High demand for Fritidsbanken’s cool gear

As soon as Fritidsbanken opens at 11 a.m., visitors start streaming in — one family coming to borrow ski equipment for the weekend, another returning items, and a third arriving with gear to donate after cleaning out their storage.

Here you can find everything you need for adventures close to home, all year round. You borrow completely free of charge, just like borrowing books from a library. You can keep the items for up to two weeks, but you’re welcome to return them earlier if you’re finished using them.

Despite the high demand, the shelves are still well stocked.

“We have a large storage supply that we replenish from, which has taken several years to build up,” says Patrik Halin, who staffs Fritidsbanken together with Patrik Gedlund and Neo Sandström.

The storage has been built up with the help of generous residents of Boden and companies that have even donated brand-new equipment.

“There constantly needs to be a flow of items because the equipment also wears out, so we’re very grateful for everything we receive and for everyone who wants to contribute,” says Patrik Halin.

Visitor numbers at Fritidsbanken also reflect the growing population of Boden, including newly arrived families and couples from all over the world. They want to try the outdoor lifestyle here and get help finding out what equipment they need and like before buying their own.

Fritidsbanken can also see patterns related to school planning, as their lending clearly shows which classes and age groups are going ice skating, skiing, or having outdoor activity days. The fact that so many people turn to Fritidsbanken is also confirmation that it is needed and that its services are reaching the community.

Do you need something, or do you have something you would like to donate?

Here you can read more about Fritidsbanken’s opening hours and how it works.