Packing gear for a first (or family) backpacking trip can feel like a full-time job. This Near Zero bundle fixes that by showing up as a ready-to-use DEAN 60L pack kit, with essentials assembled into one system. It’s priced at $145 per person and works for trips from about 3 to 14 days.

What I like most is how light the whole setup feels once you’re actually carrying it. The DEAN 60L backpack starts at 3.7 lbs, and when loaded with the full kit it comes out around 13 lbs total—so you get mobility without feeling like you’re hauling a moving truck. I also like the “everything just fits” reality check from real use: the kit is built for efficient packing, whether you’re adding cookware, a sleep system, or extra items for colder nights.

One thing to think about: this is an all-in-one rental bundle, not a build-your-own gear buffet. If you already own most of your setup or you prefer a very specific ultralight setup, you may find yourself swapping things out later.

Key things to know before you rent

• DEAN 60L weight that stays reasonable: 3.7 lbs empty, about 13 lbs when fully loaded
• Designed to fit a full sleep + cooking setup (tent, sleeping bag, pad, cookware, and more)
• Fast, simple setup in the field: people love how quickly it goes up and how intuitive it feels
• A kit that handles real weather stress (including a tent that survived a serious water-heavy moment)
• Great for families and groups: easy to standardize gear across multiple backpackers
• Built for repeat use: durable, and most items keep working well even after rough treatment

What you’re really renting: one backpack, one system

This Near Zero bundle is all about reducing decision fatigue. Instead of you hunting down a tent here, a sleeping pad there, and arguing with a store clerk about pack sizes, you rent one complete setup that arrives assembled into the DEAN™ 60L Backpack.

The practical win is that it’s designed as a system. When gear is built to work together, you spend less time on packing strategy and more time enjoying your trip. That matters even more if you’re traveling with kids, multiple adults, or people who are new to backpacking.

You’re not committing to buying anything upfront, either. You get the gear for your trip window—roughly 3 to 14 days—then you return it. If you’re testing backpacking as a hobby (or testing a gear upgrade), this is often the smartest way to learn what you actually need.

Pricing and value: $145 per person, but think “less hassle per mile”

At $145 per person, the cost can look simple on the surface. The better way to think about value is in three buckets: convenience, weight, and how likely you are to avoid gear mistakes.

1) Convenience: You’re renting a full kit, assembled. That’s time you don’t lose driving around, comparing products, and second-guessing your choices. For beginners, that alone can be worth a lot.

2) Weight realism: A 60L backpack that starts at 3.7 lbs and totals around 13 lbs when loaded is a big deal. It won’t magically make backpacking easy, but it can stop the pack from becoming the main problem in your day.

3) Lower risk of buying the wrong thing: Backpacking stores offer a lot of options. Bundles reduce the chance you buy something that sounds great but turns out annoying after day one.

If you already own most of your gear and you’re picky about every component, this may not be the best fit. But if you’re trying to get out faster—with less gear stress—this bundle hits a sweet spot between budget and serious backpacking performance.

The DEAN 60L backpack: roomy, light-feeling, and easy to live with

This bundle’s backbone is the DEAN 60L backpack, and the theme you’ll hear again and again is fit. People love how much can go inside without it turning into a brick. That’s not a small detail.

When your pack is comfortable and logically packed, you can actually stay productive on the trail:

• you don’t keep repacking,
• you don’t fight zipper chaos,
• and you can manage your load without losing your mind.

Two weight numbers are your reality check:

• Empty backpack weight: 3.7 lbs
• Fully loaded kit weight: about 13 lbs

And that loaded figure matters because it suggests you’re not sacrificing comfort for packing everything. For summer trips, family trips, or shorter overnighters at higher elevation, that balance can make a big difference.

A fun bonus detail: the rental pack system can also be used as carry-on on a plane or bus. If you’re trying to avoid checked-bag logistics, that’s a real convenience win.

Using the kit on a real trip: packing, sleep, and storm-proof expectations

This bundle is meant to cover the essentials you need to get out and go. The kit is packed for efficiency, so you can carry major categories without everything becoming a separate, bulky mess.

Sleep setup you’ll actually want to use

The sleep system is part of what people rave about. The sleeping bags pack small, and the system is described as warm enough that some users unzip a bit at night when temperatures run higher than expected. That tells me the kit is built around real temperature swings, not just one “perfect” forecast.

And because sleep gear tends to be bulky, the fact that it fits well inside the system is a big deal. If your sleep gear takes over your pack volume, your whole day gets harder.

Tent behavior: durable enough to keep the trip going

One of the strongest “trust” signals from field use is about the tent surviving a water-heavy moment. Even after a tent pole took minor damage, the tent still performed that night. In practical terms, that means you can have more confidence that the tent won’t instantly fail the first time conditions get ugly.

I’d still treat every storm with respect. But knowing the tent system has kept people going—even after stressful weather—reduces that background worry.

Cooking and daily packing

Cookware is included in the bundle’s full kit, which matters because cooking gear tends to be the part people forget when they’re trying to pack fast. With the bundle, that’s already planned for. The gear layout inside the backpack is built around the assumption that you’ll carry and access what you need without turning your pack into a jigsaw puzzle.

The Mesa pickup: where it starts and why location matters

Your start and end point is the meeting location in Mesa: 1045 E McKellips Rd, Mesa, AZ 85203, USA. The experience ends back at the same place.

Two notes here that affect how smooth your trip feels:

• You’re renting locally, so you can plan a day around pickup and return without long-distance shipping delays.
• It’s near public transportation, which can help if you’re not driving.

The rental process also uses a mobile ticket, and you receive confirmation at the time of booking. That combination tends to make check-in easier, especially for people coordinating with family members or friends.

Who this bundle is for (and who should think twice)

This rental bundle fits best if any of these sound like you:

• You’re new to backpacking and feel overwhelmed by choices.
• You’re traveling as a group or family and want everyone on a consistent gear standard.
• You want lightweight gear without going fully “ultralight obsessive.”
• You want a dependable backup plan gear-wise, especially if you plan car camping-to-backpacking trips or you live near rough weather.

It’s also popular for structured youth programs. There’s a clear theme in the feedback: people appreciate how intuitive the gear is, with kids being able to set up tents in minutes with little instruction.

Who should think twice?

• If you already own high-end gear and you’re only renting for one missing component.
• If you’re extremely picky about specific brands, weights, or technical specs and you prefer custom matching for your exact conditions.

Duration reality: 3 to 14 days works for a wide range of trips

The rental duration is listed as about 3 to 14 days. That flexibility is useful if you want to try:

• a quick overnighter to confirm comfort,
• a weekend multi-day loop,
• or a longer stretch when you want a gear system that doesn’t break down halfway through.

If you’re planning longer trips, weight and durability matter more. The bundle’s selling point is that it’s not just lightweight on paper—it’s built to handle real use and still feel manageable.

Comfort you can feel: it’s not just weight, it’s fit

People often focus on “lightweight.” Here, that’s true. But the deeper point is comfort under load.

When the pack fits well and carries comfortably—even when loaded heavy—it changes how you experience the miles. You’re less likely to dread the next steep section. And if you’ve got a group, comfort reduces friction. One person struggling changes the whole mood.

You should also consider your own comfort with 60L capacity. If you tend to overpack, a larger pack can help because you’re not forcing everything into tiny spaces. If you underpack, the system still works, but you may not need all the included bulk.

Practical tips to get the best results from the rental

Based on how people describe using this kit, you can improve your odds of a smooth trip with a few smart moves:

• Pack like it’s a system. Put sleeping gear and daily-use items where they stay easy to access. The whole point is less rummaging.
• Do a quick pack fit check before you leave. Adjust straps so the pack rides stable. Lightweight gear is still annoying if it shifts.
• Plan for temperature swings. The sleep system has enough warmth that some people vent it at night when it runs warm, which suggests you’ll want to think about layers.
• Treat the tent with care even if it’s tough. Durability helps, but good handling prevents small issues from becoming big ones.

One last “grown-up” tip: if you’re renting for the first time, do one short trial at home. Even setting up once in your driveway can help you trust the process.

Should you book? My honest take

Book this rental if your main goal is to get outside fast with gear that’s lightweight, roomy, and easy to use. At $145 per person, you’re paying for a complete, assembled backpack system that removes the hardest part of backpacking: the choices.

Skip it (or at least compare carefully) if you already own your core sleep and shelter gear and you only need a single missing item. Also, if you’re extremely technical about specs and want a fully custom setup, bundles can feel limiting.

If you want a dependable starting point—especially for families, youth groups, or first-timers—this looks like one of the smarter “rent, learn, then upgrade” options in the Phoenix area.

FAQ

What’s included in the Near Zero backpack rental bundle?

The bundle includes a set of essential outdoor items that arrive assembled into the DEAN 60L Backpack, along with additional gear needed for getting out and going.

Where do I pick up the rental, and where do I return it?

Pickup and return are at 1045 E McKellips Rd, Mesa, AZ 85203, USA. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

How long can I rent the gear for?

The rental duration is listed as approximately 3 to 14 days.

How heavy is the backpack when empty and when fully loaded?

The DEAN 60L backpack weighs 3.7 lbs by itself. When loaded with all included items, it weighs about 13 lbs total.

Is the rental process handled digitally?

Yes. You’ll receive a mobile ticket, and confirmation is received at the time of booking.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes, service animals are allowed.

What’s the cancellation policy?

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