Bitterroot Mountains, Montana hiking gear rental: Expert trail planning

Gear, bear spray and trail picks from a guide who knows the Bitterroot

Rent ultralight hiking gear in Missoula and receive customized trail recommendations from an expert guide before heading into the Bitterroot Mountains. You pick up a backpack, bear spray, trekking poles, first aid kit and toiletries kit in the morning, get a walkthrough of how everything works, then hike solo on a route matched to your experience and preferences. Drop the gear back in the afternoon. The rental saves you from buying bear spray you'd have to ditch at the airport, and the guide's recommendations come as an AllTrails list you can follow at your own pace.

The experience

The Bitterroot Mountains are glacially carved canyons with hundreds of trail options across every skill level, and they stay quiet. A crowded day means passing a dozen hikers. You start in Missoula, where your guide shows you how the ultralight backpack, bear spray canister, trekking poles and first aid kit work before you leave. The guide also listens to what kind of day you want (high alpine views, wildlife habitat, a certain distance), and gives you a curated list of hikes on AllTrails that fit your experience and the scenery you're after.

Once you're on the trail, you hike at your own pace and choose your own route from the recommendations. The ultralight gear keeps your load manageable, and the bear spray is essential in the Bitterroot. Renting it means you don't carry an empty canister home or pay baggage fees to ship it. The basic toiletries kit (toilet paper, hand sanitizer, trash bag and trowel) handles the backcountry basics. You meet your guide again in the afternoon to return everything and wrap up the day.

This rental works for day hikes only. If you need gear for overnight trips, contact the operator directly about availability. The guide can also help arrange transportation to a trailhead if you don't have a car.

What’s included

• Ultralight backpack.
• bear spray.
• trekking poles.
• first aid kit.
• basic toiletries kit with toilet paper, hand sanitizer, trash bag and trowel.
• customized trail recommendations from your guide on AllTrails.
• expert walkthrough of all gear before you leave.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (18 to 79 years) · Under 18: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 11 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPets welcomeNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Bitterroot Backpacking

Is this one for you?The rental starts in Missoula, so if you're staying in town or arriving by bus or plane without a car, you can pick up everything you need and get trail advice before heading out. That setup means you don't have to buy or ship bear spray, and you get hikes tailored to your skill level instead of guessing what fits.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. No refund if you cancel.

What gear do I get with the rental?

The rental includes an ultralight backpack, bear spray, trekking poles, a first aid kit and a basic toiletries kit with toilet paper, hand sanitizer, trash bag and trowel. Your guide also provides customized trail recommendations on AllTrails matched to your skill level and what you want to see.

How does the day work? Do I hike with the guide?

You pick up the gear in Missoula in the morning, and your guide walks you through how everything works and recommends hikes based on your experience. Then you hike solo at your own pace on the trails the guide suggests. You meet back with the guide in the afternoon to return the gear.

Why is bear spray included?

Bear spray is essential in the Bitterroot Mountains. Renting it saves you from buying a canister you'd have to ditch before flying home or pay to ship back. The rental handles that logistics problem for you.

What should I bring that isn't included?

Bring snacks, sunscreen (critical at high elevation), and warm layers: Montana mornings are cold, and high elevation stays chilly. Bugspray is highly recommended June through July. You can ask your guide for water bottles if you don't want to carry your own.

Do I need a car to get to the trailhead?

You start in Missoula for the gear pickup. If you don't have a car, your guide can help you arrange transportation to a trailhead from there.