Episode 82 | Fabric Repairs in the Backcountry

Curious to know what others do – when you perform fabric repairs in the backcountry, do you try to do a quick and temporary repair there, and then a permanent fix back home, or do you try to do a quality, permanent repair in the backcountry?

For non-silicone coated nylons and polyesters (bags, quilts, puffys, wind jackets/pants etc) I find the Challange Sailcloth repair sheets from Enlightened Equipment are much better than Tenacious Tape. Its adhesion qualities are far superior. Simply round off corners and thoroughly rub patch onto fabric. Provides a permanent repair after it cures (about 12 hours). https://enlightenedequipment.com/repair-kit/

Works great on DCF too, just doesn’t blend in very well. Same with ripped clothing if you don’t have a sewing kit or don’t want to spend the time doing a tedious sewing repair. Again, adheres better than Tenacious Tape.

Yes, those Challenge repair patches are fantastic. The sheets are unwieldy to pack in the field (although are the right size if you blow out a down jacket or sleeping bag and need a huge patch), so you’ll precut the patch sizes you want so it packs better. Tenacious Tapes make for impermanent repairs, which I actually like, so I can peel off the patch and do a proper repair at home. I’d like to see individual patches.

The Sailcloth sheets from EE have 14 assorted sizes you can cut out of one sheet and the other is just a solid 8″ X 10″. You can see when you click on link.

Got a lot out of this podcast, thanks Ryan.