Well-designed technical apparel and equipment will keep you warm, dry and comfortable on the trail. But accidents happen. Torn mesh on a tent’s door might lead to a swarm of biting insects inside your tent, a tear in a sleeping bag lining will produce a flurry of down feathers, a broken buckle on a waist belt can render a backpack nearly unusable — you get the idea.
Outdoor brands can help in selecting new replacement gear or directing you to the closest retailer, but not so much in terms of repair. While some, like Patagonia, maintain a policy of repair that goes beyond “manufacturer defect” warranties, many others have closed or outsourced those services (and unfortunately, the condoling sympathy of customer service can’t bring a ripped tent wall back to life).
Thankfully, an ecosystem of highly skilled repair shops exists that can address these issues. More and more outdoor enthusiasts are adopting an ethos of repair and reuse, and these shop owners, some of whom have operated for decades, are a well of experience that not only addresses that approach but also champions it. Most of these repair shops are adept at handling any general repairs for equipment like backpacks and tent poles, while in some cases — like resoling a pair of leather hiking boots — specialized knowledge is called for.
Pricing varies. Some shops post prices per project, like replacing a zipper are patching up a tear in a jacket. Others list an hourly rate. Almost all of these shops will offer estimates based on a description of the issue and an emailed photograph of the needed repair. Don’t worry if you think the damage is too extensive or complicated to fix — these folks thrive on the challenge.
An important piece of advice: as more people become aware of and opt for gear repair services, turnaround time can be as much as two to three weeks, or even longer. If you have an upcoming trip (or time-sensitive permits) think and plan ahead to ensure that these craftsmen have plenty of time to repair your gear.
Repair Lair
Minneapolis, MN: Despite being relatively young at just five years old, Repair Lair and its staff rightfully boast that they can fix just about anything. Ask them for examples and they’ll tick off a list of restored items that includes a backpack that was ripped apart by a bear and a tent shredded from the inside out during a first-time camper’s panic attack. The shop, which also includes a section for gear consignment, lives by the motto, “If it’s broke, fix it.”
