There, I Fixed It!

Ski Pants DIY Repair

Patagonia doesn't want you to buy their jacket. Well ... only if you've already worn out and recycled the one you already have. I'm already there. Call me frugal, or worse, but I try to buy durable stuff and use it until it's ready for the rag pile. Patagonia has gone one step further and will recycle everything they make. But first, I have a pair of ski pants that need repair.

I'm pretty good at sewing busted seams and popped buttons. So, repairing a rip isn't much harder. I used heavy-duty nylon thread to close and reinforce the rip. Seam sealer from an outdoor gear shop will waterproof the back of the repair. If you're not as skilled with needle and thread or you have a more 'technical' fabric check with the manufacturer first.

If you've never repaired a pair of pants, a shirt or even darned a hole in your socks don't worry. Start with something simple like a popped button and build your skills from there. Below are a couple of outdoor clothing repair guides for more how-to fix it info. You can also find many shops that make repairing tents, jackets or shoes their business.

In the meantime, check out the Common Threads Initiative. Of course it promotes Patagonia, but it also promotes a smarter attitude toward buying and using outdoor gear. And that's what sustainability and the Snow Code are about.

Patagonia Common Threads Pledge
REDUCE - WE make useful gear that lasts a long time YOU don't buy what you don't need
REPAIR - WE help you repair your Patagonia gear YOU pledge to fix what's broken
REUSE - WE help find a home for Patagonia gear you no longer need YOU sell or pass it on*
RECYCLE - WE will take back your Patagonia gear that is worn out YOU pledge to keep your stuff out of the landfill and incinerator
REIMAGINE - TOGETHER we reimagine a world where we take only what nature can replace

More Info:

EcoDaddyo.com - Darn!

Google Books - Sew and Repair Your Outdoor Gear by Louise Lindgren Sumner

The Ruck Sack - Repair Your Own Wilderness Gear

Patagonia Common Threads Initiative