You don't have to own all your hiking gear to enjoy the outdoors. Across Norway, you can borrow hiking and outdoor equipment completely free of charge. DNT supports equipment lending initiatives that make outdoor recreation more accessible, especially for children, young people, and families.
Where to borrow hiking equipment
Several organizations, volunteer centers and municipalities are engaged in local equipment lending. Here we have listed some of them:
BUA
BUA works like a library—but instead of books, you borrow outdoor and sports equipment. You can borrow skis, bicycles, tents, sleeping bags, skates, backpacks, and much more, usually for up to one week.
Although BUA primarily focuses on children and young people, anyone with a registered address in Norway and a Norwegian mobile phone number can borrow equipment free of charge.
Skattekammeret operated by the Kirkens bymisjon (Church City Mission), provides free equipment loans for children and young people up to the age of 25.
Available equipment includes:
Snowboards and alpine skis
Ice skates
Tents and sleeping equipment
Fishing gear
Balls and other sports equipment
Skattekammeret has lending centres across Norway where you can browse available equipment.
Volunteer centre equipment libraries (Frivilligsentralen)
Many local Volunteer Centres (Frivilligsentralen) operate equipment libraries where children, young people, and families can borrow hiking gear, games, and sports equipment free of charge.
The aim is to reduce financial barriers and ensure everyone has the opportunity to enjoy outdoor activities and an active lifestyle.
Check with your local Volunteer Centre to see if they offer equipment lending.
Frilager
Frilager is a collaboration between the Norwegian Trekking Association (DNT), The Norwegian Guide and Scout Association, the Norwegian Red Cross, and the Norwegian Outdoor Recreation Association.
The service is designed primarily for volunteers, schools, and organisations arranging outdoor activities. Equipment can be reserved online and collected from self-service or staffed collection points.
Frilager currently operates in Nord-Jæren, Haugalandet, Bergen and surrounding areas, with additional locations planned.
If you only need equipment occasionally, renting can be a practical and sustainable alternative to buying.
Several of DNT's serviced cabins rent out equipment such as skis and snowshoes, allowing you to travel lighter. Some DNT outdoor centres also offer equipment rental.
Other popular rental platforms include:
Hygglo
Hygglo lets you rent outdoor equipment directly from private owners. You'll find everything from backpacks and camping equipment to outdoor clothing, navigation devices, and fishing gear.
Many people also rent out hiking and outdoor equipment through Finn.no, making it easy to find the gear you need for your next adventure without buying it. See some of the things you can rent on Finn no.
Get help fixing your clothes at ReTuren
DNT ReTuren is the Norwegian Trekking Association's own repair workshop for hiking clothes and outdoor equipment.
We work to ensure that what you use on a trip will live as long as possible. With us, you can have everything that naturally belongs to outdoor life repaired. You will find us at the Tursenteret in Oslo, Stavanger, Bergen, Hamar and Trondheim.
