Gear Rentals

Gear Rental & Usage Policies

All members of the University of Chicago community can rent gear from the OAC for camping trips or other outdoor adventures. We have pretty much everything you could need! Including:

Hammocks

Tents

Sleeping bags/pads

Stoves

Backpacks

Flashlights

Tarps

And more!

The Outdoor Adventure Club charges a small fee to ensure gear is returned. We require a fully refundable deposit ​(given back to you upon return of gear) via Venmo, checks or cash.​ You must be a member to rent gear (for liability reasons), but our gear managers are happy to help you become a member we you need to rent gear. If you’re interested in becoming a member now, please email a board member and they will send you the membership form and Venmo address. Membership must be renewed annually.

E­mail a gear manager to check the availability and deposit rates for other gear that may not be listed above.

Gear Manager

Eliza Kaplan

Eliza Kaplan

Gear Manager

Rental Procedure

1. Contact Gear Manager

Fill out this google form to request gear: https://forms.gle/7ctjtrJTya9nhLdR6. Please do so a week or more in advance of your trip, and the gear manager will reach out to you to schedule a pickup time.

2. Pickup

You will meet a gear manager to pick­up your rental at:

Ida Noyes Hall Lobby​: 1212 E 59th St, Chicago, IL 60637

Please be on time.​ Make sure to bring the rental deposit (Venmo, check to “The University of Chicago”, or cash in labeled envelope);

Please let us know immediately of any gear damage before use or during your trip to make sure you are not charged an unwarranted penalty.

3. Return

Gear should be returned to Ida Noyes at a date and time pre­determined with gear managers. There will be spot­check inspections of the gear upon return. The following may lead to you forfeiting your deposit and/or repairing or replacing the item in question:

 

  • All items must be returned in the proper bags that they came in so that the next person using them will get the right gear.
  • Sleeping bags should be washed (washing instructions here) prior to return.

Penalties

The Outdoor Adventure Club reserves the right to deduct a portion of the deposit under the following conditions:

 

  • Late Return:​ At the time of gear-checkout, you will be required to give a return date for the gear. If you can’t make this date, reschedule with a gear manager. If you are late to return gear or do not show up at the appointed time, late fees will be deducted from the deposit.
  • Unwashed Sleeping Bags: I​f sleeping bags are not washed: $5 per bag.
  • Damage: ​If gear is damaged, depending on the severity of damage, deposit might be forfeited. You will be asked to pay for replacement if damage is irreparable.
  • Lost: ​You will be asked to pay the cost of replacement. Make sure items such as tent stakes and all stove parts make it back in the bag.