8 Shops That Will Repair Your Outdoor Gear
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.
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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 Lairand 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.”
3304 E Lake St. ⇱ | (612) 729-9095
Rugged Thread
Bend, OR: If it has a broken zipper, Rugged Thread can fix it. Rain jackets, sleeping bags, tents, life vests; even travel trailers and sailboat covers. Broken teeth, missing teeth or worn out coil zippers? Come here for quick, wallet-friendly repairs (cost is case-by-case but can be as low as $20). But zippers are only part of their repair expertise; the Rugged Thread staff patches holes, adds straps and snaps and replaces elastic cords too.
2618 NW Marken St. ⇱ | (541) 306-8727
Rainy Pass Repair Inc.
Seattle, WA: As a Gore-Tex fabric repair specialist since 1986, Rainy Pass Repair can fix anything that needs some thread-and-needle TLC. In handling well-used technical shells, its team will maintain the waterproof/breathable benefits of the original material (and be mindful of final appearances too). Don’t live in Seattle? That’s okay — Rainy Pass created a straightforward form for mail-in jobs.
4415 Stone Way N ⇱ | (888) 747-7867
TentPole Technologies
Vancouver, WA: Sooner or later, tent poles give out. Fiberglass poles crack, aluminum poles crimp and shock cords fray. Armed with your tent’s model name and number, TentPole Technologies can rebuild, repair or replace the poles and get your shelter standing again. With 35 years of experience working with major tent pole manufacturers, it has a direct line to get the parts you need (if the staff doesn’t already have them in their Washington shop).
12607 NE 95th St. ⇱ | (360) 260-9527
Boulder Mountain Repair
Boulder, CO: Backpacks can elicit a deep sense of faithfulness. Some owners can’t bear to replace one that’s accompanied them on dozens of trips. But sometimes, scrapes and stains that are mementos from adventures past can transform into shredded panels and worn-out straps. Boulder Mountain Repair can repair those problems and add modern features to old packs like hydration sleeves and custom pockets.
2200 Central Ave F ⇱ | (303) 499-3634
Mountain Soles & Outdoor Threads
Portland, OR: Water plays a central role in Mountain Soles’s repair services. In the winter, they provide brand-authorized repairs for Atlas and Tubbs snowshoes and give new life to cross country ski boots. When the snow melts and fills whitewater rivers, the shop can replace worn-out gaskets on paddling dry tops and dry suits. Mountain Soles also does general repairs on apparel and equipment and operates with a mail-in service to service those who don’t live in town.
(503) 236-0785
Dave Page, Cobbler
Seattle, WA: With an international reputation for quality work, Dave Page, Cobblercan resole or repair boots for hiking, mountaineering, climbing, telemark skiing and more. The boots are returned meeting or exceeding original factory specifications — Page is an authorized repair agent for Scarpa, Salomon, Lowa and more, and REI lists his name on its website as its only recommendation for footwear repair services.
3509 Evanston Ave N ⇱ | (206) 632-8686
Specialty Outdoors
Spokane, WA: With more than 20 years of experience, Specialty Outdoors can handle most gear repairs. Before addressing the broad scope of repair, its founder, Penny Schwyn, formerly sewed for Mountainsmith. Now, she’s authorized by The North Face, Helly Hansen and Trew Gear to repair their products (but works with any brand’s products). And if you’re wondering about modifying your equipment by adding custom elements like a waterproof pocket, hydration tube port or pit zips, give her shop a call.