Does any tent manufacturer promise to have replacement parts?
A few years ago I got a 2-person tent for backpacking. At some point, I let the rain fly get too hot. It became sticky and its waterproof coating peeled.
I tried to buy a replacement rain fly, but apparently the manufacturer has discontinued the tent model and no longer sells its parts.
This seems unreasonable to me. I want to buy a tent knowing that if I damage it beyond repair, I'll be able to buy replacement parts. I don't think that tent technology changes too fast to allow this.
Does any tent manufacturer promise to sell replacement parts for some predefined period of time?
Clarification
I'm not asking about warrantees, in case of product deficiencies. I'm concerned with those times when the damage is clearly my fault. I don't expect the manufacturer to pay for my mistakes.
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Tents, as far as replacement goes, are usually made of 3 parts:
- Fly
- Inner
- Poles
Poles can usually be repaired (to a point), or replaced with equivalent or with similar models with a little work.
Better yet is to use a tent that fits on straight poles, which can be replaced with trekking poles, or with standard straight poles. (MSR has some, for example).
As for fly and inner, the simpler the easier to mend, and the easier to replace one without the other. Typically, BD sells the Beta Light as 2 separated parts, and several cottages can make custom inner or fly that would fit with those. (And you can even make your own!)
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The problem you've got is that most of the larger brands are batch manufacturing in China or Vietnam. They bring the product over complete and don't hold spares of items such as flys and inners.
If you're looking for something lightweight, I think your best bet would be to use one of the established cottage manufacturers like Tarptent, Mountain Laurel Designs, Stephensons or Z-Packs. Smaller players include Trekkertent, Six Moon Designs and Bearpaw Wilderness Designs.
These companies make to order in their own workshops, so are much more flexible and service oriented. They offer a repair service, and if you need a replacement they will simply make something up for you.The downside is that they usually cost a bit more and can have waiting lists.
You could also look at companies that supply schools, Scouts etc. For example in the UK, Blacks of Greenock have classic models such as the Force Tens where they have supplied a full set of spares for literally half a century. They update the materials but the designs remain the same. Obviously, these tend to be heavier and less cutting-edge, but very robust and reliable.
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Your mileage will vary by manufacturer, tent technology might not change, but designs do quite a lot (just to keep you wanting the next thing...)
Check out REI - they have a 100% full return or replacement guarantee on all purchases that extends pretty much for eternity. I demand a lot of my gear, and even when it has let me down, REI never has.
Update: Sometime in 2014/15? REI changed their policy to a 1 year no-questions-asked return guarantee. Likely due to people abusing the program (as evidenced by the stuff you'll find for sale in their "garage sale" events).
(Note: I am no way - nor have I ever been - associated with REI)
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