Dare to repair
As well as making long lasting products, we also ensure some of their components can be repaired.
At Quechua, located at the foot of Mont-Blanc, we've been designing products for more than 20 years.
Inventive, innovative, clever, easy-to-use products for hiking and camping.
But for us, inventiveness also means thinking about their environmental impact.
We make products that can withstand the test of time, not disposable products.
Products that you can take on your many outdoor adventures.
So we focus on the design of every single product, providing guaranteed fun and protection while hiking or during your nights under the stars.
And there are several ways of achieving this.
A long lasting product, yes, but how?
When we talk about durability, there are three main concepts that come to mind.
1/ Eco-design which aims to limit as much as possible the environmental impact of our products. For the last 10 years we have been committed to adopting eco-design. More than 160 Quechua products already comply with an ecodesign approach.
2/ Test, test and re-test. We do our utmost to provide high-quality products, capable of withstanding the test of time. Which is why we test all of our products both in the laboratory, as well as in real-life conditions. We get to enjoy some great hiking and shared experiences... And, occasionally, nightmare moments! Camping in the rain is useful for testing a product but not necessarily pleasant, just like testing hiking shoes that are still under development. We test their wear, function, assembly and materials, in all the conditions that you would encounter when hiking or camping.
In this way, we are able to ensure that our products meet the demands of the sport over time. And it's thanks to these various tests and adjustments that we are able to guarantee our different tents with their varying functions.
Before thinking about developing repair solutions, we ensure the durability of our products through 3 types of test:
- fabric resistance tests (e.g. Martindale abrasion test)
- assembly resistance tests (ex: the jerk test improving the resistance on the handle and the straps of our backpacks)
- field tests, in real conditions (ex: durability missions of 4 to 6 weeks).
After these tests, our engineers reinforce weak areas and evaluate the relevance of developing a repair part.
3/ Our product repairability. We do our utmost to provide tough and long-lasting products, but a torn jacket or broken pole is something that can happen when out hiking.
So, whenever possible, we focus on product repairability! It really would be a great shame to have to throw away your damaged equipment when, sometimes, it can be very easy to repair.
Our product design gives consideration to product end-of-life and aims to: repair rather than throw away!
OK, we'll tell you a bit more!
Tents
Camping is synonymous with tents (except for those who enjoy spending nights under starry skies!). They provide genuine protection against the elements and guarantee a dry night and memorable times. But before you set off camping, we recommend you check that your tent is in good condition. This will allow you to really make the most of your experience and enjoy some fantastic nights.
Oh dear! has your tent lost its lustre? You should know that the environmental impact of a discarded tent is the equivalent of travelling more than 3,000 km by car. To reduce this impact, Decathlon is committed to ensuring that all its tents can be repaired and will be in perfect condition once repaired!
In addition, all our tents are guaranteed against possible manufacturing defects. We will carry out any necessary repairs free of charge if the tent is still under guarantee. If you are a DIY enthusiast or a practical type, you can follow our various tutorials and repair your tent yourself.
Tent tutorials
Visit our Decathlon support site and select the appropriate tent.
Here is some information about possible repairs. For example:
REPAIRING A POLE
You can repair a pole in 3 simple steps: identify the relevant pole on your tent diagram, order the part on-line or from your local workshop and then follow the steps in the video.
REPAIRING A FLY SHEET
The fly sheet of a tent is the visible external part (sometimes called the "tent canvas"). Again, replacing it is very easy; you just need to order the spare part for your particular tent, either in store or online, and follow the steps outlined in the following video.
But there's also a much faster and cheaper solution: self-adhesive patch that allows you to repair tears. Depending on the quality of the product used, this repair can last the tent's entire lifetime. Which means you'll have your tent for many more years to come!
WORKSHOP SERVICES
Of course, you can carry out all the repairs outlined here yourself; alternatively, if you're not comfortable doing so, you can entrust your tent to your local Decathlon store workshop. Thanks to the services we provide, you should be able to repair your tent so that it looks as good as new!
Backpacks
Your backpack is your best friend when trekking or hiking. It carries your things, serves as a backrest during breaks and bravely endures the narrow passages and rock walls. In short, it’s indispensable and when you find the right backpack, there’s only one thing you want to do: keep it for as long as possible.
So we have to take care of it. But one day, just as you're about to hit the trails, the zip or clip on your bag might break or you may even find a hole! No need to panic, we'll explain how to repair it!
Backpack tutorials
REPAIRING A CLIP ON A BACKPACK
Good news, you should be able to solve this problem in less than a minute as our bags are designed to be easy to repair! The most difficult thing is working out which type of clip you need to replace:
- chest clip or chest strap
- stomach clip (38 mm)
- top flap clips (20 or 25 mm depending on bag)
- side compression clips (20 or 25 mm depending on bag)
- clips and straps under bag (25 mm).
To learn how to repair a broken clip, take a look at our video tutorial
REPAIRING A HOLE ON A BACKPACK
- A small hole in the front of the bag: if you want a quick fix that doesn’t require any particular skill, go for adhesive repair tape (or a patch). Cut two rectangles with rounded edges, measuring one or two centimetres more than the size of the tear. Then, stick one on the inside of your bag and one on the outside, keeping the fabric nice and flat. You can also go for a more personalized sewn patch as a memory of your adventures.
- A hole in the base of the bag: if the hole isn't too big, you can also use some adhesive repair tape (or patch). Otherwise we suggest you entrust it to the expert hands of a cobbler who will provide the necessary care to put your backpack in a good condition.
REPAIRING A BACKPACK ZIP
Is your zip broken? Go to your in store workshop or a professional tailor. Changing a zip without any sewing skills is a bit tricky. But it does mean that you'll get to enjoy your bag for many years so it's worth it!
And if your bag can't be repaired, remember that all our backpacks come with a 10-year guarantee!
Jackets
A waterproof jacket is an essential piece of hiking equipment so you can hike in any weather. Of course, we’d rather it stayed in the bag, but if needed, we’re always happy to have one! And because it's a significant investment and not used that often, you want to be able to enjoy it for as long as possible.
But if your jacket gets torn when walking past rocks or snagged or an aggressive bush, don't think about sewing it or applying a heat-activated patch: making a hole would create a way in for water and reduce its waterproof properties. Check out all our tips to help maintain your jacket.
Jacket tutorials
REPAIRING A HOLE
Your greatest ally: self-adhesive repair patch!
Cut out a round-cornered rectangle one or two centimetres larger than the size of the tear and glue it to the fabric nice and flat. It's very easy, just check out our video tutorial below!
REPAIRING A ZIP
Changing a zip is possible, but a bit tricky because anchor stitches are added normally for improved product durability and to strengthen the seams. And, if it's a rain jacket, a seal tape is attached to the inside to ensure the jacket remains watertight. In fact, holes produced by the needle when sewing create entry points for water. Contact the workshop at your local store to assess the problem and discuss repair options. Sometimes, if it's simply a question of changing the bottom stop of a worn slider, then it may still be possible to repair.
REACTIVATING YOUR JACKET'S WATER-REPELLENT PROPERTIES
The water-repellent property of a fabric is its ability to let water slide off its surface without absorbing it. This prevents the fabric from soaking up water and keeps it lightweight and breathable. The fabric is made water-repellent by treating its outer surface. However, this property may deteriorate with use. To extend the water-repellency of your jacket, you can use a spray to reactivate its water-repellent properties! Otherwise, you can reactivate the water-repellency of your jacket by following our waterproofing tutorial, so you can stay dry in all weathers!
It's normally possibly to repair most products that you use for hiking. Sometimes, all it takes is a needle and a bit of thread!
If you prefer to transform your products rather than repair them, our design teams have prepared several tutorials aimed at extending product use, for example by making washable wipes or a bag for washable wipes.
Happy repairing! So long live your favourite products!
