I hear you loud and clear @Kia272
At this point, Im just speaking in hypotheticals as I do not have a listing created for this type of offering. Lots to consider. I’m aware of the Internet (lol) and I’ll happily continue to do more research regarding this issue.
You bring up valid points and I’m grateful for your input. There are still a lot of people out there, using Airbnb, who don’t think like you. They don’t travel the way you do. They have a different budget, and experience level than you. Those people are already utilizing this platform in ways you admittedly never would, and they’re super happy to do so. They appear to vary in rank of “privilege” and not all are like the woman I cited in my previous example. I’m not just making this stuff up for the sake of argument. There are plenty of reviews/bookings to back up my claim and prove that this idea works well, on this site. While I think your opinion definitely matters (and there’s probably many of same mind) there are other opinions to consider. That’s why I’m here, in this discussion - to consider all opinions 🙂
What I love most about Airbnb is that it caters to a variety of guests and hosts alike, with varying lifestyles and wants/needs. While I obviously don’t see you as being part of the demographic interested in this particular objective, I’m literally finding hundreds of others who fit that exact profile. There also seems to be a larger number of renters in the world
who treat rental items respectfully vs those that don't. Especially when their ID and credit cards are on the line and the option to receive a poor and public review is on the table. That's why this site works. Homeowners such as yourself, trust the process of renting property on this site and I'd feel no different in offering camp gear and assuming the same risks/liabilities as other hosts.
Another user @Sarah977 and I collectively think that Airbnb offering a type of “marketplace” could be a good extension of this platform's services. This would include such listings as local camp gear rental (high-end gear, low-end gear, and everything in between - just like the scope of homes for rent on this site), bikes, baby equipment, sporting goods, etc. This wouldn’t take away from anyone’s trip, or intended experience of finding accommodations. Rather potentially enhance someone’s journey at will, while bringing in additional profit to Airbnb. However, I clearly don’t work for this site and it’s up to those who do to implement a new feature such as this.
I’m still not certain how the story ends for me and I don’t intend to set up a hosting profile any time soon, but, I’m still genuinely curious in the matter. Thanks again for giving me some more food for thought and best to you as well.