The traditional model of outdoor equipment ownership—buy, use, store, replace—is being challenged by a new paradigm that decouples access from ownership. In 2026, Product-as-a-Service (PaaS) models and shared economy platforms are gaining traction across the outdoor industry, offering consumers access to high-quality gear without the burden of purchase, storage, and maintenance[reference:109]. This white paper examines the rise of access-based models in outdoor equipment, their economic and environmental implications, and the strategic opportunities for brands.
Gear Loop is a peer-to-peer gear rental platform helping people access equipment affordably while promoting sustainability, reducing waste, and creating a trusted community marketplace for outdoor gear[reference:110]. The platform enables gear owners to monetize underutilized equipment while providing renters with access to high-quality gear without the capital investment of purchase. This model addresses a fundamental inefficiency in the outdoor equipment market: most gear is used only a few times per year, yet each piece requires significant resources to manufacture. By enabling sharing, Gear Loop reduces the total number of units that need to be produced while expanding access to outdoor recreation.
The peer-to-peer rental model offers particular benefits for expensive, specialized equipment that consumers may use infrequently. Technical climbing gear, avalanche safety equipment, winter camping gear, and backcountry ski equipment all represent categories where the cost of ownership can be prohibitive for occasional users. Rental platforms lower the barrier to entry, expanding participation in outdoor activities while reducing the environmental footprint of gear manufacturing.
Popfly has launched Storefronts, giving outdoor influencers a dedicated hub to share curated gear guides, track performance, and earn revenue from adventure-ready product recommendations[reference:111]. This creator commerce model represents a new form of product-as-service: influencers are not selling products but curating access to gear recommendations, earning revenue through affiliate relationships[reference:112]. The model leverages the trust that influencers have built with their audiences, creating a commerce channel that feels more authentic than traditional advertising.
BRP Experiences connects riders, outfitters, and iconic vehicles to create unforgettable outdoor adventures around the world[reference:113]. With a focus on discovery and emotion, BRP Experiences empowers everyone, from beginners to experts, to explore the outdoors confidently[reference:114]. This represents a comprehensive PaaS model where the brand provides not just equipment but the entire experience—vehicles, guidance, and curated adventures.
The shared economy and PaaS models in outdoor equipment have significant implications for sustainability. When consumers rent rather than buy, the utilization rate of each piece of equipment increases, reducing the total number of units that need to be manufactured. Brands that embrace rental models can design for durability and repairability, knowing that they retain ownership and are responsible for maintenance throughout the product’s life. This aligns incentives with circular economy principles: brands are motivated to manufacture products that last longer and are easier to repair, rather than products that are designed for obsolescence.
The economic implications are equally significant. PaaS models create recurring revenue streams rather than one-time sales, providing more stable and predictable income for brands. They also build deeper customer relationships, as brands interact with consumers throughout the product lifecycle rather than only at the point of sale. The brands that successfully transition to access-based models will capture customer loyalty, recurring revenue, and sustainability benefits simultaneously.
Looking ahead, the shared economy in outdoor equipment will continue to expand as digital platforms make rental and sharing more convenient. The regulatory environment is evolving to support these models, with Digital Product Passports providing the transparency needed for consumers to trust shared equipment[reference:115]. The brands that embrace access-based models early will gain first-mover advantages in customer relationships, operational efficiency, and sustainability credentials.
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