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About
Hello and welcome! I’m Lauren, founder of Iron Keld Repairs; my outdoor gear repair service based in Kendal, south of the Lake District.
I’m a mountain biker, bikepacker, climber, fell runner, canoeist…. the list goes on. As a result I use a lot of gear so I understand how and why it fails.
Working in the outdoor industry for over 15 years has resulted in a broad understanding of garment construction, technical fabrics, and how to fix them.
I’m a specialist and a perfectionist: each customer’s item is treated with care and attention, so you can rest assured that your gear is in good hands. I’m a one-woman show, so please be understanding when it comes to turnaround times during busy periods.
Background
I’ve been sewing and creating since age 5; taught by my Grandma who was a professional dressmaker.
After Graduating with a degree in Environmental Science, my passion for adventure sports led me on a career path in the outdoor industry; from instructing, ski seasons, equipment sales and retail, to customer service, warranty and repairs.
I’ve worked as a repair specialist for the likes of Petzl, La Sportiva, Ortlieb, Exped, Optimus, Gregory Packs, Nordisk tents, OMM (Original Mountain Marathon), Buff and Troll to name a few; receiving training directly from many of the brands. I’ve been an authorised repair partner for Inov8 since 2023.
During a long bikepacking journey with a lot of time to think, I felt a pull towards my creative roots. I returned to college to study Art & Design Foundation, specialising in textiles. Achieving a distinction, along with work placements at Atom Packs, Aiguille Alpine and Mountain Equipment, gave me the confidence to start my business.
By incorporating my love for the outdoors, technical kit, creativity and environmental concern, my mission is to encourage people to treasure their belongings, to teach care & repair skills, and to keep good gear out of landfill.
Iron Keld Repairs was born in 2023 and though running a business is challenging, it’s incredibly rewarding.
What’s in a name?
Some people ask where the name “Iron Keld” came from. Iron Keld is an area of National Trust land in the South Lakes.
It’s a lovely spot with great views into Langdale and was one of the first mountain bike rides I did in the Lake District (I immediately decided to move here!).
I wanted a name to reflect the rich heritage of the Lake District; from the history of mining to the legacy of the Vikings.
“Iron” represents the extensive resource extraction in Cumbria which made it world famous and shaped its communities and landscape (iron, copper, lead, slate, graphite, coal and more). “Keld” is derived from the old Norse Kelda, meaning spring, well or water meadow.
Partnerships
Re-action Collective: a collection of small businesses and individuals committed to reducing waste in the outdoor industry using community based circular solutions
Inov8: Since 2023 I have provided authorised repairs for Inov8 products as part of their Renov8 programme, as well as collaboration during Kendal Mountain Festival & The National Running Show
The Lap: The Beautiful Ultra. I am the official repair partner for this ultra distance trail running event around Windermere. I’ll be on site providing repairs from shorts to running vests
Member of Artist’s Union England