Colin Snow
If you're looking to replace the zipper on your sleeping bag, there are a few options available to you. You could try replacing the zipper yourself, either by sewing a new zipper over the old one or by removing the old zipper and stitching a new one in its place. If you choose to do it yourself, you can find replacement zippers for sleeping bags online at retailers like Amazon and ZipperShipper, as well as at local craft stores like Joanne Fabrics. On the other hand, if you'd prefer to have a professional handle the repair, you can reach out to companies that specialize in gear repairs, such as REI or Rainy Pass Repair, or look for local businesses that offer sewing and alteration services.
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What You'll Learn
Repair services like Rainy Pass Repair or Specialty Outdoors
Rainy Pass Repair is a Seattle-based company that specialises in sewing repairs for outdoor gear. They offer a range of services for sleeping bags, including zipper replacement, patching, and professional laundering. They also provide repairs for tents, packs, and down garments. Their technicians are skilled in replacing both zipper sliders and full zippers, restoring gear to its original factory finish.
To initiate the repair process, Rainy Pass Repair provides a repair form on their website, where customers can seek quotes and ask questions. They promise a technician's response within 48 hours.
Specialty Outdoors is another option for sleeping bag zipper replacement. They offer custom modifications and gear repairs, including zipper replacements. Penny, the contact person, requests that customers provide the length of the zipper, as this affects the cost of the repair. It is important to note that Specialty Outdoors does not work on down products.
Both Rainy Pass Repair and Specialty Outdoors are reputable companies that can assist with sleeping bag zipper replacements. Rainy Pass Repair offers a comprehensive range of services and has skilled technicians, while Specialty Outdoors provides custom modifications and is recommended by several online sources.
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Local seamstresses or tailors
If the zipper on your sleeping bag is broken, you can take it to a local seamstress or tailor to get it replaced. This option will cost you somewhere between $60 and $100, depending on the pricing of the service in your area.
Before you take your sleeping bag to a local seamstress or tailor, you can try a few quick fixes yourself. If the slider won't move up and down, it might be stuck due to dirt, grit, or sticky substances. Try to remove any small particles of dirt or grime with a toothbrush. If the slider still won't budge, the zipper teeth may be damaged, and you will need to replace the slider. You can do this by purchasing a new zipper stopper and some new zipper sliders. Then, using a pair of end nippers and a pair of needle-nose pliers, remove the old stopper and sliders and slip on the new ones.
If you are unable to fix the zipper yourself, a local seamstress or tailor should be able to replace it. This option is only viable if you are in town and not using the bag. The process will likely cost you between $60 and $100, and you will need to find a local service that offers gear repairs.
If you are backpacking and your zipper breaks, you may need to purchase a field zipper repair kit. This option is cheaper than a seamstress, but it requires you to do the sewing yourself. The kit includes five sliders, but each one fits a specific size and style, so you will need to carry multiple zipper sliders for each size and style.
If you choose to take your sleeping bag to a local seamstress or tailor, be sure to find a service that offers gear repairs. You can search for "places in [your town] that do alterations" to find local businesses that offer these services.
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Shoe repair shops
If the zipper on your sleeping bag is broken, you may be able to fix it without having to replace the entire zipper. If the teeth of the zipper are still intact, for example, you may just need to replace the slider. This is a quick fix that can be done by almost anyone.
However, if you don't feel confident doing this yourself, or if the teeth of the zipper are damaged, you could take your sleeping bag to a shoe repair shop. Shoe repair shops are well-equipped to deal with zipper issues, and they can replace the slider with a high-quality one for a relatively low cost.
If there are no shoe repair shops in your area, you could try contacting a local tailor or seamstress, as they should also be able to replace the zipper. You could also consider contacting a company that specializes in gear repairs, such as REI or Specialty Outdoors. These companies may be able to provide a repair service, but it is likely that you will have to pay for it.
If you are unable to find a suitable repair service, or if you would prefer to replace the zipper yourself, there are several online tutorials that can guide you through the process. This typically involves removing the old zipper by ripping out the seam and then stitching a new zipper into place. However, it is worth noting that sewing a new zipper into a sleeping bag can be a time-consuming process and may not result in a perfect finish.
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Using a repair kit, such as the Gear Aid Zipper Repair Kit or the McNett field zipper repair kit
If your sleeping bag zipper is broken, you can try fixing it yourself using a repair kit. Gear Aid and McNett both offer zipper repair kits that can be used to fix troublesome zippers in the field or at home. These kits include an assortment of zipper sliders, a sewing kit, and a gear repair manual.
The Gear Aid Zipper Repair Kit includes six sliders for use on jackets, clothes, backpacks, luggage, tents, and more. It also includes a seam ripper, two #16 sewing needles, and one bobbin of super-strong thread. The McNett Zipper Repair Kit is similar and includes the same number and sizes of zipper sliders, as well as the same sewing kit accessories as the Gear Aid kit.
To use one of these kits to repair your sleeping bag zipper, first check that the teeth of the zipper are still intact. If they are, you can proceed with replacing the slider. Remove the old slider using a pair of end nippers and a pair of needle-nose pliers. Then, slip on the new slider from the kit and attach a new stopper. Check that your work is successful by zipping your sleeping bag open and closed a few times.
If the zipper's teeth are damaged, you may need to seek a professional repair service.
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Replacing the entire zipper by hand
If you're handy with a sewing machine, you can replace a sleeping bag zipper by hand. Here's a step-by-step guide:
First, check if the zipper slider is the issue. If the zipper pull has come off, or the slider is worn out and unable to join the zipper teeth together, you can replace just the slider. Get a pair of end nippers and needle-nose pliers, a new zipper stopper, and new sliders. Remove the old stopper and sliders, slip on the new sliders, and attach the new stopper.
If the zipper teeth are damaged, or the entire zipper is torn out of the bag, you'll need to replace the whole zipper. Start by fully opening the zipper and then pull one side of it away from the sleeping bag until you can see the threads that hold it in place. Use a seam ripper to rip out this seam, then repeat on the other side. Pin any straps in place before ripping out the seam, as they're usually sewn with the same thread. After the entire zipper has been removed, pull out any remaining threads.
Next, take your new zipper and pin it into place, following the original stitching line. Start at the top of the bag, a few inches below the very top. Pin both sides of the bag together along the old stitching lines, and make sure the bottom corners match up. Stitch along the old stitching line, and if your sewing machine can't handle the thickness of the fabric at the corners, you may have to hand-stitch this section.
Finally, turn the bag right side out and check the seams. Zip the bag open and closed a few times to make sure everything is working properly.
If you don't feel confident doing this yourself, you can take your sleeping bag to a repair service or a local tailor or seamstress.
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Frequently asked questions
You can find replacement zippers for sleeping bags online at retailers like Amazon, REI, and ZipperShipper.
Local seamstresses, tailors, and shops that do alterations should be able to replace a sleeping bag zipper. You can also contact companies that specialize in gear repair, such as Rainy Pass Repair or Specialty Outdoors.
You should provide the length of the zipper, as this will impact the cost. You may also need to specify whether the sleeping bag contains down, as some companies do not work on down products.
Yes, you can replace a sleeping bag zipper yourself if you have the necessary tools and know-how. You will need a sewing machine, needle-nose pliers, end nippers, a new zipper, and possibly other tools depending on the specific repair needed.
