If I can extend the life of something, I try to! A few years ago, I had to go to multiple black-tie events in a single month for work and instead of buying new dresses, I thrifted a couple dresses that were a little big and did some minor tailoring myself. I only spent about 20 minutes on each dress, so I thought it would be obvious to everyone that I had made amateur alterations, but instead I just got compliments all night of each of them! That was a lightbulb moment for me that no one else is looking as closely at my repairs as I am!
This is super cool, I am amazed that you even presented the topic at a conference! I like to spend an evening mending my clothes, but I had no idea how to fix other outdoor gear. Totally agree that it doesn't need to be pretty - arguably, outdoor gear is more impressive if it looks like it has been in use! I didn't even know that gear tape exists - just found out that it's available in Europe too... Thanks :)
Gear tape is amazing! I used to carry duct tape with me for repairs on trips and while it works in an emergency, I've found that it doesn't stay adhered well to fabric for long term use. The company that makes Tenacious Tape is called GearAid and I like browsing their website to see all the adhesives and sprays and whatnot that they sell because it inspires me to repair more gear!
We paid a local seamstress (who specializes in repairing outdoor gear) to fix the seams on our old tent, and felt pretty virtuous about "reusing" instead of buying new. But you take things to a whole new level! You always offer great tips--thank you for this--though I'm trying to figure out how this screw (or the bolt holding it in place) isn't digging into your foot? It might be time to invest in your career as a stellar outdoor writer and enjoy a new pair of boots. Just saying!
Because the flat head of the screw is flush and tight against the leather and there is a fair bit of padding on the inside of the shoe, the screw is not felt at against my foot at all! The part that extends past the leather is all on the outer part of the shoe (you can see the threading of the screw and the nut in the photo).
When I made this repair, the boots were barely 1.5 years old and I only used them for volunteer trailwork, so I was pretty annoyed that a small issue like a broken rivet would ruin the whole boot when I had only put limited miles on them. Though at this point they probably are due to be replaced in the not-so-distant future!
Good to know! I'll take a closer look at the photo. Funny, when I read your comment quickly, I thought you wrote "the boots were barely 15 years old" and gulped. Agreed, the boots should last longer--and glad you were able to find a good fix.
You’re amazing! I feel as if your concepts could apply to more than outdoors gear. Pass the tape.
If I can extend the life of something, I try to! A few years ago, I had to go to multiple black-tie events in a single month for work and instead of buying new dresses, I thrifted a couple dresses that were a little big and did some minor tailoring myself. I only spent about 20 minutes on each dress, so I thought it would be obvious to everyone that I had made amateur alterations, but instead I just got compliments all night of each of them! That was a lightbulb moment for me that no one else is looking as closely at my repairs as I am!
That must be so satisfying.
This is super cool, I am amazed that you even presented the topic at a conference! I like to spend an evening mending my clothes, but I had no idea how to fix other outdoor gear. Totally agree that it doesn't need to be pretty - arguably, outdoor gear is more impressive if it looks like it has been in use! I didn't even know that gear tape exists - just found out that it's available in Europe too... Thanks :)
Gear tape is amazing! I used to carry duct tape with me for repairs on trips and while it works in an emergency, I've found that it doesn't stay adhered well to fabric for long term use. The company that makes Tenacious Tape is called GearAid and I like browsing their website to see all the adhesives and sprays and whatnot that they sell because it inspires me to repair more gear!
Haha they should pay you, I will buy all their stuff now, thanks to you!
We paid a local seamstress (who specializes in repairing outdoor gear) to fix the seams on our old tent, and felt pretty virtuous about "reusing" instead of buying new. But you take things to a whole new level! You always offer great tips--thank you for this--though I'm trying to figure out how this screw (or the bolt holding it in place) isn't digging into your foot? It might be time to invest in your career as a stellar outdoor writer and enjoy a new pair of boots. Just saying!
Because the flat head of the screw is flush and tight against the leather and there is a fair bit of padding on the inside of the shoe, the screw is not felt at against my foot at all! The part that extends past the leather is all on the outer part of the shoe (you can see the threading of the screw and the nut in the photo).
When I made this repair, the boots were barely 1.5 years old and I only used them for volunteer trailwork, so I was pretty annoyed that a small issue like a broken rivet would ruin the whole boot when I had only put limited miles on them. Though at this point they probably are due to be replaced in the not-so-distant future!
Good to know! I'll take a closer look at the photo. Funny, when I read your comment quickly, I thought you wrote "the boots were barely 15 years old" and gulped. Agreed, the boots should last longer--and glad you were able to find a good fix.