UKC

Hi,

Do you have any recommendations for a competitive/cheap repair service for a down gilet?  I've used Alpkit in the past but they're quoting £35 to repair 2-3 holes which seems a bit steep (my gilet is much loved but about 15 years old and mostly used for gardening). 

They first patched this gilet up in the noughties - when I phoned to asked about repairs back then it was free, as long as I 'included a couple of bags of sweets' in the package I guess they have to move with the times!

David 

Duck Tape.

If you want a neat and effective repair pay the very reasonable £35 for a skilled professional to do their work. Alpkit essentially made my £300 down jacket look like new after I committed to a very ungracefull belly mantle on gritstone in it.   

If you want a cheap repair Decathlon sell black down repair patches. If you want a colour match, then sail tape usually comes in a variety of colours. All sub £10.

if you want a really cheap repair use any old duct tape and replace when needed. 

If you want the best of both you can make your own patch to cover the entire damaged baffle. Fairly easy if its not a box baffle down garment. 

You could try RWC gear repairs in Penrith. They did a nice job replacing a zip for me last year.

JW