THIRD-PARTY SPECIALISTS

The slightly cheaper and sometimes faster option for kit repair can be a third-party mender. Not every gear brand has a service centre in the UK and some manufacturers will refer you to these approved firms for repairs instead.

There are footwear specialists such as Chesterfield’s Feet First, who offer an express repair service for an extra £25 (01246 260 795; resoles. co.uk). Burnley-based Lancashire Sports Repairs undertakes an exhaustive range of boot, clothing and equipment repairs by mail order. A standard Vibram resole is £65, while completely retaping a waterproof jacket costs from £54 (01282 439109;

lancashiresportsrepairs.co.uk). See also Scottish Mountain Gear in Musselburgh (0131 564 1000; scottishmountaingear.com).