In reply to joe.91:
You could try a section 75 claim for them on your credit or debit card if you used one. Just reading the financial ombudsman website about it (link below) and the things you have described are listed there as reasons your bank or credit card company should consider a chargeback or section 75 refund.
I've used this only twice before, once for a Moka pot that never arrived (scam company online) and once for a convenience store that charged me twice for something (on a holiday miles away in the UK so couldn't go back). Both times the credit card company refunded me immediately with no questions asked (other than the ones on the simple form on their website). I've just looked at how much those bib's cost (look like trousers to me but what do I know! 😂) and I wouldn't accept the accidental damage fob off if I was in your position (I mean, if I had the climbing and gear history experience you describe).
Worth a try... nothing to lose. Shame on Rab though.
The website says:
These are often valid reasons for raising a chargeback:
- the goods or services received don’t match the description
...
When things go wrong with goods and services such as these, we’ve heard comments like:
- I’m unhappy with what I was told about the goods or services before I bought them
- goods I paid for are of poor quality or defective
https://www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk/consumers/complaints-can-help/credit...