
• Welcoming new participants
• Supporting a Maine nonprofit doing great outdoor-community work

If you’re leading a trip or thinking about joining one, gear shouldn’t be the reason someone stays home.