Gear Repair 101: Fixing common issues before storing for the season

If you’re anything like me, you make the most of every summer day, squeezing in as many adventures as possible. Whether it’s camping on sandy beaches, hiking under the blazing sun, or racking up miles on the trail, our gear goes through a lot. After each trip, exhaustion usually wins, and my gear often ends up piled in the back of the car or scattered around the floor. All the miles of wear and tear, combined with neglect, can take a toll on our beloved outdoor equipment. That’s why it’s crucial to take a moment to repair and maintain everything before tucking it away for the winter season.

As the outdoor season winds down and the colder months approach, it’s essential to ensure your gear is in top condition before storing it away. Properly repairing and maintaining your equipment not only prolongs its lifespan but also ensures you’re ready to hit the trails again come spring. Here are some common issues you might encounter and how to fix them.

Tent Repair

• Zippers: If your tent zipper is sticking or not closing properly, use a lubricant like WD-40 or a specialized zipper lubricant. Clean the zipper with a toothbrush to remove any debris. Apply the lubricant and gently work the zipper back and forth to distribute it evenly. For broken teeth or sliders, use a zipper repair kit. If the slider is loose, use pliers to gently squeeze it back into alignment.
• Tears and Holes: Small rips can be fixed with repair tape or a patch kit. For larger tears, clean the area around the tear, sew it up with heavy-duty thread using a backstitch for strength, and then apply a patch over the stitching. Cover the stitching with seam sealer or additional tape for added durability.
• Tent Poles: Bent or broken tent poles can often be repaired with a pole repair sleeve or duct tape. Slide the sleeve over the broken section and secure it with duct tape. If a pole is permanently damaged, consider getting a replacement pole.

Sleeping Bags

• Zippers: Keep the zipper clean and lubricated using the same process as for tent zippers. If the zipper pull is missing, replace it with a small keyring or a paper clip.
• Insulation: If the insulation is clumping, toss the sleeping bag in the dryer with a few clean tennis balls to help redistribute the filling. Use a down-specific detergent for down sleeping bags. Wash the sleeping bag in a front-loading machine to prevent damage, use a gentle cycle and down-specific detergent, and dry on low heat with the tennis balls to break up clumps.
• Fabric Repairs: For small holes or tears, clean the area around the hole and use fabric repair tape or patches, applying them smoothly and pressing firmly to ensure adhesion.

Backpacks

• Straps and Buckles: Check all straps and buckles for wear and tear. Replace any broken buckles, which can often be found at outdoor gear stores. Reinforce loose stitches with a heavy-duty needle and thread.
• Fabric Tears: Clean the tear, apply gear tape or a patch kit on both sides of the fabric, and press firmly. For more significant damage, consider taking it to a professional for repair.

Footwear

• Soles: Inspect the soles of your hiking boots or shoes for signs of wear. If they’re starting to come loose, clean the area to be glued, apply a strong adhesive like Shoe Goo, and press the sole firmly against the shoe. Use clamps or weights to hold it in place until the adhesive cures.
• Laces: Replace any frayed or broken laces. Choose laces that match the original length and type, and thread them through the eyelets, ensuring even tension.
• Waterproofing: Reapply waterproofing treatments to ensure your boots are ready for wet conditions. Clean the boots thoroughly with water and a mild soap, apply the waterproofing treatment evenly, and let it dry completely before use.

Clothing

• Rips and Tears: Mend any rips or tears with a needle and thread or use fabric repair tape. For minor tears, use a backstitch to mend the fabric. Apply seam sealer on waterproof clothing to ensure water resistance.
• Zippers and Buttons: Replace any missing buttons and repair or replace faulty zippers using the same steps as for tent zippers. Sew on new buttons securely, ensuring they align with the buttonholes.
• Waterproofing: Reapply DWR (Durable Water Repellent) coatings to rain jackets and other waterproof gear. Wash the garment first, then spray or wash-in the DWR treatment according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and let it dry completely.

Cooking Gear

• Stoves: Clean your stove thoroughly, making sure to remove any food residues. Disassemble the stove if possible, clean all parts with warm soapy water, and check for any fuel leaks by applying soapy water and looking for bubbles. Replace any damaged O-rings.
• Cookware: Check for dents or cracks in your pots and pans. Clean the cookware thoroughly, apply high-temperature epoxy to any cracks, and let it cure according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Tips for Storing Your Gear

• Clean Everything: Before storing, make sure all your gear is clean and dry to prevent mold and mildew. Wipe down all surfaces with a mild disinfectant and air out items to ensure they are completely dry before storing.
• Store in a Cool, Dry Place: Keep your gear in a location that is protected from extreme temperatures and humidity. Use moisture-absorbing packets or a dehumidifier to maintain a dry environment.
• Use Storage Containers: Store smaller items like cookware and repair kits in labeled containers for easy access. Use clear bins for visibility and label each bin with its contents for quick identification.
• Hang Sleeping Bags and Tents: Hanging these items rather than storing them compressed can help maintain their loft and extend their life. Use hangers or dedicated storage bags to keep these items suspended and uncompressed.

Professional Repair Services

If you prefer not to handle the repairs yourself, several companies offer professional repair services for their gear:

• Patagonia: Known for their commitment to sustainability, Patagonia offers repair services for their products. You can send in your gear, and they will repair it for a small fee.
• REI: REI provides repair services for a variety of outdoor gear. They can fix tents, backpacks, and more.
• The North Face: The North Face offers repair services for their gear, including tents, sleeping bags, and outerwear.
• Osprey: Osprey has a dedicated repair program for their backpacks and other gear. They offer repairs for damage that occurs during normal use.
• Fjällräven: Fjällräven offers repair services at their retail locations. If you don’t live near a store, you can submit a request through their website to send your gear to one of their repair hubs.

For a comprehensive guide on how to store your gear once all repairs are done, check out my previous blog post here. This post provides detailed instructions on the best practices for storing various types of outdoor gear.

By taking the time to repair and properly store your outdoor gear, you’ll ensure it’s ready for your next adventure. Not only will this save you money in the long run, but it will also give you peace of mind knowing your gear is in top shape.

Don’t forget to pin or save this guide for later, so you can easily refer back to it when preparing your gear for storage!

Have your own tips or favorite repair kits? Please share them in the comments below. Your advice could be invaluable to fellow adventurers!

Happy repairing and stay adventurous!