Introducing Renta Labs: Our Mission to Modernize Outdoor Gear Rental
Introducing Renta Labs
We're Mike Albanese and Tawson Abplanalp, and we started Renta Labs because renting outdoor gear shouldn't be this hard.
The Problem We Saw
If you've ever tried to rent a UTV for a weekend ride, a kayak for a lake trip, or even a bike for an afternoon — you know the drill. Google a few shops, call them up, hope they pick up, ask what's available, drive over, fill out a paper waiver, and finally get on the trail.
It works. But it's 2026, and it shouldn't take two hours to book something you'll use for two days.
Meanwhile, the small businesses that rent this gear — the local outfitters, the family-run UTV shops, the lakeside kayak spots — they're running their entire operation on phone calls, spreadsheets, and paper forms. They're invisible online unless you already know they exist.
What We're Building
Renta (at getrenta.io) is the marketplace that connects outdoor enthusiasts with local gear rental businesses. Think of it as the missing infrastructure for outdoor recreation rentals.
For adventurers, Renta is one place to discover, compare, and book gear from local shops — no phone calls required.
For rental businesses, Renta provides the tools to manage inventory, accept online bookings, and reach new customers. We handle the technology so they can focus on getting people outside.
Why Now
The outdoor recreation industry is booming. Post-pandemic participation is at all-time highs. People want experiences, not stuff. The rental economy is growing in every category — except outdoor gear, which is still stuck in the pre-digital era.
We saw the gap. We built the bridge.
Where We Are Today
- 200+ rental shops on the platform across 50+ cities
- 10,000+ bookings processed
- 4.8★ average rating from renters
- Growing every week
What's Next
We're just getting started. Over the coming months, we'll be sharing more about:
- How we built Renta's booking engine
- Lessons from working with hundreds of rental operators
- Industry trends in outdoor recreation
- Tips for rental businesses looking to grow online
If you're a rental business owner interested in listing on Renta, head over to getrenta.io to get started.
If you're an adventurer looking for your next gear rental — we've got you covered too.