Guide to the IWBP Gear Library
Bikepacking is an expensive sport that requires a lot of specialized gear. Use our free library once, or over and over, to fill in any equipment gaps you may have.
Why a gear library?
IWBP’s mission is simply to get more women bikepacking. We realized early on that access to proper and high-quality gear can be a major barrier for those new to the sport, those who just want to try it out, or those who want to go out only occasionally. The free IWBP Gear Library was started in response in 2022, and has since grown significantly in scope and popularity.
What types of gear do you loan?
Bikepacking bags (e.g. frame bags, seat packs, etc.), racks, cages, dry bags, guidebooks, sleeping bags, shelters (tents, bivies), cooking gear, water filters, GPS units (Garmin), and a few other categories. And the list continues to grow, so keep checking back.
Where did the gear come from?
Donations from individuals, businesses, and associations. Special thanks to our biggest donors; SWIMBA, Boise Mountain Bike Festival, Biondi Brand, George’s Cycles, Revelate Designs, Old Man Mountain, and Paul W.
Who can use it?
Anyone in the area who can pick up and drop off their checked out gear in Boise. Female or not, IWBP member or not, the Gear Library is open to anyone in the community.
Can I check out gear for a friend?
Sure! We have a lot of members who have their own gear, but use the Gear Library to enable them to ride with friends or family members who do not.
How do I use the library catalog?
We use a website called GearLog to list and track all the gear.
Gear is organized by category
Expand each entry to see much more
Item photo
Status (e.g. available, on loan, out for repair)
Detailed descriptions
Size, weight, capacity, etc.
Instructions for use
Info on who donated each item
How do I reserve gear?
Make note of availability in the catalog.
Compile a list of items you would like to reserve. Using the item names exactly as listed will make it easier for us.
Contact Laura via text or Instagram direct message.
Send her your requested list, full name, phone number, and the planned pick up and drop off dates.
Plan ahead … but not too far. About a week prior to your trip is usually the best time to contact us.
What if I don’t know what I need, or don’t even know where to start?
Contact Laura to schedule what we call a “fitting.” We will meet with you and your bike and our gear to see what would work best for you. First-timers especially have found this very helpful.
How do I pick up and drop off gear?
We’ll make plans with you directly, rather than posting our location or other personal info here.
How long can I borrow gear?
Our standard is 5-7 days. Longer loans can be arranged, just let us know your needs.
How do I prep gear for return?
Please return gear on time, as this helps us to turn it around for the next borrower.
Brush off loose dust, but do not wash items.
Immediately after your trip, decompress and air out sleeping bags, pads, bivies, tents, and anything else that may be damp.
Do up zippers, velcro, and straps.
Make note that all small parts — straps, pads, bolts, spacers, etc. — are present and firmly attached (about 10% of gear comes back missing small parts).
What if the gear is damaged during use?
Don’t worry! We expect wear and tear, and no piece of gear can last forever. All we ask is that you let us know. Then return the item as-is and we will repair it.
How can I support this project?
Donated funds help us to acquire new gear, make repairs, and pay for use of the GearLog website.
We welcome gear donations. Even things you have laying around that are well used or in need of minor repairs. Remember this can include bikepacking specific items or lightweight camping / backpacking gear.
What else would you like Gear Library users to know?
Please be patient with us if we make mistakes, don’t respond right away, or don’t have what you need. Remember it’s just the two of us running all of this after our day jobs :)
If you don’t hear back timely, please do send a reminder message. Sometimes a lot of messages come in and one can get missed. We appreciate reminders!
Feel free to use the library to try before you buy, experiment with different setups, or lighten your load for an important trip or race.
Just for fun, a few stats as of January 2025:
We have used the Gear Library to outfit 140 riders and counting
There are 120 items in the library
At peak use times we have had as much as 75% of all items checked out at once