Houghton staff member in kayak paddling on Rushford Lake.

EPIC Rentals

Everything You Need for Your Next Adventure

Do you need some gear for your next adventure? EPIC Adventures offers rentals of a variety of outdoor adventure equipment to students, faculty, staff, and community members at affordable prices. Rent everything you need for kayaking, canoeing, camping, backpacking, skiing, snowboarding, and more.

Reserving Gear - Equipment Room

The EPIC Equipment Room is open for students, faculty, staff, and community members to rent outdoor gear. The Equipment Room is located in the lower level of the Reinhold Campus Center across from the coffee shop. You may show up during open hours to rent equipment, and if it is available, you may pick it up.

- By Appointment Only -

Online Reservations

You may also rent equipment through online reservations. Online reservations should be used if renting out equipment for large groups, renting equipment outside of open hours, or if you would like to ensure the availability of the desired equipment. When you fill out the online rental request form, you will receive a confirmation email notifying you about the equipment’s availability and pick-up procedures. Payment can be in the form of cash or a check made out to Houghton University.

Reserve Your Adventure Gear Online

Gear Pricing

Houghton University pricing applies to students, faculty, and staff. Daily pricing refers to rentals for 8 hours or less. Weekend pricing refers to 2-3 day rentals and may apply during the week.

Water Sports

Item Daily Weekend
Recreational Kayak Package* $25 $40
Inflatable Paddleboard Package** $25 $40
Canoe Package* $30 $50
Whitewater Kayak Package*** $30 $50
*Includes paddles, PFDs, and throw bag.
**Includes Paddleboard accessories (paddle, fins, ankle leash, and hand pump in an easily transportable backpack.
***Includes spray skirt, paddles, helmets, PFDs, and throw bag


Shuttles are available for an additional fee.

Winter Sports

Item HU Daily / Weekend Prices Community Daily / Weekend Prices
Cross-Country Ski Package (includes skis, boots, poles) $10 / $15 $15 / $25
Downhill Ski Package (includes skis, boots, poles) $10 / $15 $15 / $25
Snowboard Package (includes snowboard, boots) $10 / $15 $15 / $25
Snowshoes $5 / $10 $10 / $15

Need a tune-up for your skis or snowboards? Bring your equipment in to have your edges sharpened and waxed for $10.

Camping Gear

Item Overnight Weekend (up to 3 days)
Sleeping Bag (Marmot 0-degree) $10 $15
Sleeping Pad – Thermarest $5 $10
Sleeping Pad – Foam Pad $4 $6
2-Person Tent $10 $15
3-Person Tent $10 $15
4-Person Tent $15 $20
5-8 Person Tent $20 $30
Backpack (60-70L) $10 $15
Cook Set (includes nesting pots, utensils, cutting board) $10 $20
Backcountry MSR WhisperLite Stove Kit (fuel available for purchase) $10 $15
2-Burner Propane Coleman Stove (fuel available for purchase) $10 $20
Camping Gear Package* $40 $60
*Camping Gear Packages are designed for one person and includes a sleeping bag, pad, tent, backpack, stove, and cook set. Additional items may be added at a reduced price.

Rental Guidelines

  • Tax is included in all posted prices.
  • Late fees will be charged for gear returned after the original due date.
  • Damaged equipment: additional fees may apply if the equipment is returned damaged beyond normal wear and tear.
  • Lost equipment: the renter is responsible for the replacement of any equipment rented under this agreement that is not returned.
  • Payment options include online payments, cash or checks made out to Houghton University
  • Reimbursements will be determined on a case-by-case basis if the gear is proven faulty.
  • Students, faculty, staff, and community members who have reserved gear must also be present at the time of pickup.
  • EPIC Adventures provides drop-off and pick-up services for water-based rentals for an additional fee.