It’s October, and the weather has officially transitioned to fall here in Portland, OR. We’ve been getting beautiful sunny days here in the Northwest, but the nights have been getting noticeably colder. It’s the time of year when I actually zip up my sleeping bag when I go camping, which brings me to the topic of today’s blog post: how to fix a sleeping bag zipper.
I invested good money in my sleeping bag, because it’s one of the most important pieces of equipment I take backpacking. I need it to maintain body heat, and hopefully get a good night’s sleep in the process. It’s lightweight, comfortable, breathes well, and it keeps me warm. It wasn’t cheap either. I’ve never had a problem with the zipper on my sleeping bag (knock on wood), but I consider myself lucky because a number of my friends have run into this exact problem. So, what are your options if the zipper slider on your sleeping bag wears out or breaks? Here are a few options for how to fix your sleeping bag zipper (and of course the FixnZip® is in there).
Your first option would be to take it to a seamstress. You’ll get your sleeping bag back good as new, but it will also run you anywhere from $60-$100, depending on their pricing. This is only a viable option if you're in town and not using the bag. But what if the zipper breaks when you’re out backpacking?
McNett has a field zipper repair kit that runs about $9.95. It involves unstitching the seam, putting on a new slider, and sewing the seam back up. It includes 5 sliders, but each one fits a specific size and style (i.e. a #5 tooth and a #5 coil). This option is definitely cheaper than the seamstress, but it requires you to do the sewing, and you have to carry multiple zipper sliders for each specific size and style.
The best solution? Naturally I’m partial to this option, but the FixnZip® is great for sleeping bag zipper repair, whether you’re at home or on the trail. For sleeping bags, you can take a look at our video on how to measure zipper size, but I recommend the size Medium. It fits zipper sizes 5-8 and works on both tooth and coil zippers. It does not require tools or sewing, and takes only seconds to install, which makes it a great option for repairing zippers in the field. A single runs just $10.99, and you can order it here.
Below is a video showing Ray, our President and CEO, using the FixnZip® on his daughter’s sleeping bag.
As you can see in the video, the FixnZip® is easy to use on a sleeping bag. I highly recommend keeping a few in your first aid kit when you're backpacking, just in case the zipper goes out on any of your gear. As always, if you have any questions about this post or have a topic you would like me to cover, comment below or hit me up on Twitter or Facebook. You can also contact us here.
Jonathan
There are plenty of camping survival guides out there already, but there's not much when it comes to glamping. Don't worry, Glampers, I've got you covered.
There must be a broken tent zipper epidemic going on, because the majority of the phone calls I’ve received this week are from people who need a tent zipper repair. Actually, it probably has more to do with the fact that spring is here, and people are digging their camping gear out of the garage and finding broken zippers. If you’re having the same problem, just take a deep breath. You’re not alone and there is help.
When it comes to broken tent zippers, it’s usually one of two things: The zipper slider came off or the teeth aren’t connecting anymore. Either way, you can’t close your tent and that’s a problem. In both of the scenarios, the zipper slider (the thing that goes up and down the track, connecting the teeth) is worn out and needs to be replaced. This might come as a surprise, if you recently bought the tent or spent a lot of money on it. Put simply: most zippers are cheap pieces of junk (yes, even the ones on your expensive camping gear). What’s worse is that a lot of manufactures do not warranty zippers. You can try calling the retailer or manufacturer, but most people are told to go buy a new tent. You could always take your tent to an alterations shop or a seamstress. The process usually involves un-stitching the broken zipper and sewing in a new one. This can easily cost over $100, which search the internet for a cheaper solution and end up finding us.
We manufacture a tent zipper replacement called the FixnZip®. It’s easy to use and requires no tools or sewing to install. It’s made of zinc and is nickel plated, so it is strong and built to last. It’s also entirely manufactured/produced/ assembled in the USA. It’s perfect for tent zipper repair, and can also be used on other outdoor gear. We sell it for $9.99 on our online store, and we also have a “Buy 3 get 1 Free + Free Domestic S&H” promo going.
Of course, we think it’s a great solution… we sell it. But don’t just take our word for it. See what other industry pros have said about it:
Watch the Video below to see how to repair a broken tent zipper using FixnZip® (Note: It’s easier to put the FixnZip® on before you set up the tent.)
What Size do I need?
Most likely a Medium. The majority of camping tents use zippers that fall within our Medium size range. The Medium alone fits zipper sizes 5, 6, 7, 8 and will work on nylon, plastic, and metal teeth or coils. Unless it’s a large canvas tent used for outdoor events, there’s a good chance the Medium will work for your tent.
Can I measure my zipper, just to be sure I get the right one?
Absolutely. Click here to use the measuring guide on our website.
Do I need Nickel or Graphite?
It’s a matter of color preference. The Nickel is brighter and the Graphite is darker. Other than that, they are exactly the same.
What if it doesn’t work?
Send it back and we’ll issue you a full refund.
Miscellaneous tips for installing on a tent:
The great thing is that FixnZip® can be used on a tent, sleeping bag, or backpack etc. So don’t wait until you’re out camping and the zipper breaks before you buy one. Keep a spare in your first aid kit just to be prepared. If you have any questions, feel free to call/email, or hit us up on Facebook or Twitter. Now get out there and hit the trail!
Jonathan
