FAQ

Will my repair look brand new?

We provide professional repairs, and do our utmost to make them look neat and fit in with your item. However, your item might not end up looking factory finished due to the way some items are constructed. Some repairs come out looking almost invisible, but sometimes they’re more noticeable due to the extent of the damage. We will always let you know when this is the case. Please see our Instagram for a catalogue of customer repairs.

Can I choose the colour and fabric for patches?

Our biggest priority is that the patch works well and lasts a long time. Before we fix your gear, we’ll ask if you want the colour to be a close match or a fun colour or pattern. We cannot always offer an exact colour and fabric match, but we will do our best to get it as close as possible if a colour match is requested. Please don’t be afraid to ask to see the fabric if it helps put your mind at ease.

On the other hand, if you would like a contrasting patch, just ask! We LOVE a funky patch here at Snowdonia Gear Repair.

Does my item need to be clean before it is repaired?

Yes it does. Please note anything that isn’t clean may incur a cleaning fee. Click here to shop our cleaning products.

I’m not sure what repair I need

Feel free to send us an email with some photos and we will get back to you explaining repair options and a quote. When providing photos, please send close ups of the damage and a photo of the whole item if possible.

How long do repairs take?

Our current turn around time is located on the banner at the top of our homepage. This can change depending on the time of the year (we are often much busier during the winter months, so get your kit booked in during the summer months if possible).

We offer a fast-track service for a nominal fee of £5. This puts your repair at the head of the queue, guaranteeing a turn around time of 3-5 business days from the time you confirm the quote, but please do allow additional time on top of this if you are posting.

Can I DIY a repair?

Of course! We have an extensive range of products available to buy from our website for this reason. Click here to see our Gear Care range. If you’re unsure of what you need, please feel free to send us an email and we can advise.

How do I fix my clothes, bag, tent, or sleeping bag myself?

If you’d like to give DIY a try but you still need to learn how to patch or fix a zip, you’re welcome to attend our repair club. Bring your item and we’ll teach you how to fix it, as well as provide materials. You might also choose to attend a repair workshop if there is an area of repair that particularly interests you.

My jacket is no longer waterproof, why is this?

There could be a few different reasons. The mains ones being: 

• The item may have small rips and tears.

• Seam sealing failures and fabric delamination. 

• Oil and dirt has built up over time, which means it likely needs a wash.

Please note, we are able to replace seam tape, so long as no more than 20% on the item has failed.

Do you offer a wash and reproof service?

We will be doing very, very soon! In the meanwhile, here are some links to other wash and reproof providers. Please note some will only accept items of their own brand.

• Rab

• Scottish Mountain Gear (down items only)

• Alpkit Heathersage

• Finisterre

• Grangers

Can you fix my zipper? How do I know what’s wrong with it?

Yes, we fix zippers. If there is no obvious damage to the zip, but it’s coming apart after you zip it up, then it’s most likely that the slider needs to be replaced. We also may be able to replace a broken tooth, depending on the size. Sadly, if the teeth or tape are damaged then it’s likely you need a full zip replacement. Feel free to send us a photo if you’re unsure what is wrong with your zipper. The good news is that we can fix any of the above problems.

Can you repair tents and awnings?

Yes, we do! For anything larger than a two-person tent, please call in advance and we will get it booked in for you. Please do not just turn up with it as we have limited storage in the workshop.

Please bring the item to us folded and clean, and with the damaged area as isolated as possible and easily accessible. 

*Please note it is your responsibility to locate all damage and make it visible for us. We are unable to inspect large awnings and tents fully due to space constraints.*

How do I get my gear to you?

You are more than welcome to drop in at our workshop in Y Felinheli, where you will be promptly greeted by Alma, our head of customer care pooch, and then one of us swiftly after! If we do not appear, please ring the bell.

We also offer a drop off service at both Joe Brown shops in Eryri, these are located in Llanberis and at Capel Curig. We collect and drop off repaired items every Monday afternoon. 

Lastly, you are welcome to post your item to us. See below for our address. Return postage is charged at £5.35 for a tracked 48-hour service with royal mail which includes £150 compensation cover.

Snowdonia Gear Repair, Hen Ysgol Aberpwll, Y Felinheli, Bangor, Gwynedd LL56 4JS

I’m not happy with my repair, what should I do?

If you are not satisfied with your repair, please get in touch within 14 days, and we will assess the repair and work out a solution. If the repair hasn’t met our high standards, we will offer a repeat repair or repair refund.

How does getting a repair help the planet?

The most eco-friendly, sustainable clothing is the clothing you already have. By choosing to repair instead of replace, you are stopping pollution. Since most outdoor gear is made from synthetic materials, this is especially important - 8% of European microplastics released to oceans are from synthetic textiles — globally, this figure is estimated at 16-35%, according the the European Environment agency. Every item counts toward slowing this trend :)

Do you also have a shop?

Yes, we have a second hand shop at our workshop here in North Wales. We repair second hand clothes, so each item in the shop is completely unique and may have a brand spanking new patch or zipper.

We also make bags and stuff sacks out of upcycled fabric. We’re proud that everything we make keeps textile waste out of the landfill and is made here in the UK by our lovely team.

Finally, we have a sister company called Dirtbags. They make gear out of upcycled climbing rope.