Gear Gone Wrong: How to Fix It Without Losing Your Cool

So, your tent has a gaping hole, your hiking boots are missing half the sole, and your backpack strap snapped mid-trail, leaving you MacGyvering with duct tape for the third time this month. Congratulations! You’ve officially entered the world of outdoor gear repair—a mystical realm where a simple needle and thread can mean the difference between camping under the stars or under a trash bag.

But where do you actually learn to fix this stuff? Fear not, fellow outdoor enthusiast. I’ve compiled a list of places and resources to turn you into a full-blown gear repair wizard (or at least good enough to keep your tent standing). Let’s dive in.

1. YouTube University: The Home of “I Can Totally Do That”

YouTube: the place where dreams are born, and your confidence level in DIY projects skyrockets after watching a 3-minute video. Whether you want to learn how to sew a busted sleeping bag, resole your favorite hiking boots, or patch up your inflatable raft that’s deflating faster than your enthusiasm, YouTube’s got you covered.

Some Channels to Check Out:

• Fixing It With Fred: Fred’s been sewing, stitching, and saving broken gear since the dawn of time. Or at least since he tore his tent in Yosemite. His videos are a mixture of detailed gear repairs and light roasting of why your stuff breaks in the first place.

• Solely About Soles: Think resoling your hiking shoes is rocket science? Think again! This channel turns it into an art form, complete with dramatic “before and after” shots of your sad, bald soles transformed into trail-ready beasts.

Pro Tip: Before you dive in, remember—you’ll watch the video once and think, “This looks easy.” But by the second watch, you’ll be Googling how to untangle your sewing thread. Be patient, young grasshopper.

2. REI Workshops: For the Hands-On Learner Who Fears No Needle

If you’re like me and can’t quite trust yourself with sharp objects (looking at you, sewing needles), REI often hosts gear repair workshops. These are great if you need to physically touch and fix things in a room full of people who won’t laugh at your hand-eye coordination.

What’s cool is they often have real gear you can practice on before unleashing your newfound skills on your own (more expensive) stuff. And if nothing else, you’ll meet other outdoor nerds who also have a garage full of broken gear they swear they’ll fix someday.

Bonus Tip: They sometimes even have free beer at these events, so if your stitching sucks, at least your attitude will stay positive.

3. Your Grandma’s Sewing Kit: The Original Gear Repair Pro

Don’t underestimate Grandma’s sewing knowledge. If anyone’s been dealing with busted seams and worn-out fabrics longer than you’ve been on this planet, it’s her. Plus, she’s been sewing through World Wars and fashion trends, so I guarantee she can teach you how to repair a backpack strap like a champ.

If your grandma’s not nearby (or isn’t into the outdoors), swing by the local sewing or fabric shop. They may not hike, but trust me—they know more about fabric repair than anyone at your campsite. Plus, you’ll learn phrases like “double overlock stitch,” which will make you sound 100x smarter around your trail buddies.

4. The Local Cobbler: Yeah, They Still Exist

Ever wonder where old-school cobblers went? Turns out, they’re still out there saving shoes and boots one sole at a time. And yes, they can help with those hiking boots you love too much to replace.

If you’re feeling ambitious, you can even ask your cobbler for a few tips on how to DIY basic repairs on your own. They may give you a “sure, good luck with that” look, but hey, knowledge is power. And it might save you from having to resole your boots with duct tape and hope.

5. Reddit: Where You’ll Get 27 Opinions in 2 Minutes

Reddit’s outdoor gear repair threads are like crowdsourcing advice from people who may or may not know what they’re talking about—but that’s half the fun! If you need immediate solutions (or at least a laugh), head over to r/CampingGear or r/Outdoors and post your dilemma.

Example post: "My backpack’s bottom seam blew out while hiking in the rain. What’s the best way to stitch it back together so I don’t lose all my trail mix?"

You’ll get responses ranging from “Buy a new one” (the lazy option) to “Have you tried using fishing line? It’s basically indestructible.” The possibilities are endless, just like your need for snacks.

6. Your Own Two Hands: You Gotta Start Somewhere

Look, sometimes you just have to take a deep breath, grab a needle and thread, and try it yourself. Start small, like stitching a hole in your jacket or sewing a patch on your backpack. Maybe it’ll look a little wonky at first (character!), but the more you practice, the better you’ll get.

And when you finally pull off a solid repair, bask in the glory. Hold up your newly fixed gear like Simba in “The Lion King” and declare victory over the forces of wear and tear. You’ve earned it.

Final Thoughts: You Got This!

Outdoor gear repair doesn’t have to be a soul-crushing experience (even if your gear’s soul—er, sole—is literally crushed). Whether you learn from YouTube, REI workshops, or grandma’s tried-and-true methods, there’s something satisfying about keeping your gear alive just a little longer.

And when you finally master sewing, patching, and resoling, you’ll not only save a ton of money—you’ll also become the person everyone turns to when their gear breaks. Which, as we know, it always does.

Happy fixing, friends! Now get out there and show that tent who’s boss.