Do-it-yourself repairs
A hole or tear in your rain jacket? This can happen quickly and is particularly unpleasant on multi-day tours. Special patches or stickers (fabric patches) are available from specialist outdoor retailers and selected online shops for such minor mishaps. They work very well for covering small holes when you're out and about so that the damage doesn't get any worse. However, these patches are not intended for permanent repairs. Gearaid (www.gearaid.eu) and McNett, for example, offer special patches - from around nine euros - for Gore-Tex and Sympatex clothing. Vaude recommends the adhesive patches (polyamide) "Flick & Fertig" from Kleiber for cutting to size (set of two 12 x 10 cm for around five euros). They are available in the online shop or from specialist outdoor shops. Damaged Gore-Tex clothing with a Shakedry membrane must be repaired by a Gore-authorised repair centre or by the manufacturer.
Defective zips, large holes and tears or torn pockets can be repaired by yourself - provided you have manual skills and a sewing machine. Detailed instructions for a wide variety of repairs can be found at here and here.
Professional repair service
- GORE-TEX
Repairs are carried out by certified Gore-Tex repair centres. Companies and costs can be found here
- ENDURA
The Garment Repair Service is based in Scotland. Damaged textiles must also be sent there. A flat rate of £15 is charged for standard repairs, plus postage.
- SYMPATEX
Authorised repair partners in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Here you will find addresses.
- LÖFFLER
It is best to first contact us by email and describe the damage. Ideally, attach a photo of the product and the damage, including the surrounding seams. A cost estimate will then be drawn up. The garments should not be older than five years. Info here.
- GONSO
Damaged functional clothing must be returned to the specialist retailer. Gonso repair service sent. The average repair costs are between 10 and 30 euros.
- VAUDE
Even with Vaude damaged parts should be sent in via the specialist dealer.
- GLOBETROTTER
The outdoor retailer offers a wide range of products in its 20 or so specialised shops. Repair service to.
