The only issue with Craigslist is being burned by scammers. I found a site in Houston called <a href="http://www.ayoopa.com">Ayoopa</a> that does travel gear rentals....way cool of a concept. I haven't used it yet, but I have a buddy who rented a backpack to go white water rafting in the Lower Yough (PA). He said it was pretty easy and cheap!