backpack repair?

[Makwa]

The mesh side pockets on my daypack have ripped. Any ideas on how to repair them?

I was toying around with the idea of using those iron-on patches that long ago were used on ripped jeans (or dungarees if you're really old). One on the inside, one on the outside, and the mesh in the middle. Think it'll work?

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[DackerDan]

If it was made by a reputable company they will most likely repair it for free, you should start with an email to the company and find out if they can help you first.

[Commissionpoint]

Then there is always it was made in China by a schlock house, and they will laugh at the idea of customer service. In which case I support the 'dungaree patch' proposal in full.

A new pack is an option, theres that too.

[Makwa]

Originally Posted by Commissionpoint

Then there is always it was made in China by a schlock house, and they will laugh at the idea of customer service. In which case I support the 'dungaree patch' proposal in full.

A new pack is an option, theres that too.

Already is a new pack... used 4 times. Not sure if it's just shoddy construction or if the pouches were torn in close quarters on a narrow herdpath (Hough from Dix was of the 4 trips the pack was used on.)

Made by REI. Not sure if that falls under schlock house or not but sending what is now my only daypack to be fixed seems like a non-starter. Until I got it back I'd be walking around the woods with pretty full pockets.

I think the dungaree patch option is starting to look good. Maybe I could find one with a peace symbol, Keep on Truckin', marijuana leaf, or yellow smiley face on it.

[paul ron]

Take it to REI n let them replace it for ya. They are really good about that sort of thing.

[Makwa]

Unfortunately, the nearest REI to me is 140 miles away. The gas there and back almost costs more than the pack, and mailing it seems like money out the window plus time to get a replacement for what amounts to a $70 pack. Plus there's no guarantee the new or repaired pack won't rip the same way.

Replace with a different model you say? For whatever reason (fit, weight distribution, or dumb luck) this pack has left me with zero knee pain on my descents. In previous years I've worn knee braces on the way down to curb the pain. This year... no pain & no braces. I hesitate to change up anything while my luck (and pain-free knees) are running good. That's why I posted such a seemingly inane question here. I really don't want to part with the pack for any length of time or switch it out if it's miraculously responsible for my knees not hurting recently.

[Makwa]

Originally Posted by Rik

Do you really need mesh side pockets?

No. They could be solid fabric, cargo netting, or even light-weight aluminum for all I care, as long as they hold the 2 water bottles with Gatorade G2 that I always carry in them.

[paul ron]

How about taking it to your local taylor or shoe maker n see if either can fix it?.. you may have to supply them with the material.

My shoe maker has a special sewing machine that can get inside places my taylor's can't. I generally let him do all my customised stitching for me. He only charges me a few bucks for his time.

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