Gear Loan
How to borrow gear - Updated 2025
Disclaimer! (Please read before rushing through): Running the gear system is a very time consuming role which is often thankless. AUTC struggles to keep momentum going with gear. Please be patience with our volunteers. Or show them some appreciation by buying them some chocolate!
Gear can be borrowed for use on AUTC trips (ie trips advertised via the mailing list/website). Gear can only be borrowed by AUTC members, however an AUTC member may loan out gear on behalf of non-members if they are also attending. In which case the club member is responsible for returning the equipment.
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We will no longer be using the gear form and you will no longer be able to put in a specific request for gear for your trip. Instead we will be allocating gear on a first-come, first-serve basis, giving priority to club trips.
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All you will need to do is fill out an intentions form, then come to the gear locker in Hiwa on Monday (no excuse to miss the social nights!) at the following times with your intentions ID
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AUTC Club trips : 18:00
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Non-club trips: 18:15
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We will then give you whatever gear we have at the time. Gear will only be given out the week before your trip, i.e you can't rent gear for a trip going out later than the following Monday.
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Gear return will be at 17:45 on Monday. You are expected to return gear in a clean and dry state. If this is not possible (like in the case of drying tents) you can return those items the following week. You are not able to rent gear if you can not guarantee it can not be returned (either by you or someone else) at this specified time.
If these times do not work for you, please flick gear@autc.org.nz an email and we will see if we can find a time to get gear to you, however this will only be possible in exceptional circumstances. The conditions under which circumstances are considered exceptional can be extended by offerings of chocolate.
Alpine gear still runs on a different system where you have to apply for gear. Please find below:
For alpine gear please see below and fill out the different alpine gear loan form
Non-Club Trip fee system - Not Active at the moment 15/09/2025
If your trip is personal and doesn't feature on AUTC's mailing list, it will incur a fee as follows:
-$10 multiplied by the maximum out of the number of tents, sleeping bags, sleeping mats and packs on the order
-$10 if the order contains more than 3 of any item
-$0 otherwise
If your not a big on words person, here are more words, but in example form: An order of 3 sleeping bags and a pack would incur a fee of $30, an order of a sleeping bag, sleeping mat and a headtorch would incur a fee of $10 and an order of a PLB would incur no charge.
The intent is you pay a per persons worth of gear. (I love words).
If still unsure contact @gear and they will help!
This fee is either payable either by cash or bank transfer to 06-0158-0367347-00 with particulars/code/reference [order code]-Gear-Fee e.g 0x0AD-Gear-Fee.
You can have the gear fee refunded by sending a trip report of your trip to publications@autc.org.nz.
Alpine gear does not incur a fee.
Gear we have available for loan
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Sleeping bags
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Boots
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Packs
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Tents (both tramping and car camping types, 2-4 person available.)
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Cooking supplies: jug, ladle, pan, plate, pot, stove, and/or spoon
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Pots/Billys (up to 6L)
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Topographical maps of nearly all the wilderness areas in both the North and South Islands
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Compasses (Silva type)
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Emergency Locator Beacons (PLBs) and First aid kits
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Head torches
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Tramping Flies (basic lightweight shelter for bivvying and emergency)
Alpine Gear
There is also a range of alpine gear available, this can be loaned out by submitting the Alpine gear loan form well in advance: https://forms.gle/8vVaH6QWwnTav4hT8
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Pickup is on the Thursday evening before your trip after 8pm.
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A deposit may be required (especially for longer trips, and those requiring technical gear). As the primary loaner you are responsible for all loss or damage to the equipment. Equipment lost, stolen or damaged will be charged for at replacement cost at the Alpine Officers discretion.
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You will also need to have completed the appropriate level of snowcraft training (such as one of our snowskools) before hiring out alpine gear.
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Contact our Alpine Officer (alpine@aurac.org.nz) for any questions.
More details are available on the AURAC Alpine Gear Page.
Alternative Gear Hire
If our gear is not available or suitable and can’t find anyone to borrow off, try Living Simply (Newmarket) for good quality gear hire.
Damaged or Lost Gear
This is assessed on a case by case basis. If the gear is lost or damaged due to negligence/poor treatment then you may be expected to cover some of the cost of replacement. However, we do understand that you are taking gear into often harsh environments and accidents or damage can and does happen. As a general rule, if you are using it appropriately and it gets lost/damaged, you won't be expected to contribute.
Where To Buy Gear
See discounts for AUTC members. You can use your club card or an email from the club mailing list as evidence of membership.
