The seam on the strap of my trusty sling backpack started separating while on vacation and I had to stop using it. After returning home I researched and found out that the company that made it is no longer in business so I getting a new one was not an option. So I checked Yelp for backpack repair shops in the area to see if could be reasonably repaired. Narain's had good reviews and I stopped by on a Monday. Besides Monday, they are only open on Friday and Saturday. The gentleman at the counter greeted me and I showed him the broken strap on my backpack. He said he can repair it for $25. I agreed and he gave me a receipt and that it would be ready on Saturday. He said no deposit was needed and I can pay at pickup. Cash only. Came back on Saturday and he said there was not enough fabric to do a proper resew, so he had to add a piece of material for sewing and reinforcement. It looked good and he said the strap and backpack should last a while now. Happy with the repair and for the reasonable price. I get to continue using my backpack knowing that I can't get a new one anymore. read more

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I brought my sleeping bag to fix and it was an easy process. Back in a week. Other than the odd hours, the owner was very knowledgeable and helpful. He gave me a tip on how to preserve the zipper more but not opening it all the way to the end. $40 was very reasonable for this fix. read more

Recommended by a coworker to take my backpack here for a fix. Went in on a Monday, met the owner who explained how he was going to fix it. I was promised it would be fixed and it was. Looked better than new. I recommend this service to anyone who has outdoor gear that needs repair. Great customer service. Very detailed service and just very nice people. read more

What happened to Narain's Outdoor Sewing ?? Executive Summary: 8-Week Pattern of Promises & Missed Appointments: I Paid $1,500 in Cash. Billy no longer picks up his phone or answers his Instant Messages. And NOT returning my Grandson's Jackets & Synergy Works Backpack Hip Belt + Shoulder straps This review is consistent with 11 other One Star Reviews / Complaints on Yelp below. I imagine you will rely on what REI does - if you read to the end. Project Overview: I read some of Narain's positive Yelp Reviews and set up an appointment in Berkeley. I brought 3 jackets, a backpack + photos = What needed to be Sewn. We reviewed each item. Billy quickly understood everything: Narain's Outdoor Sewing was originally his father's shop and Billy's father had sewn the repairs at North Face for many years in the 1970s. Billy worked as a cutter at North Face - for many years in the 70s. I both liked Billy and believed him when he promised he could do everything - just right - for my Grandson's Graduation. I retained Billy on 17 April 2025 for these two straightforward outdoor gear projects: 1) Sewing a pair of 24" YKK coil underarm zippers, into three garments (one fleece jacket + two waterproof parkas) - See photo 2) Replacing Synergy Works backpack components - using the original sewn examples + photos with the details and exact measurements. I paid Billy $1,500 total = $300 for initial consultations + $1,200, in 5 chunks, to get Billy's promised completions. I provided the Jackets, hip belts, and shoulder straps including the zippers, sliders, buckles, fasteners, fabrics, and two rolls of EVA foam; All materials needed for completion. Timeline of Service Failures: First Red Flag: April 24, 2025 I arrived for a second working appointment at 12:19 PM. Billy's car was present at 1049 Camelia Street, but he failed to meet me or answer the doorbell. or acknowledge my arrival. I sent a Text Message from the driveway and waited. After being left waiting in his driveway, I diplomatically rescheduled for the following Thursday. See photo April-May 2025 - Continued Investment: I paid $1,500 in Cash and continued to answer Billy's questions and to provide exact examples. I made 5 cash payments - in person - in good faith. Thursday, May 29 - Noon working appointment - with Billy in his Berkeley workshop - Billy expressed gratitude for the $1,500 in cash I had given him - and told me "To be perfectly honest I have not yet sewn your jackets" Then he asked me for more money to get 5 pairs of 1-inch Quick Release Metal Strap Adjusters. I was nonplused. I told Billy, I would get the buckles. Billy sensed that I was no longer going along with the gag. I told Billy that I needed a written pro forma invoice - giving me a written quote for the work he was going to do - but had confessed he had not yet sewn. And I needed a receipt for my $1,500 in cash. This exchange occurred at 12 - 1 PM @ Narains Outdoor, 1049 Camelia St, Berkeley - in person. I told AND texted Billy to STOP - until I had a Receipt for $1,500 cash & Quote: Standard practices for professional custom sewing projects. I repeated each point in Instant Messages sent to Billy's Apple iPhone the same day. We see in the photo - that all of these messages were received :| I still do not have my quote for the sewing Billy promised to do - but had still not sewn. Nor a simple receipt. Now I can not get Billy to answer his phone. or return my Grandson's Jackets and backpack parts. June 2025 - Complete Communication Breakdown: Monday, June 2: I called during posted business hours (12-2 PM) No one answered the phone. I left a voicemail requesting the return of my grandson's backpack shoulder straps and hip belt and each of the jackets I had entrusted to Billy in mid-April. See photo Tuesday, June 3: Billy Missed the scheduled noon appointment for Uber pickup. Wednesday, June 4: Third missed appointment, no response to calls/messages Current Status (June 4, 2025): Billy's wife claims that Billy moved all of my jackets and zippers to an unnamed "warehouse" for "safety." She has no warehouse key access. She refused to provide the project's exact completion status. Biilly's wife claims that she has not received the messages I sent. She claims she can not read the messages and documents I sent to Billy's iPhone and her Android phone. Narain's business telephone line recording claimed that Billy's iPhone "Voice and Instant Message service have been out of order since Friday 30 May" - While Apple iOS visually confirms the delivery of all messages sent. See photo On Friday, Saturday, and Tuesday, June 3, I offered to have Billy write the Yelp review they would like to see me publish. Billy and his wife have simply disappeared. Professional Comparison: Similar projects were completed by Rainy Pass Repair (REI-recommended) in 10 days with transparent tracking and communication protocols. See the last photo. read more

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Very fair repair price for a sleeping bag. Very conveniently located right next to REI. The hours can be a little strange but check the photo here about the hours Fri-Sat and you should be good. Couldn't really get anyone to answer the phone but if you are there Fri-Sat 11-4 you will see a live person who will give you the service you need. read more

Narain's been around a long time because as a young man I bought ripstop nylon and waterproof nylon to sew a tent. That was years before the prices on tents dropped. He was such a friendly and knowledgeable guy that I went back to get my Jansport backpack repaired. The backpack was supposed to be a lifetime warranty but the original Jansport company had been bought by a larger company and chose not to repair it. Narain's welcomed me and I swear he remembered me. The repair he did was really good and I think I'll be able to use it for many years. read more

All of my outdoor gear has lasted longer because of the amazing work they do. They really have taken excellent care of my gear (tent, backpack, sleeping bag, etc.) read more

I've gone to Narain's several times and highly recommend it. Most recently I had them repair a zipper on an old jacket, which is now perfect. Prior to that, they made several repairs on a very old backpack and restored it to like-new condition (despite being about 15 years old). This is a great local place - they're always friendly and do a great job. read more

I went in to see if they could fix a suitcase which had begun to tear. They looked it over carefully and told me it could not be repaired. I respected them for their integrity and knowledge. read more

Excellent work from kind, thoughtful people. They are not the cheapest, and only take cash, but it is worth it for a job well done.

Amazing repairs to not only outdoor gear but also a computer carrying bag. Willing to discuss options to manage cost. Note limited hours (weekends) for taking in gear. read more

I'm so glad they're still at it. As of this writing their original retail store is closed. Repairing outdoor gear one piece at a time is not the road to riches. The new post-covid-19 Narain's is a pop up, they rent the back room of Precision People's Car Repair, at the REI entrance. Check Yelp for the hours, as Narain's own website is inaccurate as of this writing. That said Narain's is not always the right solution for a repair, and they're not really the right place to go for advice. For many small holes and tears consider the excellent KENYON Ripstop Pressure Sensitive Repair Tape or K-Tape (REI no longer carries it). Or try an online Fixit Clinic near you. read more

Narain's Outdoor Sewing & Repairs - Narain's at their popup tent at the REI Berkeley front entrance. - Fabric Stores Near Me - Berkeley, California

Great selection at Narain's, and their team is very helpful. Will definitely return for other repair projects.

This is my go to place for anything "bag" related. Even for items still under warranty, I'll bring my repair needs here - as the turn around is much faster and I avoid the hassle of shipping my item. Every time, the item is strengthened, in addition to "just repair". I like that! read more

Great longtime Berkeley small business (see my review). They are NOT closed! They have moved to a new location at 1049 Camelia St in Berkeley. read more

Exceptional service - every time! They replaced the main zipper on my REI Base Camp 4 tent, and it's like new. I've also had all kinds of zipper repairs done in gear that a traditional tailor, like my favorite Uni Tailor, on University Avenue, can't do becuase the fabric is too thick. Narains can do it all, and every stitch is even & uniform. Great, unique service - a true gem. read more

Narain's has NOT closed! They have just changed locations!! YELP refuses to post this without enough of us chiming in so here I am! This business fixes zippers like no other and we have to help them stay in business!!! Please post something similar to help them stay open! read more

They don't return calls .. it's like they don't exist. I've tired for a solid week now to try reaching this business. I've left a half-dozen messages, and contacted them via their Facebook page. So far .. NOTHING. NO RESPONSE. I need a simple tent fly modification done .. adding tie-out loops to a tent fly. It seems like it's well within their capacity. But .. NOTHING. Unfortunately, I'm probably going to have to look elsewhere. If they DO respond, I'll update this review. read more

Excellent work and prices are not inhibitory. Had a melted strap from a motorcycle muffler and they replaced it including the missing plasticware buckles. Price relative to what I paid for the backpack did not turn me off. They did an amazing job and you can not tell there was a repair. Narain is also very pleasant person and knowledgably. Going there a second time to have work done on another backpack and recommended them to a friend with an old Macpack that has deteriorating plastics/nylon like material. Highly recommend them. read more

Ready on time, as promised. My order: fixing Columbia jacket zipper and ripped faux leather carry on for travel. Great service--affordable. Gave me a gift as well! read more

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Really wanted to support this small business but he tried to rip me off. First, instead of telling me the cost of the repair upfront, he told me to leave the item I wanted repaired and he would call me back later with the price. Then when I pressed him for the price, he said $150. Just to take out some stitches and sew a couple patches of fabric on. What a rip-off. On an earlier job, he charged $25 to sew two straps together. PS. I found a shoe repair shop who charged me $50 to do the work, instead of the $150 that Narain wanted to charge me. Buyer beware. read more

I went in to see about getting a 6 inch long tear in my MSR Carbon reflex-2 tent repaired. It involved the seam and a pole clip as well. The gentleman helping me initially said it would be no problem to use a waterproof material to make the patch, and showed me a similar tent he had repaired with this material for 70$. However the material was clearly not the same material that the tend was made of. I asked several questions trying to figure out how confident he was regarding the repair. He then seemed very offended and said "you know MSR repairs these tents as well", to which I responded "well, can you do as good a repair as them?" which I thought was a very fair question. He then suggested that perhaps he wasn't willing to repair the tent because of my attitude. I told him very respectfully that I thought that asking a few of these questions was reasonable, asked him to give me an estimate. He said he'd do the repair for 120$ which was almost double the 70$ on the other tent. It seemed obvious to me he wanted to me to leave and was quoting th high price because of his annoyance with me. Total waste of time. I subsequently jumped through a few hoops and got my tent to Rainy Pass Repair in Seattle. Had to Fed ex it to them. They did a perfect double stitched repair using the original materials for only 51 bucks. Total cost was about 90 bucks. I'm not sure these guys know what they are doing and they are very touchy, unable handle a few questions about their work. Appeared to be offering substandard repair materials. read more

The zipper on my well-loved down coat was broken. I really did not want to buy a new coat. Narain's fixed the zipper and provided the service for a very affordable cost. read more

The best! Narain's is my go to place for repairs of outdoor equipment. They hav repaired tents, packs, you name or and did a great job. Their new location is less than a block from the old location and just steps from the front door of REI. read more

Phenomenal, fast repairs! I brought them a Mission Workshop bag that I've carried daily for over a decade. It was in ROUGH shape, and they refurbished it and made it good as new for a fifth (or less) of what a new bag would cost. Repairs were done right, and promptly, at a great price. What more can you ask for? read more

We got our large family tent back in the days when we had just that - a large family if you included friends of kids! The tent poles were now clearly very weary and no longer directly purchasable from the maker. It's wonderful what Narains can do to revitalize your tent. Really charming people -an uplifting experience. No need to spend big bucks buying yet another replacement for built-in obsolescence. read more

The owners are kind and do a great job with repairs. I have brought multiple winter coats in need of zipper repair and am always happy with the outcome. read more

I have had backpacking tents and computer bags repaired here. I have experienced nothing less than outstanding service and quality, delivered when promised. read more

Billy and his staff are extremely helpful and professional, and have even made small repairs for free to returning customers. They unfortunately did not have their lease renewed and so their location is closed, but you can still turn your gear into REI off Gilman and Narain's will pick it up and repair it for you. GREAT family-owned business!! read more

Summary based on one repair: --good quality work --relatively inexpensive considering the cost of outdoor garments with tech fabric --done on time --parking ok Not giving 5* since this is based on just one sample. read more

Into the category of "things I never knew existed" falls Narain's. Into the category of "things I never thought I'd have a need for once I knew they existed" also falls Narain's. A few months back my youngest son persuaded me to purchase him a new pack for backpacking. Then, before you could say "happy non-birthday", his brother borrowed that pack and took it on a backpacking trip of his own. When he returned, the pack sported a large hole. Who knew that squirrels would eat through backpacks and sealed wrappers to get at a Cliff Bar? Narain's didn't have the fabric which the pack was made of. Nor did they have another fabric of a matching color. They suggested I contact the manufacturer (to see if they could repair the hole or to supply me directly with a matching fabric swatch). Those efforts came to naught. A contrasting color was selected at Narain's and the now very distinctively unique backpack is fully repaired and I think my younger son likes it even more due to its 1-of-a-kind look. Cost: A reasonable $44, paid for by older brother. Narain's has all sorts of appropriate fabrics and parts for repairing outdoor gear (fabric, zippers) as well as the talent to make those repairs look good and operate functionally. If you have outdoor gear which needs repairs it's good to know about Narain's. And now you do. read more

Billy and his staff have been a godsend for my needs. I need pouches, bags, material and hardware and Billy has what I need and has been extremely accommodating with the price. I run a nonprofit scholarship program and he has helped me tremendously. And the best part of it is that he and his family are always so friendly. It's Sunday night right now but when they open on Tuesday I'll be there to get some more small bags. read more

They replaced the zipper on my winter jacket. They found a perfect replacement, and did a great job installing it! Nice, small, friendly repair shop. read more

Narain's Outdoor Sewing & Repairs - Fabric Stores Near Me - Berkeley, California

This place is great! I was able to bring my bag in and have it fixed by the end of the day. The staff here is also very friendly and knowledgeable. I would recommend this place to everyone. This place is definitely a gem and worth coming to. As a repair shop in the community, you guys rock! Thanks again for the fantastic service and the opportunities that you share with others. You made my life better. Motorclub9454 Travels - read more

This place is amazing and OPEN! This is the place to go for repairs to backpacks and outdoor gear. Thank you Narain's!

Upcycle, recycle your bags, jackets, backpacks and other outdoor and work gear. This place is fantastic in terms of work and professional customer service. They always have ideas on how to fix your stuff at a cost way lower than new gear. Narain's is helping me stop my cycle of commercialism. ;) read more

As a Californian I feel silly having bought an expensive heavy duty winter coat. Only two years after purchasing I had shrunk significantly around the waist which let cold air in at the bottom. My mom grew up in Berkeley and she suggested going to Narain's and asking if they could tailor it to fit my current shape. And I am so glad I listened to her- They did an excellent job on my snow jacket!!! It was a very complicated job which they executed flawlessly. I had the sides taken in and you can't even tell where it was altered! Billy was so helpful and kind. Definitely going back here for any future altering needs. read more

Loved this place. Super nice and saved our tent for $50. It seemed a shame to get rid of a tent just for a broken zipper. Ends up it was only the slider and was a super simple fix. Got it done just in time to leave for our trip. My new go to place for fixing out door products. Worth the drive! read more

I am a backpacker, mountaineer, recumbent cyclist, and inveterate (that means "confirmed in a habit", or "firmly established by long persistance"... not lacking in a backbone!) tinkerer. I have been doing business with Bill, who owns and runs Narain's, for over 25 years. I met him the first time I went to Naraines to get some piece of backpacking equipment repaired, and know him solely thru my visits to his shop over the decades that have passed since then. Narain's is one PHENOMINAL place, and Bill just one outstanding person. A total pleasure to deal with... or just to chat with. You can find the widest on the shelf / in a brick an mortar store selection of parts and fabrics and webbing and velcro and zippers and such anywhere in the Bay Area, if you are a do it yourselfer. If you need a tent or jacket or other sports item repairs, Bill will do the most solidly rugged, professional repair possible. To my delight, he'll also work with you. He's made prototype items for me, after discussing the design with me. On occasion, when I've wanted to save some money, I've done SOME of the work on a given repair, then had Bill do what I could not do. For example, 65% of the work in some zipper replacement situations is the tedious and meticulous removal of the old zipper. I've been able to do this (taking me in one case well over an hour), then have Bill install the new one. This saved me half of the cost of the zipper installation. It also allowed me to appreciate just HOW MUCH WORK is involved in what looked like a quick and simple repair. I've had Bill repair backpacks and day packs and windsocks for recumbent bicycles and more for me. I've had him modify, add pockets, or increase the ruggedness of existing designs for me. His work is the most professional and solid possible. AND generally very esthetic... often invisible and/or indistinguishable from the original design. The only time I've ever heard complaints about Narain's is from some who don't understand how much work goes into some of these repairs, who complain a bit about the price. There is really NO OTHER ESTABLISHMENT I've ever done business with in Berkeley... or anywhere else... that I can recommend more highly than Naraines. I just don't know what else to say. read more

This is one of those places I don't need often, but when I do, their work is stellar! I took something, a tent or a sleeping bag to them many years ago, when they were next to REI. Whatever it was, they fixed it and I was pleased. A few months ago the zipper broke on a jacket Alan bought when we were last in New Zealand a year and a half ago. He brought it here and was delighted w/ the repair. On our recent South American trip the zipper on one of the front pockets on my largest suitcase came loose from its end moorings. When I discovered it after we returned home, I removed the slider so it wouldn't get lost and put it in the pocket. I brought it over to Nahrain's, where it was fixed promptly and for only $15. He was pleased that I had the slider, which would have been difficult to procure. There's a calm and friendly atmosphere in the store that reflects the personality of the owner. He was a pleasure to deal w/. read more