Ready to camp without the gear hunt? This Phoenix rental bundle is interesting because it shows up as a loaded 60L backpack system, so you spend more time planning hikes and less time shopping aisles. I like that the kit is designed to be “get out & go,” with your camping start feeling almost plug-and-play once you’ve picked up the rental.

I especially love the lightweight carry math: the DEAN™ 60L backpack starts at about 3.7 lbs, and when it’s fully loaded it comes out around 13 lbs total. That means you’re not wrestling a heavy pack just to get to camp, and the system is set up so you can focus on actually using it.

One drawback to consider: this is a complete system meant to fill most essentials, so if you’re picky about specific brands or custom setups, you may still want a few personal add-ons. It’s also a rental, so you’ll want to be organized about pickup and returning the gear to the meeting point.

Key Takeaways Before You Rent

• A backpack that arrives already assembled into the DEAN™ 60L system, so you can get moving fast.
• Weight-focused design: ~3.7 lbs empty backpack, about 13 lbs when fully loaded with the gear kit.
• Flexible trip window: the rental covers roughly 3 to 14 days, which fits everything from short test runs to longer outings.
• Real “set up and use it” feedback: people report quick tent setup and comfort from the sleeping system.
• Great for families and first-timers: the bundle approach reduces the confusion of piecing gear together.

What You’re Really Renting in This Phoenix Gear Bundle

This isn’t a bag full of random camping parts. You’re renting a system built around The DEAN™ 60L Backpack, with the gear arriving assembled so you’re not doing a puzzle when you’re tired or eager to get outdoors.

The rental bundle is described as including 8 items, and it’s also described as loading up the backpack with a total of 13 items/components once packed for use. Either way, the point is clear: you get a complete starter setup that’s meant to cover the big essentials you’d otherwise hunt down one store at a time.

A few numbers matter here. The DEAN™ 60L backpack weighs about 3.7 lbs on its own. When it’s packed with the kit, the total comes to roughly 13 lbs. For backpacking, weight isn’t a vibe—it’s math. A pack you can manage makes it easier to keep your posture good, hike farther without feeling trashed, and get to camp without turning the trip into a gear-carrying workout.

You’ll still need to add the essentials that aren’t part of the rental kit: clothing, food, and water. That’s normal for any rental, but it’s worth saying plainly because it keeps expectations accurate.

Pickup and Return: Mesa Start Point, Back to the Same Spot

The “tour” here is really a rental flow with one clean geographic anchor. The start (and end) is listed as:

1045 E McKellips Rd, Mesa, AZ 85203, USA

That matters for planning. You’re not being shuttled somewhere scenic. You’re picking up gear in Phoenix-area logistics, then using it wherever your trip takes you, and returning it to that same meeting point when your rental window is done.

You’ll use a mobile ticket, and you should expect a confirmation at booking. The listing also notes that the area is near public transportation and that service animals are allowed. And it notes that most travelers can participate, which suggests the rental is designed to be straightforward for a wide range of people, not just hardcore backpackers.

One practical tip: treat pickup day like the start of a trip, not an errand. Before you hit the road, do a quick check that everything looks assembled correctly and that you understand how to access the key pieces. If you’re taking a family, scouts, or a first-time camper, this is the moment you set everyone up for less stress.

Weight and Comfort: Why 13 Pounds Changes Your Trip

The strongest theme behind this bundle is comfort-through-simplicity. People keep calling the system roomy, lightweight, and comfortable, and the weight numbers support why.

Here’s the real benefit you’ll feel: if the pack and core gear are already light, you’re more likely to bring what matters and less likely to skip what you need. That makes your trip safer and more enjoyable. It also helps for high-elevation or colder conditions, where the temptation is to bring fewer layers or less gear. With a lighter base load, you have a better chance of keeping your pack balanced.

Also, one review notes the comfort held up even when the pack was heavier than the typical kit load—meaning the harness comfort isn’t just marketing. Even if your trip varies, a well-fitting pack makes a huge difference in how your hike feels at hour two and hour five.

What I’d do as a renter: plan to do a short “test carry” after pickup—walk around, adjust straps, and notice how the load sits. You don’t need a long training hike. You just want to confirm the pack feels stable before you commit to trail miles.

The Tent: Quick Setup and Tough-Weather Stories

A good tent rental should solve two problems: easy setup and reasonable durability. The feedback you get with Near Zero gear focuses on both.

First, setup time. One user described the tent as easy to set up in about three minutes. When you’re tired, rain is moving in, or you’re pitching for the first time, that speed matters. It reduces frustration and helps everyone get settled without turning camp into a construction project.

Second, durability under real conditions. One account describes the tent being submerged in water during a salmon-area situation and still performing well that night, with only minor tent pole damage. Another account talks about using the tent across longer, harder trips and still feeling confident in the gear.

Now, a fair consideration: rental gear lives in the real world, which means it may have scuffs, prior wear, or minor repairs. That doesn’t automatically mean it’s a bad rental. It just means you should do a quick check at pickup—especially for poles and seams—so you’re not surprised once you’re off-grid.

If you’ve never pitched your own tent before, don’t wait until you’re cold and dark. Spend a few minutes at home or in your driveway. You’ll learn fast, and you’ll sleep better knowing you can do it again.

Sleeping System Comfort That Packs Small

For most people, the sleeping setup is the make-or-break part of backpacking gear. If the sleeping bag and pad don’t work, the rest of the trip doesn’t matter.

The bundle’s sleeping system is repeatedly described as comfortable, and it also packs down small, which is exactly what you want for a 60L backpack system. One account notes warmth at around 7500 ft elevation and says they even unzipped the bag a bit because it was warm.

That detail is useful in a practical way: you don’t just want a bag that’s “rated for cold.” You want one that you can manage. If nights are cooler than expected, you’ll appreciate insulation. If you get warmer, you’ll appreciate being able to regulate.

If you rent this, your best move is to pack your layers strategically. Bring a base layer you’ll actually wear, plus an extra warmth option. If the bag is warmer than you expect, being able to vent or shift layers keeps you comfortable without losing sleep.

Built for Families and Scout Trips (And That’s a Big Deal)

This bundle is especially compelling if you’re organizing a group where gear learning can’t be complicated.

One account described renting multiple Near Zero bundle backpacks for a young family of seven and said it made the equipment gathering much simpler. That’s the key value: this bundle reduces the “What do we even need?” phase, which is often the biggest obstacle for families and beginners.

Another account mentions Cub Scouts and describes how intuitive the gear is, with setups that can happen in minutes with little instruction. For scouts, that’s crucial. You’re teaching kids to be capable, and you don’t want a tent or pack setup that requires a long tutorial.

There’s also feedback from experienced users who value the lightweight-and-durable approach, and even use it for high-storm areas by keeping it in the car as a backup plan. That kind of real-world practical thinking is a good sign: the gear is meant to be used, not just displayed.

The Price: Why $145 Can Make Sense for the First-Time Decision

The listed price is $145.00 per person, with a duration of roughly 3 to 14 days.

Value comes from the fact that you’re buying yourself time and reducing risk. If you try to assemble your own backpacking kit from scratch, costs can spiral fast, and mistakes are common. A bundle like this helps you skip the “wrong tent, wrong pad, wrong bag” cycle.

Let’s break down the math in a realistic way:

• If you use it for 3 days, you’re paying about $48 per day.
• If you use it for 14 days, it’s about $10 per day.

That’s a wide range, but it shows the core idea: if you’re planning more than a quick weekend, the rental price gets easier to justify fast.

Also, the bundle aims to sit in a sensible middle ground. It’s not presented as a cheap, flimsy starter setup. It’s positioned as dependable gear without the price of premium, brand-new “everything” kits. For many people, that’s exactly the sweet spot.

What to Bring Beyond the Rental Kit

Because the bundle covers the core backpacking essentials, your personal list is shorter than you might expect. The clearest “you still need this” items listed are:

• Clothing
• Food
• Water

I’d add one practical mindset: pack like you’re using a system. If the kit is designed to keep your base load light, your clothing layers and food amounts should match your expected conditions and trip length. Don’t assume you can compensate for a heavier clothing plan with a fully loaded base kit.

If you’re going on colder nights, bring layers that are easy to pack and easy to regulate. If you’re going somewhere hot, focus on breathable clothing and plan water access carefully. The rental gives you the gear backbone; you still control your comfort choices.

Should You Rent the Near Zero Bundle in Phoenix?

If your goal is to get out into the outdoors without spending hours figuring out the “right” gear combination, this rental makes a lot of sense. I’d book it if you’re:

• testing backpacking for the first time
• outfitting a family or scout group
• trying to travel light with a ready-to-use setup
• looking for comfort and setup speed without paying for brand-new premium everything

I’d hesitate if you already own your own tent, sleeping bag system, and pack setup, and you’re looking for something highly customized or fully DIY. Also, since the pickup and return are tied to the Mesa meeting point, plan around that so you don’t feel rushed at the end of your trip.

One more practical note: the listing says free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience start time. That gives you some breathing room if your plans are still in motion.

FAQ

What is the price per person?

It’s listed at $145.00 per person.

How long is the rental for?

The duration is listed as approximately 3 to 14 days.

Where is the pickup and return location?

The meeting point is 1045 E McKellips Rd, Mesa, AZ 85203, USA, and the activity ends back at that same meeting point.

Do I get a ticket on my phone?

Yes. The experience includes a mobile ticket.

What gear comes with the rental bundle?

The rental bundle includes 8 items, and it arrives assembled into The DEAN™ 60L Backpack. The system is described as loading up with a total of 13 items/components.

How heavy is the backpack by itself, and when loaded?

The DEAN™ 60L Backpack is listed at 3.7 lbs on its own. When loaded with the full kit, it weighs about 13 lbs total.

Is confirmation provided after booking?

Yes. Confirmation will be received at the time of booking.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes. Service animals are allowed.

What is the cancellation window for a full refund?

Free cancellation is available, and you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.