The Nest Gear Shop

View our Nest Outdoor Gear Shop policy document for a complete list of policies related to outdoor gear rentals or look below for the answers to our most commonly asked questions!

Comprehensive list of gear available to check out is listed at the bottom of this page.


Fall Gear Shop Hours:

  • Monday: CLOSED
  • Tuesday: CLOSED
  • Wednesday: 10:00am-5:00pm
  • Thursday: 10:00am-5:00pm
  • Friday: 10:00am-4:00pm
  • Saturday-Sunday: Closed

Nest Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Where is The Nest located?

The Nest is located in the Lower Level of the Activities and Recreation Center near the Fitness Studio. Check in at the fitness center front desk and walk toward the fitness studio, when you see the orange desk we are located around that corner. If you are having a hard time finding us, ask the front desk for support.

Can I come into The Nest?

Please do! However, we ask you stop by during hours of operation (see above). Not sure where we are? Just check in with the staff at the Fitness Front Desk and they can assist you connect you with an Outdoor Wellness Leader or let you know when we will be open next.

Can I rent from the Nest?

The Nest Gear Shop is funded entirely by UW Bothell and Cascadia College student fees and is therefore, only available to UWB and CC students. Our campus friends, partners and community members are welcome to visit at any time and chat about outdoor opportunities in the area!

How much does it cost?

Gear rentals are free to all current UWB and CC students. We do have fees for late returns, equipment cleaning, and gear replacement.

How MUCH gear can I rent?

As much as you want, within reason. Students can rent gear for friends and family, but students are financially responsible for all of the gear they check out. Priority is always given to Outdoor Wellness programs who may be utilizing the gear for trips. We strongly recommend calling ahead during breaks and peak recreation times guarantee gear availability.

How LONG can I rent gear out for?

You can rent most of our gear out for two weeks (14 days), unless otherwise specified.

Can I renew my rentals?

Yes! But, as of now you must visit the Nest Gear Shop in person to do so prior to your rental due date. You can renew your rentals as many times as you would like within the quarter, but you must return your equipment by our last date of operation for the quarter (check our announcements page to see when this is).

What if I return my gear past the due date?

Individuals who rent equipment from the Nest Gear Shop must return their rentals within two (2) weeks of the original date of rental. If individuals do not return their rental equipment by the date it is due, they will be charged an overdue fee of $1.00 per piece of equipment, each day overdue, for a total of 30 days.
During this time, the renter will also be unable to rent additional equipment from the Nest Gear Shop until the gear is returned. After 30 days, of equipment being overdue, the renter will then be required to pay the entire replacement cost of all overdue gear in their account. If the equipment is returned after the 30-day mark, the individual will be responsible for paying only the amount accrued on their account from overdue fees.
The renter will have two weeks from the day they are invoiced to pay the charge on their account in full, regardless of the amount. If they have still not reimbursed the Outdoor Wellness program after two weeks, the individual will have a hold placed on their account and will be unable to utilize any of the ARC services or attend any ARC programs until their balance is paid.

Can I return gear outside of gear shop business hours?

Unless otherwise announced, we do not accept gear outside of business hours. Occasionally, we will offer appointment times that students can reserve online (such as during finals week or over breaks). However, unless we have posted an announcement stating that we are offering appointments, you must return equipment during our business hours.

How will I know when my equipment is due?

Unless otherwise specified, all rentals from our gear shop have a rental period of two weeks (14 days), not counting the day that you reserved the equipment. For example, if you rented gear out on Thursday July 1, your due date will be Thursday July 15. While we typically send out courtesy notices two days prior to gear being due and one day after gear is overdue, this is not a guarantee if the Gear Shop is low staffed, such as over breaks. As such, it is up to the renter to return their equipment on time.

How Do I Reserve Gear?

At this point in time, gear is only available on a first-come first-served basis. If you have a big trip coming up, please feel free to make an appointment to get a sense of what equipment might be available. To make an appointment email us at outdoor@uw.edu and provide the day and time you would like, we will reply with confirmation of the appointment.

What gear does the Nest Gear Shop rent out?

BackpacksFanny packs
Daypacks (15, 22, 24 Liters)
Overnight/Backpacking packs (46, 48, 50, 55, 65, 70, 75 Liters)
Backpack rainfly (80, 100 Liters)
BooksField guides
Maps
Trip planning
And more!
Camp KitchenMugs
Cups
Plates
Bowls
French press
Thermos (1 Liter)
Camp stoves (single burners, group 2 burners)
Jet boils
Cooking pots (1.5, 2, 2.5 Liter)
Coolers
Sporks
Camp kitchen kits
ChairsCrazy Creek sit pads
Folding camping chairs
Climbing GearChalk bags
Climbing harness (S-XXL)
Climbing shoes (5-13 Mens and Womens)
ClothingOnesies (M and L)
Gloves and mittens (XS-XL)
Hats
Neck buffs
Jackets (S-XL)
Pants and leggings (S-XL)
Rain gear – rain jackets and rain pants (XS-XXXL)
First AidFirst aid kits
Emergency blankets and bivvy
Food StorageBear canisters
Bear Bags
FootwearHiking Boots (Women’s 5-10, Men’s 8-13)
Rain boots (4-12 Men’s)
Gaiters (S-XL)
HammocksHammocks
Bug nets for hammocks
Rainflies for hammocks
Extra straps for hammocks
LightsHeadlamps and flashlights
Solar-powered camp lights
Lanterns
Misc.Binoculars (10 x 25 mm, 8 x 25 mm)
Bug spray
Sunscreen
Camp soap
Compass
Bathroom kit
Knife (fixed-blade, half tang, Mora knives)
Oyster shuckers
Trekking poles (extendable)
Packing and storageCompression bags
Stuff sacks
Dry bags (20, 35, 65 Liter, phone bags)
Shelter and sleepSleeping bags (0, 15, 20, 30, 45-degree ratings)
Sleeping pads
Tents (1-6 people, for both camping and backpacking)
Snow sportsSnowshoes
Snow Shovel
Ice axes
Micro spikes (XS-XL, Women’s 7-Men’s 12)
Snow goggles
Snow pants/jackets (coming soon!)
Water Storage and SystemsWater bottles (1 Liter)
Water storage and dromedaries (2, 4, 26 Liters)
Water filters (2, 6 Liter)
Water SportsSwimming goggles
Paddle boards
PFDs
Dry Bags