Video: How to Repair Your Outdoor Gear with Tenacious Tape
Quick answer: To repair gear with Tenacious Tape, tidy the damaged area (tuck in any down and trim stray threads), clean it with a little isopropyl alcohol, and let it dry. Cut a patch with rounded corners that overlaps the hole by about half an inch on all sides, peel the backing, apply it, and smooth out every bubble so it lies flat. It works on nylon, vinyl, rubber, and waterproof fabrics.
If you spend time outdoors, your gear will eventually get a tear or puncture. Don't throw it away. A quick patch saves money and keeps gear out of the landfill. In this video, Reuben from Next Adventure shows how to make simple repairs with Gear Aid's Tenacious Tape, a weather-resistant repair tape that sticks to almost anything, including Gore-Tex and other waterproof fabrics.
What can you fix with Tenacious Tape?
Tenacious Tape works on nylon, vinyl, and rubber, which covers tents, jackets, sleeping pads, stuff sacks, and much more. It's durable, weather resistant, and light enough to keep in every backcountry repair kit. It comes in rolls you cut to size and in pre-cut patches, and the clear version is nearly invisible on gear of any color.
How to patch a down jacket with Tenacious Tape
- Inspect the repair site. Push any escaping down back inside and trim stray threads.
- Clean the area. If needed, wipe with a little isopropyl alcohol to remove dirt and body oils so the patch adheres well. Let it dry.
- Cut the patch. Make it large enough to cover the damage with about a half inch of overlap all around, and round the corners so the edges don't peel.
- Apply and smooth. Peel off the backing, place the patch over the hole, and smooth out all bubbles so it lies flat and even.
Placed a patch in the wrong spot? Remove it soon after applying; once the adhesive has fully set, it's harder to remove cleanly and can leave residue.
Shop gear repair
Gear Aid repair products are available at our Grand Avenue store in Portland's Central Eastside, where our staff can help with repair questions. Online, you'll find:
- Gear Aid Seam Grip WP Field Repair Kit Seal seams and patch holes on the trail
- Noso Repair Patch Peel-and-stick patch for jackets
Tenacious Tape FAQ
Does Tenacious Tape work on down jackets?
Yes. It's one of the most common uses. Tuck the down back in, clean the area, and apply a patch with rounded corners that overlaps the hole by about half an inch.
Is Tenacious Tape waterproof?
It's highly weather resistant and is commonly used to patch rain jackets, tents, and other waterproof fabrics, including Gore-Tex.
Why should I round the corners of the patch?
Square corners catch on things and start to peel. Rounded corners help the patch stay put much longer.
Can I use Tenacious Tape on a sleeping pad?
Yes. It sticks to nylon, vinyl, and rubber, so it works for many sleeping pad punctures. Clean and dry the area first for the best bond.