How to Fix Your Hiking and Camping Gear Yourself
Picture this: You just got to your campsite after an exhausting day of hiking through the wilderness, when you notice a tear in your tent or a broken zipper on your backpack. Don't panic! With a little know-how and some basic supplies, you can repair your own camping and hiking gear no matter where you are.
Outdoor equipment is designed to last, but even the toughest gear can be worn down by normal use over time. Learning how to fix your gear not only saves you money but also makes sure that you're prepared for any situation that may come up. Plus, you don’t have to part with your favorite sleeping bag that has been with you through all your many adventures.
What you should pack in your on-the-go repair kit
Every outdoor enthusiast should carry a basic repair kit in their pack. If you don’t have one already, here’s what you should make sure you pack in yours.
Your repair kit should be small enough to take with you on any outdoor adventure. Include items such as a multi-tool, duct tape, fabric patches, needle and thread, and gear-specific repair items like tent pole splints or sleeping pad patches.
Try to think about the specific needs of your equipment when deciding what to pack in your repair kit. For example, if you're carrying inflatable gear, include a patch kit designed to work on that material. Always test your repair supplies before hitting the trails or getting to your camp site to make sure they're still in good working condition.
Now that you have a better idea of what to pack, lets go over some quick and easy fixes you can do yourself to extend the life of your hiking and camping gear.
How to fix tears and holes in tents and sleeping bags
First up, let's go over how to repair damaged fabric while out in the wilderness, both by applying patches and some more permanent solutions.
For small tears in tents or sleeping bags, use adhesive repair tape that is designed for outdoor gear. Clean the area around the tear, then cut a patch that’s a bit larger than the damage, and apply it to both sides of the fabric so that the damaged area is completely covered.
For larger tears or if you have more time, consider sewing the repair. Use a curved needle and strong thread, making small, close stitches. After sewing, apply seam sealer to waterproof the area and stop any edges from fraying.
How to repair broken zippers on backpacks and tents
Don't let a stuck zipper on your backpack ruin your trip, here’s how to fix it! If a zipper is stuck, try cleaning it with soap and water to remove any dirt and debris that could be causing the issue. For a separated zipper, first realign the teeth and then slowly pull the slider to reconnect the two sides of the teeth.
If the slider is damaged, you may need to replace it. The good news is that they’re pretty cheap and you can throw a few spare sliders in your repair kit to have on the go. To replace, remove the old slider using pliers, thread the new one onto the zipper tape, and reattach any stops that need replacing.
How to patch an air leak in a sleeping pad or air mattress
One of the worst things that can happen while sleeping outdoors is waking up to a deflated sleeping pad. Lucky for you, it’s pretty easy to fix air leaks in sleeping pads and air mattresses yourself. To find a leak in an inflatable sleeping pad, blow it up fully and listen for escaping air. You can also submerge it in water to spot bubbles if you can’t hear the air leak. Once you figure out where the air is escaping from, clean and dry the area around the hole.
Apply a patch from your repair kit, following the instructions that came with the patch. If you don't have a patch kit, you can make a temporary patch by using duct tape or a piece of plastic bag and some adhesive.
How to repair broken tent poles on the fly
One or two damaged tent poles doesn’t mean you have to throw the whole tent away! For a cracked tent pole, use a tent pole splint or create a makeshift splint yourself using a stick or tent stake and duct tape. Slide the splint over the damaged area, like you would for a broken bone, and secure it tightly with tape or a cord.
If a pole section is completely broken, you can create a temporary fix by inserting a spare tent stake into both ends of the broken sections. Wrap the joint securely with duct tape to hold it in place until you can go somewhere to get it repaired properly.
Practice makes perfect!
With these repair skills in your back pocket, you'll be ready to deal with common gear issues both at home and in while out in the backcountry. Remember, practice these techniques before you need them, and always make sure your repair kit is well-stocked. By maintaining and fixing your own gear, you'll save money, reduce waste, and make sure your equipment is always ready for your next adventure. Happy trails and safe travels!