Conclusion
Repairing your outdoor gear is not only a sustainable choice but also a practical one. By extending the life of your equipment, you save money, reduce waste, and minimize your carbon footprint. With the rise of repair programs from major outdoor brands, it’s easier than ever to keep your gear in top shape for years to come. So before you toss out that torn jacket or broken backpack, consider giving it a second chance through a repair program. Your favorite gear deserves to continue the adventure with you, mile after mile.
Outdoor gear can take a beating, but that doesn’t mean you have to throw it away when it starts to show signs of wear and tear. Many outdoor gear companies now offer repair programs to help you extend the life of your favorite gear and reduce your environmental impact. These programs not only save you money in the long run but also help keep gear out of landfills. Here are some of the top outdoor gear repair programs to consider:
Danner
The Danner repair program covers over 150 different Danner models, including the popular Mountain 600 series. Turnaround time is typically 5-6 weeks, allowing you to get your boots back in top condition in a reasonable amount of time.
Chaco’s ReChaco
Chaco’s ReChaco program offers lifetime repairs for Z-series sandals, including resoling, strap replacement, buckle replacement, strap length adjustment, and toe tightening. The program has repaired over 323,000 pairs of sandals since its inception, keeping them out of landfills. The average turnaround time is about two weeks after the sandals are received.
Deuter Pack Repair
Deuter’s Promise guarantees free repairs on any Deuter pack, regardless of age or reason for damage. The company will attempt to repair any pack and, if deemed irreparable, will replace it with the closest comparable model at no cost. Repairs are performed in Boulder, Colorado, and turnaround times vary based on the season.
Cotopaxi is Guaranteed for Good
Cotopaxi’s Guaranteed for Good program covers manufacturing defects for the lifetime of the product and offers repair services even for damage outside warranty coverage. The company provides DIY patches for small holes, in-store repair assistance at Cotopaxi retail locations, and partners with Rugged Thread for extensive repairs requiring deconstruction and reconstruction.
Fjällräven
Fjällräven offers repair services at its flagship retail locations and through a mail-in program for customers who don’t live near its stores. The company provides a Limited Lifetime Warranty covering manufacturing defects and will assess items for repair throughout the product’s lifetime. Fjällräven also operates a Takeback Program at select stores, offering vouchers for used gear kept out of landfills.
NEMO Equipment
NEMO repairs nearly all of its products at various facilities in the U.S., Canada, and Europe. The company offers comprehensive repairs for both hardgoods and softgoods, with a turnaround time of four to six weeks. NEMO also provides replacement parts and DIY repair tutorials for customers.
Big Agnes
Big Agnes’s repair team patches tent tears, straightens poles, fixes zippers, and addresses other common issues with camping gear. The company also operates a Used Gear Trade-In program where customers can send in old Big Agnes gear for credit toward new purchases.
Rab
Rab’s Service Center provides washes and repairs for Rab gear in the USA, UK, Netherlands, and Canada. The Second Stitch program uses end-of-life fabric rolls and offcuts for repairs, reducing environmental impact while giving gear a distinctive look.
Mountain Hardwear
Mountain Hardwear’s Repair Over Replace program aims to fix gear whenever possible rather than replacing it. The company believes their gear is worth more on the mountain than in a landfill and has structured their warranty and repair services to maximize product lifespan.
Third-Party Repair Services
In addition to brand-specific programs, several independent repair shops specialize in outdoor gear. Rugged Thread in Bend, Oregon, Gear re-Store in Denver, Calgary, and Philadelphia, and Rainy Pass Repair in Seattle are just a few examples of repair shops that can help you keep your gear in top condition.
How to Get Started
Before you send your gear in for repair, make sure to clean it well and take photos of the damage. Check the brand’s website for any special instructions and fill out any required forms. If you prefer to do repairs yourself, many brands offer patch kits and replacement parts for DIY fixes.
Repair Is Reuse That Lowers Your Impact
By utilizing outdoor gear repair programs, you can extend the life of your gear, reduce your environmental impact, and save money in the long run. Next time your gear starts to wear out, consider repairing it instead of buying something new. Your wallet and the planet will thank you.
If you’re a seasoned adventurer or outdoor enthusiast, chances are you have a collection of well-used equipment that has accompanied you on countless journeys. Whether it’s a trusty backpack, a reliable tent, or a durable pair of hiking boots, these items have served you well over the years. But just because they show signs of wear and tear doesn’t mean their adventures are over.
In fact, your well-used equipment could still have plenty of adventures ahead. With a little TLC and some creative thinking, you can breathe new life into your old gear and continue to enjoy the great outdoors with them by your side.
One way to extend the life of your well-used equipment is to repair any damage or wear and tear. Whether it’s patching up a hole in your tent, re-waterproofing your jacket, or replacing worn-out straps on your backpack, a little maintenance can go a long way in keeping your gear in good working condition.
If your equipment is beyond repair, don’t despair. You can repurpose it for other outdoor activities or DIY projects. For example, an old backpack can be turned into a gardening tool carrier, a worn-out sleeping bag can be transformed into a pet bed, and a damaged tent can be repurposed as a shade structure for backyard gatherings.
Another way to get more mileage out of your well-used equipment is to donate or sell it to someone who can use it. There are plenty of outdoor enthusiasts who are just starting out and would appreciate a budget-friendly option for gear. By passing on your equipment to someone else, you not only declutter your own space but also give your gear a new lease on life.
So before you retire your well-used equipment for good, consider giving it a second chance at adventure. With a little creativity and care, you can continue to enjoy the great outdoors with your trusty gear by your side.
