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Outdoor Connection Rentals & Service Center

A page within Rec Sports

The Outdoor Connection Equipment Rental Center has everything you'll need to experience year round outdoor adventures big and small.          

Outdoor Connection rents gear to the students, faculty, staff and the general public. We strive to be part of the local outdoor recreation community.

Outdoor Connection is located within the Recreational Eagle Center on the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse campus.

Services

  1. Equipment Rental
  2. Resource Library & Local Outdoor Recreation Information
  3. Trips and Clinics
  4. Green Bike Rental Program

Equipment Rental

Before you visit make sure you bring a valid drivers license. When you arrive at the Outdoor Connection our friendly staff will take down your information, what type of equipment you are wanting to rent, and for how long you wish to rent it.

To reserve equipment for a future date, give us call at 608.785.8860 or email your request to outdoorcnt@uwlax.edu.

A 50% deposit is required to reserve equipment from Outdoor Connection.  

Available Equipment

Camping & Picnics

Camping

UWL Student and/or REC member
Day
General Public Day Each Additional Day
2 or 3 Person Tent $6 $10 $5
4 & 6-Person Tent $10 $15 $5
Hammock - Single Nest  $5      $8 $3
Hammock - Double Nest $5 $8 $3
Hammock - Tandem Spacer bar $1 $1 $0.50

Sleeping Bag 

$6 $9 $4
Sleeping Pad $3 $4 $2
Headlamp $2 $5 $2
Water Purifier $6 $8 $3
Backpack $6 $9 $4
2 Burner Base Camp Stove $5 $8 $3
4 Person cook set $6 $8 $3
4 Person kitchen set $2 $3 $1
Cooler -Large Expedition $8 $12 $5
Cooler -Small / Medium $2 $3 $1
Polyethylene tarp $1 $2 $1

Picnic items

UWL Day Public Day Each Additional Day
       
Bocci Ball $4 $6 $2
Frisbee Golf Disc Catchers $2 $4 $2
Slack Line $5 $8 $3

Tent information

2-person tents
Kelty Outfitter Pro 2
  • Seasons: 3
  • Number of doors: 2
  • Number of vestibules: 2
  • Capacity: 2
  • Number of poles: 2


Dimensions:

Minimum weight: 6 lbs 6 oz / 2.89 kg

Packaged weight: 6 lbs 14 oz / 3.12 kg

Floor area: 35 ft2 / 3.25 m2

Vestibule area: 10 ft2 + 10 ft2 / 0.9 m2 + 0.9 m2

Length: 89 in / 226 cm

Width: 57 in / 145 cm

Height: 43 in / 109 cm

Alps Mountaineering 2 person tent

Packed diameter: 8 in / 20 cm

Packed Length: 23 in / 58 cm

Pole type: DAC Pressfit

Wall material: 75D Polyester, 40D Mesh

Floor material: 210D Nylon, 3000 mm

3-person tents 
Kelty Outfitter Pro

Seasons: 3

Number of doors: 2

Number of vestibules: 2

Capacity: 3

Number of poles: 2

Dimensions:

Minimum weight: 7 lbs 5 oz / 3.32 kg

Packaged weight: 7 lbs 14 oz / 3.57 kg

Floor area: 46 ft2 / 4.28 m2

Vestibule area: 10 ft2 + 10 ft2 / 0.9 m2 + 0.9 m2

Length: 88 in / 224 cm

Width: 75 in / 191 cm

Height: 49 in / 124 cm


Packed diameter: 8 in / 20 cm

Packed Length: 24 in / 61 cm
Pole type: DAC Pressfit

Wall material: 75D Polyester, 40D Mesh

Floor material: 210D Nylon, 3000 mm

Fly material: 75D polyester, 1800 mm

4-person tents
Kelty Outfitter Pro

Seasons: 3
Number of doors: 2
Number of vestibules: 2
Capacity: 4
Number of poles: 2

Dimensions:

Minimum weight: 7 lbs 8 oz / 3.4 kg

Packaged weight: 8 lbs 1 oz / 3.66 kg

Floor area: 60 ft2 / 5.58 m2

Length: 87 in / 221 cm

Width: 99 in / 251 cm

Height: 52 in / 132 cm



Packed diameter:
 8 in / 20 cm

Packed Length: 25 in / 64 cm

Pole type: DAC Pressfit

Wall material: 75D Polyester, 40D Mesh

Floor material: 210D Nylon, 3000 mm

Fly material: 75D polyester, 1800 mm

 

6-person tents 
Eureka Timberline Outfitter 6
Floor Size 8'6" x 10'3" 
Pack Size 8" x 30" 
Min Weight 18 lbs. 8 oz. 
Seasons 4 
Tent Area 87 sq. ft. 
Center Height 6' 3" 
Sleeps 6




Kelty
Outback 6

Seasons: 3
Number of doors: 1
Number of vestibules: 1

Capacity: 6

Minimum weight: 13 lb 12 oz / 6.2 kg

Packaged weight: 15 lb 3 oz / 6.9 kg

Floor area: 87 ft2 / 8.1 m2

Vestibule area: 22 ft2 / 2 m2 

Length: 118 in / 300 cm

Width: 106 in / 269 cm

Height: 76 in / 193 cm

Packed diameter: 8 in / 20 cm

Packed Length: 27 in / 69 cm


Number of poles: 2

Pole type: Fiberglass

Wall material: No-See-Um Mesh

Floor material:
68D Polyester, 1800 mm

Fly material: 68D Polyester, 1800 mm

Backpack Info -


Deuter Brand

ACT Lite 45 + 10 SL

Weight:
3 lbs 4 oz 
xxx g

Volume:
2750 + 610 cubic inches 
45 + 10 litre

Size:
29 / 11 / 9.4 (H x W x D) Inch 
74 / 28 / 24 (H x W x D) cm

Material:
Deuter-Microrip-Nylon 
Deuter-Duratex-Lite 
Deuter-Ripstop 210

Aircontact 60 + 10 SL

Weight:
5 lbs 15 oz 
2690 g

Volume:
3660 + 610 cubic inches 
60 + 10 litre

Size:
33 / 15 / 11 (H x W x D) Inch
83 / 37 / 27 (H x W x D) cm

Material:
Deuter-Duratex

Aircontact 65 + 10 backpack Aircontact 70 + 10 backpack

Aircontact 65 + 10

Weight:
6 lbs 0 oz 
2710 g

Volume:
3970 + 610 cubic inches 
65 + 10 litre

Size:
33 / 16 / 11 (H x W x D) Inch 
84 / 40 / 28 (H x W x D) cm

Material:
Deuter-Duratex

Aircontact 70 + 10 SL

Weight:
6 lbs 5 oz 
2860 g

Volume:
4270 + 610 cubic inches 
70 + 10 litre

Size:
34 / 16 / 11 (H x W x D) Inch
86 / 40 / 29 (H x W x D) cm

Material:
Deuter-Duratex

Bikes & Blades
PREMIUM MOUNTAIN BIKE
UWL Student and/or REC member
Day
General Public Day Each additional day
  $25 $30 $12
Wyatt Mountain Bike
FAT BIKES
UWL Day Public Day Each additional day
Wyatt 1x10 $18 $25 $10
Wyatt Fat Bike



MOUNTAIN BIKE
UWL Day Public Day Each additional day
Giant Talon 2
Tempt 3 xs frame
$15 $20 $7
Giant Mountain Bike

 

 

TANDEM RECUMBENT 
UWL Day Public Day Each additional day
Terra Trike $25 $30 $12
Terra Trike Tandem Bike

 

CRUISER BIKE UWL Day Public Day Each additional day
Giant Simple 3 $9 $13 $5
GaintSimple3M600
GiantSimple3W600
 
 
       
IN-LINE SKATE
$6 $9 $3
BLADE/BIKE SAFETY GEAR $2 $4 $1

BIKE RACK - 3 BIKE TRUNK MOUNT

$6 $9 $4

3 bike trunk mount

BIKE RACK - 5 BIKE HITCH MOUNT

$6 $9 $4
5 bike hitch mount
Water Sports
INFLATABLE PADDLE BOARD  10'6" Package UWL Student and/or REC member
Day

General Public

Day

Each Additional
Day
  $16 $25 $12

NRS stand up paddle board

SOLID PADDLE BOARD
BIC 
ACE TEC  10'6" and 11'6"  Stand Up Paddle Board Basic Package
UWL Day Public Day Each Additional
Day
  $16 $25 $12

 

Bic Paddle Board 10_6BIC SUP11_6
(3) 10' 6" - Holds up to 200 lbs                 (4) 11'6" - Holds up to 260 lbs

 TOURING PADDLE BOARD UWL Day Public Day Each Additional Day
BIC ACE TEC WING 12'6" Touring Stand Up Paddle Board Premium Package $16 $25 $12


Ace Tec Wing photo
(4)  12'6", - holds up to 260 lbs

CANOE UWL Day Public Day Each additional day
Canoe Rental Packages $20 $30 $15

Available Inventory: 10 Wenonah Royalex boats, ( Sprit II , Prospector ),

Wenonah Royalex

KAYAK

Kayak Rental Packages $12 $18 $8

(8) Current Designs Kestral 120 - 12' long

Kestrel 120

 

Touring: (4) Current Designs Kestral 140 - Rotomold 13' 6" long 

Kestrel 140

(2) Current Designs Whistler 14'6' 

Whistler

(1) 14' Perception Carolina 

Carolina 14

 

Canoe/Kayak Transportation UWL Day Public Day Each additional day
8-Canoe Trailer (2" hitch) $40 $59 $11
6-Canoe Trailer (2" hitch) $40 $59 $11
Car-top carriers $2 $4 $1

Paddling Accessories
Dry Bags $2 $4 $1
Crazy Creek Chair $3 $5 $1
Paddle $2 $4 $1
Life Jacket $1 $3 $1
General public must use a credit card to rent canoes or kayaks
Winter Gear

Winter Gear

UWL Student and/or REC member

Day

General Public Day Each Additional Day
Cross Country Skis $8 $12 $5
Snowshoes $8 $12 $5
Airboard $5 $8

$3

Fat Bike
$18
$25

$10

Hiking Crampon $3 $4 $2
Sled $2 $3 $1
Toboggan  $2 $3 $1
Ice Skates $2 $4 $1

Additional Information

Parking

Parking is a premium on UWL's campus and the parking lots are regularly patrolled by University Police. Visitors must follow University parking policies and procedures. We have two parking options for customers renting, reserving or picking up gear.

  1. If available, park in front of the chain fence gate in front of our boat yard of of Farwell St. This is a 15-minute loading/unloading zone. If there isn't space available in our loading area you'll need to pay for parking (see option 2).
  2. Visitor parking is available in lot C-7. Visitors may purchase short-term or hourly parking at Parking Services during business hours or by using the Passport Parking mobile app.  
Terms & Conditions

Renter assumes total sole responsibility for the safe use and proper care/handling of the equipment and agree to pay the cost of repairs whether caused by accident, neglect, or misuse. Failure to pay the damages will result in legal action in a court of law and/or holding of official records.

Refunds

There are no refunds on reserved equipment with less than three (3) days advance notice. Review our full refund policy for more information. 

Potential Additional Charges

Late Fee: Renters are responsible for making arrangements to ensure that equipment is returned on time. Equipment MUST be returned to the Outdoor Connection before closing of the Recreational Eagle Center, unless special arrangements have been made. Late returns will be subject to additional rental charges equal to the daily “add a day” rate.

Damages, Repair & Cleaning: Damage, repair, and cleaning charges are based on returning the equipment in the same condition as when issued.  Normal wear and tear due to appropriate use is expected.  Charges include $15/hour labor for repair or cleaning, cost of replacement parts or materials, and any other related expenses.

Loss or Theft: Full financial responsibility will be assumed by the renter to compensate for the loss or theft of equipment. Replacement costs will be calculated using current market prices.

 

FAQs
  1. Do you rent to the public?
    Yes we do. Current students and REC members receive a discount.
  2. What kind of equipment do you rent?
    We rent everything you would need for your outdoor adventures big or small.  Bikes, Tents, Camping gear, canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, sleds, cross-country skis, snowshoes, and more
  3. Are your rentals available for short-term or long-term use?
    Items can be rented for as long as you need
  4. How do I make a reservation?
    Give us a call 608-785-8860 or email us at: outdoorcnt@uwlax.edu. 
    A 50% deposit is required to reserve equipment from Outdoor Connection.
  5. What is your cancellation policy?
    Please give us 24 hours' notice.  Last-minute cancellations prevent other folks from renting equipment. Refund Policy
  6. What forms of payment do you accept?
    Visa, Mastercard, Discover, Apple Pay, American express, student bill
  7. Do you offer delivery and pick-up services?
    Sorry, no we don't offer this service, but we have roof top and bike carriers.
  8. Do you offer discounts for large or multi-day rentals?
    Yes, and we can work with you to make sure your needs are met. Give us a call 608-785-8860 or email us at: outdoorcnt@uwlax.edu
  9. Do you provide training or instructions on how to use the equipment?
    We can teach you how to operate the gear you are renting properly.
  10. What is your policy on damage or loss of rented equipment?
    Customers are responsible for the cost of repairs or replacement. Please review our full terms & conditions

Recreational Eagle Center (REC) Hours  

Regular Hours

Monday - Friday:  6am-11pm
Saturday: 10am-10pm
Sunday: 11am-10pm

Adjusted Hours - Finals Week/Winter Break

Wednesday, December 18:  6am-6pm 
December 19 - January 1:  CLOSED 

Facility Schedule

View the facility schedule to see what is going on at the REC.

Contact Us

608.785.5225
recoffice@uwlax.edu

Outdoor Connection (OC) Hours

Regular Hours

Monday - Friday: 12pm-6pm
Saturday:  10am-6pm
Sunday:  11am-6pm

Adjusted Hours - Finals Week/Winter Break

December 18- January 1:  CLOSED

Contact Us

608.785.8860
outdoorcnt@uwlax.edu

Fitness Center Hours

Regular Hours

Monday - Friday:  6am-10pm
Saturday: 10am-9pm
Sunday: 11am-9pm

Adjusted Hours - Finals Week/Winter Break

Wednesday, December 18:  6am-6pm
December 19 - January 1:  CLOSED

Live Facility Counts

Contact Us

608.785.5210
recoffice@uwlax.edu

Climbing Wall Hours

Regular Hours

THE REC CLIMBING WALL IS CLOSED FOR RENOVATION. WE LOOK FORWARD TO REOPENING ON MONDAY, 1/27.

Contact Us

608.785.5225
recoffice@uwlax.edu

EZONE Esports & Gaming Hours

Regular Hours

Monday - Friday:  3pm-11pm
Saturday: 12pm-10pm
Sunday: 12pm-10pm

Adjusted Hours - Finals Week/Winter Break

December 18 - January 1:  CLOSED

Contact Us

608.785.8921
recsportsesports@uwlax.edu

Mitchell Hall Pool Hours

Regular Hours

Monday: 12pm-12:50pm, 8pm-10:30pm
Tuesday:  8pm-10:30pm
Wednesday:  12pm-12:50pm, 8pm-10:30pm
Thursday:  8pm-10:30pm
Friday:  12pm-12:50pm, 8pm-10pm
Saturday:  12pm-3pm
Sunday:  1pm-4pm

Adjusted Pool Hours
The pool will be closed for Winter Break/Session.  Regular semester hours will begin on Monday, January 27.

Contact Us

608.785.8698
recoffice@uwlax.edu

Hetzel Fieldhouse Hours

Access to the Hetzel Fieldhouse during open rec hours is restricted to those who have a current REC membership (student, faculty/staff, alumni).

Regular Open Rec Hours 
Sunday:  6pm-10pm

Adjusted Open Rec Hours
Closed until January 26

Second Floor Track Hours
Managed by the Athletic Department
Monday-Friday:  11am-1pm

Adjusted Track Hours- Finals Week/Winter Break
December 19 - January 5:  CLOSED

Contact Us

608.785.5225
recoffice@uwlax.edu