Explore Rentals is Bozeman’s original independent car rental and outdoor gear rental agency. For over 10-years, we have been providing visitors of Bozeman, Big Sky, and Yellowstone National Park superior 4WD rental cars that have kept them comfortable and safe.
We are a brick-and-mortar rental car agency located just a mile east of the Bozeman Airport, founded in 2010. Explore Rentals has the largest off airport fleet in Bozeman, and is the only rental car agency that guarantees 4WD and snow tires in the winter.
Our reviews going back over a decade can be found on Google, Yelp, or Facebook. Or, if you want to talk to one of our pros, in Bozeman, we can do that, too: 406-922-0179.
Rented Saquatch, a really nice Chevy Silverado with "Snoozerado" add on thus depending on it for 6 nights of sleep. My first comment upon p/u was the smell of rodent urine in the camper which the owner said he couldn't smell and referred to as "bomb proof". The first night the camper door jammed in the middle of the Tetons requiring much more force to open than I felt comfortable applying to a rental. This effectively locked me out of my sleeping area and while the owner was very kind to return my voice-mail @ 10pm, I had nowhere to sleep and was forced to back track an hour to a pricey hotel. The owner gave me permission to get inside by any means necessary and we ended up tying a rag around the handle for leverage and ruthelessly yanking it free after finding enough light to see confirm was actually unlocked. This is not how I expected to treat other peoples property but had no choice and the fun was just getting started. For the extra 200.00 I got a beat up 3in foam sleep pad totally unable to support my hips from the cold hard deck and spring rated at best, sleeping bags for the 32 - 38 degree nights. None of this mattered though because it rained and the "bomb proof "camper leaked like a wet paper bag soaking all my bedding for the next two days. I love adventure but this was a bit much basically screwing me over in the middle of nowhere like Clint Eastwood in Hang em High. The guy at the office played stupid upon hearing this information as if they don't know about their own gear. It's a get what ya get operation with lots of worn out gear not to be trusted so bring extra $$$ but the trucks are great.
Explore rentals made our recent trip to Montana and Yellowstone so easy and enjoyable . From the beginning reserving the Suburban and having the text when we arrived to let me know where to get the vehicle at the airport it could not have been any smoother.Thank you to Kevin, Patrick and the rest of the staff at Exp[ore Rentals, I definitely recommend and will try to back soon !
It is so easy to rent from Explore and get equipped with the essential equipment for the Montana outdoors. I would hate to use Hertz or Avis or any other after experiencing how easy it is to pick up the vehicle with minimal or zero human interaction. During my trip, a falling rock hit the windshield and Kevin took care of me. Kevin knows who is calling and which seems to add the personal touch rather than big corporations.
As per usual :Service at the top, vehicle meeting our expectations equipped with all the necessary equipment for our trip: bedding, kitchen equipment, roof box, box for fly rods, shoes for fishing, .... Even the oil of to cook!If we have been coming back every year for more than 10 years, it is because we are confidentThank you, William Casella!Gabriella
Great spot near the airport for any necessary backpack or hiking rentals. We rented bear spray for $5/day and they gave an instructional demonstration. They also have a flexible drop off system for the bear spray if you will be returning it after hours. Friendly staff and super easy process overall.
I know this might sound a bit infomercial-ish but this place is seriously one stop shopping for all camping needs.Perfect rental spot. Will rent from them again next Yellowstone vist.Our car was ready for us with all of our supplies (bear spray, cooler, chairs, and hiking sticks) packed in the back. Car cleanliness, customer service, and everything was perfect.Don't give them a second thought; rent from Explore.
We rented a Subaru for our trip to yellowstone and could not have been more pleased with the rental and service from Explore Rentals. The staff was super freindly and answered all of our questions. The car was super clean and had most of the "bells and whistles" which made driving the vehicle more enjoyable for the longer drives. We rented snow goose and it was the perfect space for 3 teens, two adults, and all of our luggage.
We rented 3 Chevy Suburban Z71's for our family trip with scopes and ice chests for the week. It could not have been easier and we loved the vehicles. They are exceptional clean and we will not hesitate to rent from Explore Rentals for our next trip to Yellowstone.
We were very pleased with our experience in renting trucks from Explore Rentals. They offer great vehicles at a very reasonable price. The owner checked us in, and he was extremely helpful and polite. Of the two employees that checked us in, the taller gentleman was very kind and personable. He helped us with selecting coolers that we were able to add on the rentals for a low cost.
Cliff notes: great people, gear, and overall experience - would definitely recommend. If you're into the story for context, continue reading...We recently got invited on a lottery permit overnight river trip, but the problem was that my group was seasoned gear heads, just not full-on river rats, so we didn’t have the necessary gear. We decided to rent our equipment from Explore Rentals in Belgrade, MT. As a group with limited experience in river adventures, there was initially a bit of apprehension regarding what to expect and what to pack. However, the great service and support we received from the staff at Explore Rentals helped to ease our concerns and turned a bit of anxiousness into excitement.The staff members were incredibly patient, taking the time to listen to our concerns and understand our needs, let us try on multiple pairs of waders, etc. They expertly guided us through the rental process, explaining every detail and ensuring we had all the equipment necessary for a safe and enjoyable adventure.Another bonus was staff's knowledge and experience in river trips. They shared valuable insights, offering tips and recommendations that made us feel more confident about our journey.When it came to the equipment itself, everything was great. The gear was professional grade and in excellent condition, and we could tell that they took great care in maintaining it. We rented a 14’ raft that looked brand new that Bryce had taken the time to rig up the frame specifically for our party of three people. We also had a cooler, dry box, multiple dry bags, an assortment of straps, waders, and boots – every item was of top-notch quality. Will even serviced the wheel bearings on the raft trailer right before we picked it up and then helped check all our trailer connections and lights. We encountered no issues whatsoever, and everything performed flawlessly throughout our entire trip.Thanks to Explore Rentals, our first overnight river adventure went off without a hitch and all the right gear. If you're seeking a reputable outdoor equipment rental shop that goes above and beyond we can definitely recommend Explore Rentals. Their knowledgeable and friendly staff, along with their top-quality gear, make them an awesome choice for both inexperienced and seasoned adventurers alike.
Incredibly nice equipment and staff. I was highly impressed at the caliber and selection of gear that was available for a multi day river trip. Explore rentals outfitted us with not only a fully kitted raft with standard frame and oars but also a trailer to haul it and a cooler and dry box fit for the frame and extra bags and straps for carrying gear properly. It was stocked with nice life jackets and safety equipment. They supplied us with large dry bags that could fit all of our four day needs along with waders and boots. They made sure there were enough seat accommodations and showed us how to secure the gear for the best comfort. The whole experience was amazing. I can not emphasize enough how refreshing and confidence inspiring it was to have nice equipment we could count on during the four day excursion. Not only is it top of the line but it is in excellent shape, they take such good care of their products!Looking around the lot it was apparent that they would have been able to provide a vehicle worthy of towing the outfit if we needed also!So impressed with this place, highly recommend for your adventure needs in Montana!
Rented a Suburban for a wedding we were attending. Extra seating came in handy. The vehicle was in great condition, and the entire rental experience was first-rate. If I'm ever back in the area, it is nice to know there is high-quality gear available for fishing and camping. I highly recommend Explore Rentals.
We had a group of 8 people. The majority of us had never been (much less driven) in snow. Explore Rentals was able to guarantee me a vehicle that could accommodate 8 people, had 4 wheel drive, and snow tires. We drove "Wolverine" and it did perfectly. We had zero issues with the vehicle and we drove from the Bozeman airport to island park, Idaho, Jackson Hole, WY and then back to Bozeman. I could not have asked for better service. As soon as my flight landed, I had all the info I needed to get my vehicle and head out. Also, none of the "chain" car rental places at the airport could guarantee me anything, they said it all depended on what was there when I arrived. That was not acceptable for me when taking my 6 year old and our elderly parents with us on this once in a lifetime vacation. I cannot brag on this company enough. They were AMAZING!!!!
Very convenient and easy check in and check out. Very close to airport. Car appeared brand new and very clean and comfortable. Subaru Outback was perfect all wheel drive for the snow. Great customer service from staff. I’ll definitely rent from here again when visiting Bozeman.
We rented bear spray, a cooler, and an Outback from Explore for our 1 week trip through the parks. I hated to return the Outback- it was very comfortable and perfect for the 4 of us. Working with Explore was easy and very straightforward, they even have a little bear spray tutorial before you head out. (Just remember, the bear spray is a fog, not a laser beam. 🙂) I would definitely recommend doing business with them!
I rented a bunch of gear from these guys for a 5 day float on the Smith River. The gear was top notch and the staff was super cool and knowledgeable. Great experience and I'll do it again! (If I ever get a permit for the Smith again)
Just finished my trip to Yellowstone and I cannot be more happy that we found Explore Rentals for our car and gears rental.The car we rent, Subaru Outback, was perfect for the trip. It was cleaned spotless and gave you a comfortable feel especially in these post-pandemic times. The staffs are friendly and very helpful. I had questions on the operation of the spotting scope and the adapter, they answered our question and demonstrated to us right away. They even lent us a shutter control for free. For a lower price than renting from one of the bigger car rental company, we got a Subaru Outback which is larger than what we would have got from those big companies.Also highly recommend renting the spotting scope if you are to Yellowstone for wildlifes. We would have missed some amazing sighting if not for these gears.
Excellent customer service. Very convenient and easy to work with. The two vehicles we rented were perfect! All these Southerners had no problem on the snow covered mountain roads with 4 wheel drive and snow tires. Highly recommend. Would definitely use Explore Rentals again.
Paid a premium for a hassle-free experience and for getting the exact car that we wanted, and we received that in spades. Worth every penny, not an ounce of stress on our shoulders, everything was laid out crystal clear in the contract and easy to follow. Made some great memories in that blue Subaru Outback, if we're ever back in the area, we'll know who to book a car with.
Spent a week in Yellowstone/Cooke City driving very icy roads up and down into Lamar Valley. Our Suburu had a fresh set of snow tires and handled the conditions perfectly. We also rented a spotting scope and phone skope attachment (totally worth it for wildlife spotting) and bear spray. Best car rental experience I've ever had.
Awesome place! We decided last minute for a end of season trip to Yellowstone. We didnt want to stay in a hotel and were thinking man, if only we could rent camping gear. Boom this place pops up on my feed.They literally had everything that you need. Tent, cot, sleeping bags, chairs, pillow, cooking utensils, water, buddy heater ect.They were extremely prompt. I landed at 10am. Scheduled my pick up for 10:30am. When I got to the building, they had everything ready for me next to the door. Signed my signature and packed everything into my car in less than 5 mins.
Bozeman and Yellowstone Camping and Rafting Rentals
In the summer Explore Rentals transforms into the largest provider of rental outdoor gear in Montana. Whether you are looking for rental bear spray, a rental spotting scope, perhaps a rental tent and sleeping bags, or a fully outfitted rental raft for overnight Smith River adventures- we have the inventory and experience to make it happen.
For over a decade we have been helping both locals and visitors turn their Montana experience from ordinary to epic.
On our Reservations page, enter your desired rental dates in top right corner. Availability and pricing for your dates will be displayed for everything from rental cars to bear spray. Use the menu on left of page to view all items by category. Add desired items to cart and follow check out process. If items are not available, no price will be displayed. the absolute easiest way is to call the office 7/365 9-5pm; 406-922-0179.
A 15% credit card deposit is required to confirm all bookings (refundable if cancelled outside of 14-days from your arrival). You will be prompted for flight arrival/ departure times, contact info, as well as the CC info. Balance will be charged to this card at the end of your rental. Prior to your arrival we will send rental car contract to digitally sign. if picking up rental gear we will have a paper contract for you in the office.
You can pick up your rental car at BZN (+10% Airport Concession Fee) or at our office 1.5-miles from BZN (no charge). Most renters take an Uber or Lyft to our office to pick-up rental car ($15 & 5-minutes) while the family waits for bags. Rental gear items are to be picked-up and returned to our office only (no shipping). We will text you a photo of your car 30-minutes prior to your scheduled pick-up time.
If you have paid the BZN Concession fee, you may return the vehicle to Explore Rental’s designated parking spots #46-49, in the outdoor rental car return lot. If you did not pay the BZN Concession Fee, you need to return the vehicle to our office in order to avoid additional charges. Your CC on file will be billed the balance due. All rental gear items need to be returned to the office.
Guaranteed 4WD and AWD Rental Cars
We are the only rental car agency that will 100% guarantee a 4WD or AWD rental car, because that is all we have got. And most of our rental cars also have snow tires…
Rental Camping and Outdoor Gear
Explore Rentals maintains the largest inventory of premium rental outdoor gear in the Greater Yellowstone region. Rental bear spray, optics, spotting scopes, tents, sleeping bags, travel trailers, fly fishing equipment, and more.
Fly Fishing and Raft Rentals
Everything you need for an epic River experience. Bozeman’s best rental rafts, dry bags, cooking kits, tents, IGBC bear fences, IGBC coolers, dry boxes, shelters, waders, boots, fly rods, and more.
WE RENT EVERYTHING BUT THE SCENERY
Rental 4wd cars, camping gear, rafts, optics, fly fishing equipment and much more.
YELLOWSTONE ESSENTIALS
These are the rental items that turn a good experience into a great experience.
Explore Rentals began in the summer of 2010 as a side-hustle by a guy who started detailing cars when he was twelve and who later spent the better part of his adult life getting paid to fly fish around the world. With his mom’s old Subaru, a used Suburban, and a bunch of his own gear- the business was born. It didn’t take long for reputation and demand to grow, and Explore has since become the best reviewed car rental agency in Montana and the largest purveyor of rental camping gear, optics, rafts, and fly fishing equipment in the Yellowstone region.
We continue to strive to offer innovative and superior rental items to our customers, as well as unparalleled customer service.
RENTAL AWD SUBARU OUTBACKS
RENTAL AWD SUBARU OUTBACKS
RENTAL 4×4 CHEVROLET SUBURBANS
RENTAL 4×4 TRUCKS
RENTAL 4×4 SPRINTER VANS
RENTAL 4×4 SPRINTER VANS
