About Alpenglow Adventure Sports
Alpenglow Adventure Sports is an outdoor gear retail and rental shop at 228 Main Street in Bar Harbor, supplying climbers, hikers, campers, and backpackers since 1996. The business started in a closet-sized space at the University of Maine Orono as a way for college students to access affordable outdoor equipment, and has since grown into a two-location operation with a second shop in Bangor.
The Bar Harbor store stocks a curated selection of climbing hardware, camping stoves and cookware, hiking boots, backpacks, trekking poles, and men's and women's active wear from brands trusted by serious outdoor enthusiasts. Year-round gear rentals cover climbing shoes, harnesses, helmets, crash pads, camping equipment, and backpacking kits — everything a visitor needs for a day or a week in Acadia National Park without buying new gear. Staff are experienced climbers and hikers who can recommend routes, check fits, and troubleshoot equipment questions on the spot.
Alpenglow's location inside the same building as a well-known climbing guide service means renters often gear up and head straight to Acadia's granite cliffs in a single stop. The shop's roots in the university outdoor community give it a down-to-earth, no-pressure vibe that appeals to beginners and seasoned adventurers alike. It is one of the few dedicated outdoor gear rental shops in Bar Harbor, and the most comprehensive for climbing equipment.
