Taking up a sport can be exciting, but it can also be expensive! Especially if the sport in question doesn't necessarily appeal to you after you've tried it a few times. First of all, when it comes to equipment, you need to know that many stores rent out equipment, summer and winter alike. For example, the Oberson store rents out various types of ski and snowboard equipment for adults and children. During the summer season, why not try out a rental mountain bike before shopping? Trying out different models and brands will also help you better understand your tastes and needs, so you can make a conscientious purchase that will stand the test of time and keep pace with your progress.
Secondly, we offer a range of outdoor equipment for hire to take part in our activities. This low-cost option lets you sign up for different activities, even if you don't have all the equipment. Finally, during our introductory activities, touring skis and split-board equipment can be rented thanks to our partners Nordica and Burton. So you can enjoy your day with quality equipment.
Want to explore our equipment list? See our list of outdoor rental equipment.
The model of the year, the Pantone color of the season, the extra features: there's always something new to entice you to buy! The good thing about it is that more consumers are now putting their clothes on sale, even if they've only had one season behind them. Marketplace can quickly become your new favorite boutique. We also hold a Friperie Sportive every fall, selling winter and summer sportswear for women, men and children. Keep an eye on our social networks!
What's more, most major outdoor clothing brands now have end-of-life reuse programs or second-hand sales platforms. The North Face's Renewed platform enables the community to store online for the brand's second-hand clothing. And you'll find it all!
There's always a kit for this and a kit for that, but when you think about it, a cycling shirt might as well be a hiking shirt! Sportswear is all about breathability, protection, comfort and, sometimes, warmth. So we sometimes buy double (if not quintuple!) pieces for the simple reason that they're categorized for a particular type of sport. Here are a few suggestions for reusing clothing:
Your short- and long-sleeved bike shirts can be used for trail running, hiking, gravel biking and even indoor training.
Some models of cycling pants are ideal for hiking. What's more, they can be worn for gravel bike outings at the beginning and end of the season.
Breathable sweaters, leggings and shorts, to name but a few, are perfect for a variety of sports. From running to climbing to hiking, just the fact that they're lightweight, comfortable and made from breathable synthetics means they can keep up with you in a multitude of sports.
The shell jacket is often designed for use in all four seasons. In fact, its waterproof, windproof and breathable design means it can be used for hiking and even cycling. However, the cut can sometimes be too long or too loose. That said, you can take this aspect into account when making your next purchase, and define your needs according to the type of sport you practice.
Leggings-style cross-country ski pants with fleece lining can easily be worn for fall hiking, snowshoeing and even running in colder weather. What's more, worn over cycling shorts, they're very comfortable for gravel or road biking, thanks to their stretch, comfort and the gentle warmth they can provide during early- or late-season outings.
Whether in the form of an insulated coat, fleece jacket, fleece-lined coat, sleeveless jacket, etc., these famous mid-layers can undoubtedly be worn for activities other than winter sports. In fact, they can accompany your cycling, hiking, running, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing outings. All you need to do is choose the right mid-layer for your sport.
Down-insulated mid-layers retain heat very well and are ultra-compressible. However, they are not very breathable. Midlayers insulated with synthetic materials, such as Primaloft or other non-natural materials, are highly breathable, making them ideal for higher-intensity activities.
Sharing is a great way to avoid buying clothes, equipment or accessories that may not be reused later. Someone in your network probably has what you need. However, some equipment is harder to find, such as ski boots, a mountain bike and so on. That's when it makes sense to rent equipment.
We often underestimate the richness of the region in which we're based. No matter what region you're based in, outdoor associations, ski resorts, cycling centers, etc., work hard to offer quality networks to enthusiasts. Adventure can sometimes be right under your nose, as you seek to escape further and further afield. In fact, discovering many areas close to home is made much easier thanks to sharing platforms like Strava, Komoot or Ride with GPS. What's more, several Facebook groups dedicated to specific sports offer relevant information on different places to visit.
Sometimes it's just easier to take care of yourself and leave at the time you want, without worrying about anything else on the schedule. What's more, opting for carpooling can not only reduce the number of cars on the road, but also make for a good chat in the car. For all our activities, we offer the option of carpooling for those who wish to do so. It's not only good for the planet, it's also a great way to meet new people.
Leave No Trace is an outdoor ethic designed to preserve the integrity of natural environments while minimizing human impact. It is based on seven essential principles that contribute to the conservation of ecosystems and ensure that these spaces remain intact for future generations.
To find out more about the principles of Leave No Trace, read our article 7 Leave No Trace principles for your next outdoor outing .
In short, there are many ways to continue to enjoy the outdoors while reducing your impact on the environment. But there's no need to feel guilty if you don't do everything perfectly.
