Kindling Collective: A Queer-Centered Outdoor Gear Library and Education Center

Outdoor adventures and interactions with nature connect us with the planet, our communities, and ourselves. Everyone deserves access to the outdoors, but many of us face barriers to getting outside and moving our bodies in nature in ways that feel meaningful and joyful. Kindling Collective is working to reduce these barriers through a brand new outdoor gear library and education center in Portland, Maine!

Why a gear library?

Kindling Collective’s gear library removes one of the biggest barriers to getting outside—access to gear—by curating high-quality equipment for members to borrow. Very few of us need to own individual outdoor gear; our community-owned gear library provides sustainable access to the equipment individuals and families in the Greater Portland area need to camp, hike, or backpack in Maine.

Why queer-centered?

Outdoor culture and activities have historically been centered around white, cisgender, straight people. Queer people often are excluded from physical education and athletics and have felt unsafe or unwelcome in these traditional outdoor environments. Kindling Collective is for everyone, and we are trying to flip the script by centering queer people in the work we do. 

Gear Library Membership

Kindling Collective’s gear library is a shared resource founded in the principles of accessibility and economic justice for all. To learn more about membership or to become a member, click here!

Kindling Collective membership includes:

• Unlimited gear rental for up to 7 days.
• Option to renew most gear for an extra week if you need more time.
• Access to open trip-planning hours.
• Advice, tips, and guidance from our staff and volunteers.
• Discounted access to classes and workshops.
• Being the first to hear about events, workshops, and classes.
• Invitations to member appreciation and community events.
• Joining a welcoming and inclusive community and investing in maintaining our programs, our gear, and our space.

Classes, Workshops, and Trips

Kindling offers an array of classes and workshops covering topics like backpacking 101, trip planning, backcountry cooking, and home gear repair. 

Our group trips are a chance for queer people in Maine to build community and learn new skills through safe and welcoming outdoor adventures. These trips are for people of all skill levels and abilities; those who are new to the outdoors as well as more experienced adventurers seeking queer outdoor community. 

Drop-in Hours

Drop-in hours are an opportunity for library members and the greater-Portland community to get support and ask questions to safely plan their dream trips. Drop-in volunteers have the knowledge and experience to answer questions and help people of all experiences and skill levels plan fun, safe, and fulfilling adventures.