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Repair, Reuse & Recycle: Extending the Life of Your Páramo Gear
Outdoor clothing is an investment and extending its life benefits both your wallet and the environment. Páramo has long promoted a repair, reuse and recycle approach, encouraging customers to treat garments as long-term companions rather than disposable items. By maintaining and caring for your gear, you not only save money but also reduce your environmental footprint. Making your clothing last longer is a simple but effective way to support sustainable outdoor practices.
Why Longevity Matters
Fast fashion has little place in the outdoors. High-quality, durable and repairable garments are designed to withstand harsh conditions year after year. Investing in long-lasting clothing reduces waste, minimises the demand for new products and lowers the overall environmental impact of your outdoor adventures.
Every jacket or midlayer that lasts a decade instead of a single season represents a small but meaningful step toward sustainability. Beyond environmental benefits, long-lasting clothing ensures reliable performance when you need it most – during wet, windy, or cold conditions. Knowing that your gear is dependable adds both comfort and peace of mind to your outdoor experience.
Repairing Outdoor Clothing
Many common issues – such as worn cuffs, broken zips, frayed seams, or minor tears – can be repaired rather than replaced. Paramo supports professional repair services that extend the functional life of garments significantly. Even small repairs make a big difference. For instance, a replaced zip, reinforced seam, or patched fabric can bring a jacket back to full performance, avoiding unnecessary waste.
Regularly checking your gear for wear and tear allows you to address minor problems before they become major issues, helping garments stay in use for years. Páramo’s professional repair service breathes new life into gear to keep it performing for you year in, year out.
Reproofing and Maintenance
Regular washing and reproofing are essential for maintaining waterproof performance. Páramo garments are designed to be cared for with Nikwax aftercare products, which clean the fabric while restoring its water-repellent finish. Unlike traditional waterproof coatings. These products maintain the jacket’s breathability, ensuring moisture moves away from your body even as the fabric repels water. For optimal performance, check the water-repellent finish and reproof your jacket once or twice per season, or whenever water stops beading on the surface. Proper storage – dry, ventilated and away from direct sunlight – also helps maintain performance and prevents fabric degradation.
Reuse and Second-Hand Gear
Well-maintained outdoor clothing can perform effectively for many years. Passing on gear you no longer need – through second-hand sales, donations, or swaps – extends its life and reduces demand for new products. Second-hand markets allow outdoor enthusiasts to give their gear a second life, making high-quality clothing more accessible while supporting a circular economy. Encouraging reuse also fosters a community of sustainable outdoor practices, where knowledge about gear care and repair is shared. This approach ensures that even older garments continue to deliver high performance in the field.
Recycling at End of Life
When a garment can no longer be repaired or reused, responsible recycling ensures the materials are repurposed wherever possible, reducing landfill waste. Páramo encourages recycling of old garments to recover fabrics, zips and other components, helping close the loop in the lifecycle of outdoor clothing. Even if a jacket has reached the end of its usable life, recycling it means its materials can contribute to new products, reducing reliance on virgin resources and supporting long-term sustainability in outdoor clothing production.
Sustainability Trends in Outdoor Clothing
Consumers are increasingly prioritising:
- Ethical and transparent manufacturing processes
- Professional repair services and long-lasting construction
- PFC-free waterproofing solutions
- Investment in high-quality gear rather than short-term, disposable clothing
Páramo’s approach aligns strongly with these trends, offering durable, repairable and environmentally considerate garments that perform for years while reducing overall impact. Their ethos demonstrates that sustainable outdoor gear doesn’t compromise performance – it enhances it.
FAQs: Caring for Páramo Gear
How long should a waterproof jacket last?
With proper care and maintenance, many Páramo jackets last a decade or more, retaining durable performance, comfort and reliability through years of outdoor use.
Can waterproof jackets be repaired?
Yes. Many components, such as zips, cuffs and seams, can be professionally repaired or replaced, extending the garment’s life and performance.
How often should I reproof my jacket?
Reproof your jacket when water stops beading on the surface, typically once or twice per season depending on frequency of use and weather exposure.
Does washing damage waterproof clothing?
No – correct washing actually improves performance by removing dirt, oils and pollutants that can reduce breathability. Always use recommended detergents, and follow care instructions carefully.
Why is repair better than replacement?
Repairing reduces waste, saves money and significantly lowers your environmental impact compared to buying a new jacket. It also preserves the fit, comfort and performance you’re already accustomed to.
