Frequently Asked Questions

The word Kuma comes from the Japanese word meaning "Bear".

A: This is our favourite question! While some of our products are available on our website for purchase, we have amazing retailers spread out across North America where you can purchase Kuma products. Check out our locations here. Our retailers are also able to assist you with returns or exchanges.

A: Yes, we realize that our gear belongs outdoors so this seems like a silly question. However, we recommend that you put away your gear when it is not in use. Feel like too much work? We offer Chair Covers which can be found here designed to accommodate most of our gear so you can leave your chair out, continuing to claim the spot with the best view at the campsite.

A: Some things are unavoidable; dirt, debris and sticky s’more fingers happen! So, how do you keep your gear looking fresh and clean for your next adventure?  

Step 1: Brush off all dirt and debris that may have accumulated on your chair. 

Step 2: Wipe down the fabric and the frame of the chair with a mild detergent and warm water.

Step 3: For stubborn dirt spots and stains, scrub the area with a mild detergent using a soft bristle brush. 

Step 4: Wipe soap residue away using a cloth and warm water. 

Step 5: Leave the chair out to dry completely before packing it back up.

A: What’s worse than finding out your favourite campground is fully booked for the weekend? Getting sun damage on your favourite chair. As we are becoming more environmentally conscious, we have opted not to apply any colourfast additive to the fabric as it harms the environment.  If your Kuma Gear is left in the sun repeatedly it will fade. Packing up your gear after use or using a chair cover will help keep your gear looking its best. 

A: First; stop, drop, and roll (just in case). To stop the spread of the hole in your chair, we recommend that you patch it as soon as possible. When applied correctly, fabric gear tape or patches can be a great fix which can be found at most outdoor retailers!

A: No one likes to do dishes by hand, so yes, we made sure that all of our drinkware items are dishwasher safe.

A: We get it. Things happen! Like a bear coming into your campsite and sitting in your chair even though he is above the recommended weight limit causing it to break. This is not covered under warranty. For other situations, Kuma Outdoor Gear products purchased from authorized sellers are warranted to the original owner against manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship for the lifetime of the product. This does not mean your lifetime, but the reasonable lifetime of the product, considering its age and how you have cared for and used it.

If a Kuma Outdoor Gear product qualifies as a manufacturing defect, we will provide replacement parts to fix it, without charge, or replace it, at our discretion. Only original, unaltered, and unmodified materials and workmanship are covered by this warranty. This warranty does not cover damage caused by accident, improper care, negligence, weather-related damages, normal wear and tear, or the natural breakdown of colours and materials.

A: Heated Products, Power Banks, Galaxy Lights, Pet Products, and Chair Covers are covered by a one-year warranty that protects the original owner against manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship. 

A: Drinkware and Apparel are not included in our warranty program, so please refrain from lending your sweater to the local Grizzly. I promise, he is not cold.

A:  Lifetime refers to the product’s lifespan, not the owner’s. Although we would love to have our products live long and bountiful lives, Mother Nature, unfortunately, has other plans.

A: The lifetime of the product will vary depending on the degree of use, and if it was cared for with love. If you feel that your product is still young at heart and meets the warranty criteria please refer to the steps below on how to submit a warranty claim.

Step 1: Bring a copy of your original receipt to the retailer where you purchased your Kuma Gear from. So they can assess the product and determine if the damage is covered under warranty. 
 
Step 2: If the retailer you purchased your gear from can’t assist you, we would be happy to assess your claim. Please provide us with your proof of purchase to submit your claim. If you do not have proof of purchase, check with the original retailer; they may have a copy of your receipt on file. Without proof of purchase, although preferred, you can still complete a Warranty Claim for our Kuma Kare Team to review.

Step 3: Submit a Warranty Claim.

A: If a part is replaceable, we would be happy to send a replacement part to fix your product! You can complete a Warranty Claim for us to review and get in contact with you regarding the next step.

A: We felt these items would be products that Katrina from Earth Warrior could ensure we are using as much of the material as possible so EVERY part of the chair is being used, but also products that you, our Kuma Kommunity, would find useful! Many places are limiting or eliminating single use plastics and plastic bags specifically which is one of the reasons we started with two variations of tote bags for this project. These totes are a great alternative to traditional plastic grocery bags.

The Treeline Tent Tote is perfect for any adventure. Whether you are strolling through the city streets, heading to the farmer’s market, or embarking on a nature-inspired journey, the upcycled Treeline Tent Tote is the ideal choice for the conscientious consumer who values both style and sustainability. Made with upcycled Kuma tent material and designed to fold up into its integrated tuck away pouch when not in use, this bag is easy to bring along on any adventure!

The Woodland Tote, crafted from repurposed Kuma chairs, embodies a unique and eco-conscious design ensuring there is little to no material waste. With a spacious interior and sturdy construction, it’s your go-to accessory for your next outdoor adventure. Using upcycled Kuma dog leashes, we’ve crafted handles that are sturdy and durable, adding a fun pop of colour! 

The Logger is an eco-friendly solution for transporting firewood. Crafted from upcycled materials, each bag tells a unique story while contributing to a sustainable future. Each bag features a pocket to keep your kindling and lighter close by. With its water resistant fabric, The Logger Carrier Bag makes a great dry base to stack your wood pile on.

A: Right now, all of the Re-Discover Products are being made by Earth Warrior in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada!

A: Creating initiatives like the Re-Discover Project holds immense importance in the fight against environmental degradation. These programs embody a commitment to responsible consumption and waste reduction, addressing critical issues such as textile waste and the environmental impact of a throw away society. Programs like Re-Discover represent a crucial shift towards a circular economy, emphasizing the importance of reusing, recycling, and upcycling. By encouraging customers to return used items, KUMA is not only reducing the demand for new production of new textiles for some of their products but also minimizing the carbon footprint associated with textile manufacturing.

Such programs foster a sense of responsibility and mindfulness among consumers. They encourage individuals to view their purchases as part of a larger life-cycle, promoting a more sustainable and conscious approach. Engaging in programs such as the Re-Discover initiative enables both businesses and consumers to collaboratively contribute to conserving Earth’s resources and preserving our natural ecosystems. It reflects a commitment to harmonizing human activities with the natural world, ultimately paving the way for a more regenerative and Earth-friendly future.

A: Every purchase you make helps support our mission to reduce the waste we put out in the world! All proceeds from the Re-Discover Project will be used to expand our program, create new products, and extend our impact.

A: The chair outer fabrics and stuffing are all being utilized in the Re-Discover products and we are keeping the smaller hardware aside for possible future upcycling projects. For the larger hardware, like tent poles and steel or aluminum chair frames, we have been recycling all of these with General Recycling Industries in Edmonton, Alberta. We are making sure all the parts are being recirculated or recycled to minimize waste and to contribute to a circular economy.

A: What we have in stock for Re-Discover products will depend on what type of end-of-life gear is brought in. Due to the upcycling nature of these products, each individual item will vary in colour and pattern. We have worked with Earth Warrior to ensure the general product design is the same for each item, however, please note that the colours of each tote bag and pockets (if available) will vary depending on the upcycled material being used that day.

A: First, we hope we can offer a product that you are very happy with and feel you are making a difference, however, if that is not the case with your purchase we are happy to hear your concerns at cs@kumaoutdoorgear.com. To reduce wasteful product transportation we encourage you to consider using the product or re-gifting your purchase. If there is an issue with an incorrect product shipment please let us know so we can make it right for you.

A: Just like we can’t control which style or fabric colour comes in to be upcycled, we also don’t control how often gear that has reached its end-of- life comes in. This means we can’t answer this! We will continuously update our website as more stock arrives but be sure to also follow us on social media where we’ll announce when new gear becomes available.

A: We’re glad you asked, that is our goal! We are constantly looking for ways to improve the life cycle of our products to last as long as possible, reducing overall waste. We know accidents happen, and we love that our Kuma Kommunity is out there using its gear to the fullest. That’s why we’re working on expanding our program to other markets, so that we can collect even more gear to upcycle!

Through programs like our “Fix-It Don’t Replace It” program, our first priority is to help you fix your gear so you can keep using it on all of your outdoor adventures. Eventually though, every piece of outdoor gear gets to the end of its life. At that time in the product’s life cycle, our goal is to re-introduce the usable fabric and parts in these products allowing our Kuma Kommunity to “re-discover” new and exciting ways to use their Kuma products.

A: Because of the nature of the products being, second-hand use, we can not offer a warranty on these products, but we are confident that you will be more than happy with the product, and you will feel great about making a difference.

A: Katrina from Earth Warrior, is a very experienced seamstress. With years of learning how to take used materials and make them into something else, extending the circularity of a product is her forte. You can rest assured her attention to detail and craftsmanship will be exceptional.

A: We recommend you treat our Re-Discovery products like you would your chair, wash or wipe by hand to remove any soiling. We don’t recommend the use of heavy detergents or machine washing or drying your products.