First Light Zipper Issue

[nn76858]

Have a pair of First Light Sanctuary bibs for cold weather deer hunting. Love the bibs but my zipper is jammed up and needs fixing. Called first lite and the rep I spoke to wasn't much help. I live in North Carolina and recommendations on a place to ship them for repair thats not outlandish? I think their 2 years old and I bought them new but be hard to dig up proof purchase.....any advice be great thanks.....

 

[CObywayofUSAF]

Did they tell you no specifically because you didn't have proof of purchase? Pretty incredible they wouldn't help you out or at least do it if you covered the rides.

 

[nn76858]

I was told I could fill out a warranty claim w proof of purchase only and it would be reviewed or he knew a place in Idaho I could ship them and they would fix(3rd party full price etc.... )

 

[switchback7]

I had an issue with the zipper on my catalyst pants and they exchanged them for a new pair, no problem.

 

[Wrench]

I had the same sorry about your luck response.

 

[Tater86]

If you are unable to do the warranty claim, look for a local sew/tailor shop to have them fix it. Typically, they are relatively inexpensive for repairs.

 

[rrwildlife]

Were you able to find a good repair shop? I had one Sanctuary Jacket replaced for a failing zipper. I'm now at the point where the second Sanctuary needs repair (same issue as the first, the zipper separates). I have been looking at Rainy Pass Repairs and Rugged Threads. I need to figure out a solve before January!

 

[Macintosh]

Ive heard this issue come up before too, I havent had my samctuary bibs come apart but it seems theres something about the zipper used or the way they are worn/put on and taken off that causes an issue with some frequency. hope they help you. If not, rainy pass does excellent work. BUT, its a zipper on a non-waterproof garment with no down, so there is nothing special about the repair, just use heavy-duty nylon thread. most any local place should do fine fixing it and I would bet rugged threads does fine too. It’ll be tedious but you could even do it yourself if you had a sewing machine, you’ll just need to get the right size and length separating zipper to replace it with.

 

[rrwildlife]

Ive heard this issue come up before too, I havent had my samctuary bibs come apart but it seems theres something about the zipper used or the way they are worn/put on and taken off that causes an issue with some frequency. hope they help you. If not, rainy pass does excellent work. BUT, its a zipper on a non-waterproof garment with no down, so there is nothing special about the repair, just use heavy-duty nylon thread. most any local place should do fine fixing it and I would bet rugged threads does fine too. It’ll be tedious but you could even do it yourself if you had a sewing machine, you’ll just need to get the right size and length separating zipper to replace it with.

I think I will probably send them to Rainy Pass. i have a set of North Branch Bibs which also has a finicky zipper. I like both pieces of gear so I guess a professional repair is in order.

 

[Dave_S]

I had a similar issue with a pair of catalyst pants right out of the box which they replaced for me. The current pair I have, as well as the sanctuary bibs are both...finicky, I would say. The top of the zipper operates fine, but the bottoms require a certain amount of care to avoid jamming them up. If they are inoperable, it might be worth seeing if you can find a tailor near you and see if they can make repairs. I wouldn't think it would be particularly costly to replace a zipper, even one that long.

 

[rrwildlife]

I got the zipper on the Sanctuary jacket replaced and new sliders on the North Branch. All in it cost me $286.81. It was certainly expensive but cheaper than replacing just the Jacket. I'm probably done with the First Lite stuff. I have just had too many problems with their gear to justify the expense. Thankfully with the new zipper, the Jacket should serve me well for a few more years.