FAQ

Q: How long will take to receive my order?
A: Normally we like 3-10 working days. However, we try to ship product within 2-3 working days. (*Possible shipping delays during pandemics/supply chain and transit breakdowns. Thank you for your understanding.)

Q: How long do I have to exchange an item?
A: 30 working days with receipt or proof of purchase.

Q: How do I set up a return or exchange?
A: All returns and exchanges are currently arranged through e-mail, not by phone. Please click here to contact us to set up a Return Authorization 
and include your name, order number if applicable, phone number, shipping address, and detail your return/exchange request.

Q: Can I exchange product without a receipt or proof of purchase?
A: No.

Q: I purchased WTP product from another company and need to return/exchange it. Can I go through The Wilderness?
A: No, please contact the company it was purchased through. Dealers handle returns and exchanges for purchases made through them.

Q: My weight has changed and now my belt is too small/large.
A: Due to their construction, belts cannot be resized. However, we do offer a belt body rebuild service for Instructor Belts. See the program details below in the next question.

Q: The hook-and-loop closure on my belt is worn out. What are my options?
A: We use the highest-quality hook and loop fastener in our products, but it is considered a normal wear item. The hook-and-loop fastener replacement on older belts has been discontinued, but we do still rebuild new belt bodies on our customer’s metal Instructor Belt buckles. Warranty service on very new belts with fastener issues is still handled on a case-by-case basis, however. 

Our DIY Belt Repair, Replacement Hook Fastener is available as a DIY component to refresh an otherwise functional belt. Many dry cleaners and local uniform shops offer sewing services, or it can be sewn on manually by the user. It is a 1” x 3” patch of color-matched hook fastener that is the same closure material we use in the production on our belt ends. Shipping and handling are included in the price.

To start a belt body rebuild we just need to know your choice of color, size, and stitch pattern (3-stitch, 5-stitch, or polymer-lined CSM), along with your name, shipping address, and phone number.

If you decide you’d like to go this route, just send the info requested above to info@thewilderness.com. We will respond with the cost quote and RA (Return Authorization) info for the buckle(s) so our receiving department knows who to associate it with. Please note that we are open Monday through Thursday; operations are closed Friday through Sunday, including shipping and email.

FYI, you can also calculate the belt body price ahead of time yourself by building out your options online in either our Original Instructor Belt product for a specific waist size, or the Easy-Fit Instructor Belt that offers more sizing range, and subtract $17.00 off that price to see what re-belting will cost (which essentially yields the belt body price with no buckle). This works really well if you are local to us in Phoenix, or you have more than one belt to replace.

We suggest removing the old belt body for easier shipping back to us in any way you choose. Return shipping back to you will be $9.95.

Q: Where are Wilderness products manufactured?
A: Here in our facility in Phoenix, Arizona, USA.

Q: Do you have a retail showroom?
A: Yes, our retail showroom is colocated with our production facility in north central Phoenix. We welcome you to stop in if you are in the area. Here are our hours and directions. Please note that we are closed on weekends.

Q: How long will it take to receive an e-mail response?
A: We attempt to reply within three days, sooner if possible. Sometimes an answer is more complicated to track down, and frankly sometimes we lose track of a question while researching or believe someone else has replied to it. If you have not received a reply in a reasonable amount of time, we apologize for the oversight. Please feel free to call us toll-free at 1-800-775-5650 or remind us via e-mail. Please note that we are not in the office on weekends or holidays.

Q: You used to carry a product and I can't find it on your site. What should I do?
A: Please call. Some products have been retired, but others may either be on temporary hiatus or only available in limted runs.

Q: I lost my sling instructions and am having trouble figuring out how to properly put it on/use it?
A: You may call for a replacement instruction set, or go to Instruction Sheet Downloads and check for a replacement as a downloadable PDF you can print.

Q: The sling adapter says "right-hand"; does that mean for a right-handed shooter or on the right side of the gun?
A: "Right-handed" denotes for a right-handed shooter. This will put sling mounts and adapters on the left side of the weapon.

Q: I do not like to place orders via the Internet, can I send an order in with a check/MO?
A: Yes, but please call first for correct cost and shipping charges.

Q: I need something right away, what do I do?
A: Call us toll-free at 1-800-775-5650 to assure the product is in stock. We will check air delivery options and inform you of the cost, and we can check the inventory status as well.

Q: I wanted to return my custom "no returns" belt, can I do that?
A: Umm, no. Please refer to the "no returns" disclaimer on custom products.

Q: Can I get a print catalog?
A: Yes. Just call or send us a request through our contact form. However, please note that the website typically is the most current representation of our products.

Q: How do I clean my Wilderness nylon products?
A: We generally recommend hand-washing in the sink with a mild detergent (Dawn dish soap or Woolite) and gentle scrubbing with a soft, plastic-bristle brush. Fabric cleaner may also be used for grimy or greasy areas. Rinse the product thoroughly to remove any detergent residue. Air drying afterward works fine if the case is left open. Be sure the inner pouch on the Safepacker is thoroughly dry before placing the weapon back in it and securing the flap. A hair dryer can help if you need to speed things along. We do not advise placing items in a washing machine or dryer.

Our Original Instructor Belt buckles are carbon steel for extreme strength, and thermochemically surface-treated to reduce metal fatigue, increase wear-resistance, and resist corrosion from moisture. However, after maritime use or if you have a high volume of salty or acidic sweat, we strongly recommend rinsing your Instructor Belt buckle with fresh, hot water. Long-term exposure to sweat or seawater without cleaning can result in minor surface rust.

Q: Why is Wilderness-made gear better than the competition?
A: Here are a few of the reasons:

• ALL seams are double-stitched THEN taped, for three stitches total. All tape ends are tucked in. Other makers don't double-stitch and some don't tape.

• We use 92-weight bonded polyester thread, which is heavier than the milspec industry standard (69-weight) and more U.V. resistant. 

• We use 8 to 10 stitches per inch. The average for most competitors is 5 or 6 stitches per inch.

• We us all high-grade nylon fabric and webbing, while many competitors use some use polypropylene webbing and off-shore fabric.

Q: How do I install my Giles Tactical Sling?
A: You may download instruction sheets for many of our slings here, or watch our installation video (below) which covers many the slings we sell. You may also call us toll-free at 1-800-775-5650 for live assistance any time during our business hours.

The
 process can vary a lot based on the rifle and sling combination, but here is a video guide showing the basics of sling installation.

Giles Tactical Sling Installation for Dual Side-Swivels