How to Rent a Pop-Up Tent in Kansas City

camping image by Colin Buckland from Fotolia.com

"Goin' to Kansas City; Kansas City here I come." Bar-b-q, rolling rivers, fishing, hunting and the summer stars. Outdoor activities in Missouri, Arkansas and Kansas are readily accessible from Kansas City. With all the tribulation of flying these days, it may make sense to rent your tent and camping gear upon arrival. Some rental benefits include being able to "try out" a particular tent before buying the brand or style, and with airline baggage charges, being able to travel lighter, is a plus. Even for locals, renting is a good way to test gear before buying.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Lists of what you'll bring and what you'll rent.
On-screen or paper/pen spreadsheet to record information

Step 1

Determine the style of camping for the trip and the destination, then decide what camping gear will be brought and what will be rented. When traveling by plane or train, gear that can be packed into suitcases or carry-on bags is what should guide decision-making.

Step 2

Call the rental store to find out if equipment is available for the dates needed. The local store of the national chains such as REI or Sports Authority may be able to arrange the rental to be picked up on arrival in Kansas City. It may be possible to preview similar equipment at the local store to help deciding brand and model of pop-up tent.

REI: 816-734-2811
Bossert's Military Surplus: 816-452-2002
Cabela's (Kansas City, KA): 913-328-0322
Dick's Sporting Goods: 816-313-1198 or 816-436-3524
Sports Authority: 816-587-1463

Step 3

Using the "spreadsheet," set columns for the stores and rows for the equipment, brand name, model, rental fee, and other associated costs, such as deposits. The national chains offer Eureka, North Face, Wenzel and other well-known tents.

Step 4

List the terms and conditions and clearly understand policies related to refunding deposits, cleaning costs or repair costs. When satisfied, lock in the reservation for a specific piece of equipment. Exchange e-mail or fax with both parties agreeing to the understanding.

Step 5

Arrive at the business allowing enough time to set-up and take down the tent for the training and also to check for existing damage or problems. Ensure all equipment is repacked before leaving the store.

Tips & Warnings

It's a good idea to bring your own sleeping bag for health and sanitation reasons, unless the rental agency gives assurances of its cleaning policies.

Check the number and condition of stakes, ensure there is rope for guying the tent to the ground. There should be at least four extra stakes and rope to tie-down the tent.

Include a hammer for putting stakes into the ground.

When selecting the finalist places to rent, be sure to check consumer ratings at the Better Business Bureau and Web-based merchant rating sites.

Always rent using a credit card in case of disputes needing to be resolved. A debit card does not have the same dispute protections as a credit card.

Midwest weather can bring violent storms, it is imperative to stake the tent and use guy ropes in at least four locations to tie tent to the ground.

Article Written By Eric Jay Toll

Eric Jay Toll has been writing since 1970, influenced by his active lifestyle. An outdoorsman, businessman, planner and travel writer, Toll's work appears in travel guides for the Navajo Nation, "TIME" and "Planning" magazines and on various websites. He studied broadcast marketing and management at Southern Illinois University.

Editor's Pick

Backcountry Camping Tips

You've already tried car and RV camping. You've camped at commercial campsites that had a convenient restroom and water supply. Now, you want to explore the road less traveled. Backcountry camping, also known as primitive camping, is a wonderful way to explore the remote...
More Backcountry Camping...
Popular Article

Beach Camping Near Pismo Beach, California

Pismo State Beach, California, has many attractions and activities including camping, swimming, hiking and wildlife viewing. Birdwatching is one of the primary activities in the area. The park also has the largest over-wintering colony of monarch butterflies in the natio...
More Beach Camping...
Featured Video

Common Sense Hiking Tips

The first and most fundamental thing is never hike alone. There are too many situations, especially as an unexperienced hiker, where you may find yourself without anyone to help you. So the buddy system works and applies very much in hiking.
More Camping Basics...