DIY Tent Repairs

Practice Self-Reliance.

While we're always happy to fix gear in our repair center, the process can take time. Use this handy guide to make quick at-home or on-trail repairs that keep you from missing time with your gear. 

Patch A Mesh Hole

For smaller mesh holes we like Tenacious Tape Mesh Patches, which are feather light, compact, and have self-adhesive so you won’t need anything but the patch. We recommend using two, and sandwiching them to each other. Best part? The patch itself is made of the same screen as our tents, so your views of the Milky Way won’t be blemished. If you'd prefer a solid patch, or the mesh tear is too large for a mesh patch, regular Tenacious Tape will offer more adhesive per patch.

Patch a Body/Fly Hole

There are lots of great products out there for patching holes on your fly and tent body. Cult favorite at BA is Tenacious Tape, which comes in a variety of sizes. Throw a couple sections of tape and alcohol wipes in your first aid kit. If you have an accident in the backcountry, alcohol wipe the affected area, and apply the patch. This is a great permanent fix if sewing isn’t your forte. Gear Aid’s Tenacious tape is a great permanent fix to any nylon holes or tears.

Pro Tip: Please do not repair your gear with duct tape. Duct tape has a tendency to fall off, and it leaves behind residue that we are unable to stitch through. Removing duct tape can further damage your gear, and will make the repairs more difficult.

Apply A Pole Splint

Every Big Agnes tent comes with a pole repair splint. Accidents happen and wind can be vicious, so we have included a 6” metal repair splint for you to use in the event that you have a problem with your pole set. This handy item can be slipped over a bent or broken pole section to keep your pole system in working order until you get back to town. When you are out of the woods, send your poleset into us for repair. Submit a Claim Online to get started.

Replace a Pole Segment & Restring a Poleset

Before you get started with replacing a pole segment in your poleset, make sure you are totally set up to perform the repair. Each segments in your poleset is unique and can vary in length and diameter. Mark all the segments in your poleset prior to unstringing it so that you will be able to reassemble your poleset in the exact order it is designed to be assembled. Failure to reassemble your poleset correctly can lead to further damage to your tent that will not be covered under warranty.

For step-by-step replacement of pole segments, please refer to the following video:

Fix A Zipper

If you have a zipper that isn't functioning properly, your best bet is to send it into us for repair. If you are overseas, on the trail or unable to send in your zippers for repair we have a couple options for you:

1. FixNZip makes screw-on zippers. These are easy to use and ship all over the world. You can contact customer service Here or call us at 877.554.8975 with the year, make and model of your tent to determine what size zipper is right for your tent. 

Pro Tip: While FixNZip makes for a great on-trail temporary fix, for a permanent repair you'll want to get your zipper slider replaced via a sewing repair. 

2. We will happily send replacement zipper sliders anywhere in the world. You will need a seamstress or gear shop to put the sliders on for you (it requires some tools and sewing skills). If you would prefer to support your local gear shop or seamstress, please provide us with the year, make and model of your tent and where you would like your replacement sliders sent. 

3. Did we mention our repair techs are really good at what they do? If you get in a zipper jam, send in your gear and they will do their best to get it working again. Our repair techs will restore zipper functionality by replacing the zipper slider. If there is damage to the teeth/coil of the zipper please send photos before shipping to us, as this type of damage may not be repairable.

Most zipper repairs will cost $15 per zipper. If Big Agnes determines your products are covered under warranty, we will cover the cost of repairs as well as shipping back to you. The customer is responsible for shipping to our repair center for warranty evaluation and repair requests. Please read the attached Warranty Guidelines if you have any questions regarding warranty coverage.

Need Some Help While You Are Repairing Your Gear?

Don't worry, we will talk you through it! For the quickest service, please locate your tent year, make and model prior to calling us. You can find this information by locating a small rectangular, white, tag that is sewn into the seam of your tent body. It will say the model of tent you have, and codes starting with the letter "T", "J", or "Y" and a bunch of numbers. Find it? Great, give us a call at 877.554.8975.