Hikezilla Community Gear Library — Borrowing Agreement

Last updated: 25 February 2026

1. Who lends the equipment

Hikezilla's Gear Library makes specified community equipment available for approved temporary borrowing. Hikezilla is a registered Australian business name, ABN 37 383 210 662. Gear is currently handed over by arrangement in Sydney or the Blue Mountains. A request is not an approved loan until confirmed.

2. Equipment and suitability

Equipment may be used, technical or safety-related, including personal locator beacons (PLBs), ice axes, snow equipment and camping gear. A loan is not training, certification, a guided activity or a guarantee of suitability for a particular trip. Borrowers must assess their own experience and the conditions, obtain appropriate training and follow manufacturer guidance. Hikezilla must not knowingly lend equipment with an identified unresolved safety fault.

3. Handover and condition record

Before collection, the parties should record the specific item/serial number (where relevant), accessories, known defects, condition photographs, pickup date, expected return date and agreed contact method. Hikezilla should conduct a reasonable pre-loan condition check and give the borrower an opportunity to inspect the item and report concerns. If equipment appears damaged, incomplete or unsuitable, do not use it; notify Hikezilla promptly.

4. Borrower responsibilities

Use equipment lawfully and only for its intended purpose; follow instructions and restrictions; do not lend it onward without approval; keep it reasonably secure; and report loss, damage, malfunction, activation or late return promptly. Return all components clean, dry and in the agreed condition, allowing for ordinary wear. Do not repair, modify or dispose of equipment without permission except where immediately necessary for safety.

5. PLB-specific requirements

Before lending a PLB, confirm that the beacon is registered with the relevant authority and that trip details and emergency contacts are appropriately updated for the actual borrower and trip. Explain how to check status and use the beacon in an emergency; a PLB is a last-resort emergency device and does not replace navigation, communications, planning or appropriate rescue procedures. Record and report any activation, loss or malfunction promptly.

6. Technical equipment

Ice axes, snowshoes, avalanche equipment and other technical items can be dangerous if misused or defective. Borrowers must not infer competence from possession of gear. Any model-specific checks, servicing requirements or restrictions are communicated with the loan offer.

7. Deposits, loss and damage

Some equipment requires a refundable security deposit, while other items can be borrowed without one. Where a deposit applies, the amount is communicated to you before you confirm the borrowing arrangement. Deposits are refundable following the return and inspection of the equipment, subject to this agreement. Any proposed deduction for loss, damage or missing items will be reasonable, explained to you and consistent with applicable consumer rights. There is no online payment system for deposits; deposit handling is arranged directly with Hikezilla when a loan is confirmed.

8. Pickup, return and cancellation

The approved request states collection/return arrangements, any ID verification needed, cancellation process and what happens if equipment is unavailable. Pickup points are communicated privately with approved borrowers. Notify Hikezilla early if plans change or a return will be late.

9. Risk and legal rights

Outdoor use of equipment may involve serious injury or death. Borrowers should assess suitability, inspect equipment and use appropriate skills, but Hikezilla may still owe legal duties. Nothing in this agreement excludes liability that cannot lawfully be excluded, including under the Australian Consumer Law.

10. Privacy, records and acceptance

We use borrower details for approving, arranging, documenting and following up on loans, as described in our Privacy Policy. When you send a borrow request, you accept this agreement for that request. Records are kept only as long as needed for loan administration. Contact hello@hikezilla.com for questions or disputes.