So, you arrive in California by plane but you really want to get out of the city and visit some of the state’s amazing national parks, go trekking in the mountains and camp under the stars.
My top tip would be to hire your camping gear from this fantastic little shop in Berkley - you can get there on the BART or easily by car. They have everything you need at decent prices - tents, sleep mats, bear boxes(!), stoves, sleeping bags. So there’s no need to lug all of that gear over to the USA.
www.marmotmountain.com/rental-rates-gear-ca.htm
3049 Adeline Street, Berkley
Updates
Send your feedback or queries to been.there@guardian.co.uk
Search Been there
REI (1338 San Pablo Ave.) has a wide selection of gear but generally you're paying full price.
After all that shopping in the area, you might want to head over to Picante (1328 6th St.) and have some fine Mexican food.
I concur that you shouldn't miss the National and the State Parks.