Gore-Tex Shoe Tear: Repairable?

[Joe Geib]

I was out on a short hike today, and a branch jumped up and bit me in the shoe. The result is this tear in my Gore-Tex winter hikers. It seems to have torn the outer fabric, and just slightly abraded the inner Gore-Tex layer (white?).

Is it repairable? I think it may be. I was thinking about cleaning it out (obviously), and gently sewing the fabric covering back into place, then seal with some McNett Seam Sealer. Am I getting this wrong?

I think there is some technique/recipe for "thinning" the seam sealer. Anyone remember?

We can rebuilt him!

[Joe Geib]

I think I answered part of my own question:

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/make_your_own_gear_sealing_silnylon_seams.html

[Greg Mihalik]

Joe,
The article says

"Mix these together with a paint stirrer to achieve a consistency that resembles maple syrup, "

Somewhere in there may be more details but I found the easiest way to do this is with a variable speed drill motor and a piece of coat hanger bent into the shape of a capital J. It will take about 5 minutes or more to get a nice smooth mix. Doing it by hand takes a long long time.

I use a a 1 quart plastic yogurt container with a hole in the lid to keep the splashing in check.

[Richard Nisley]

Joe,

Use the McNett Seam Sealer along the tear without thining. Silicone adhesive will not bond well to the nylon.

[Brad Groves]

Yep. Seam Grip is the ticket. No sewing.

[Vick Hines]

McNett's Seam Grip is just a thin version of Shoe Goo and Goop. It will penetrate the fabric better and it ought to fix the tear permanently. Be SURE to clean the fabric thoroughly with alcohol before you apply the glue.

[David Chenault]

I'd sew it with dental floss and smear seam grip on there. Simple.

The McNett quick cure for aquaseal has the side effect of thinning the mix a bit.

[Joe Geib]

I sewed some of the outer fabric back together with some extra-strength Gutterman thread, and put some SeamGrip on it. Not pretty, but should do the job.

I have yet to test in the field.

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