Adhesive Tapes

What makes a repair tape fix last longer?

Surface prep is everything. Clean and dry the area first so the adhesive grips. Round off the corners of the patch so they don't catch and lift, and press it down firmly, ideally on both sides of the fabric, to prevent a tear. Leave it to bond before packing the gear away. A wipe-down with camping detergent beforehand removes the oils and grime that would otherwise stop the tape from sticking. Warming the patch slightly helps it conform to the fabric even better.

Can repair tape create a waterproof seal?

Quality repair tapes are designed to seal against rain, which is why they're a staple for flysheets, groundsheets and airbeds. For a tear on a waterproof layer, a clean, well-pressed patch seals out water as effectively as the original fabric. Repair tape sits within our camping maintenance and care range alongside cleaners and proofers, the small kit that helps gear stay weatherproof in the field.

When is a part too damaged to tape?

Tape is brilliant for fabric tears and seals, but a snapped pole, a shattered ferrule or a failed buckle needs the actual component swapped, not patched. If the damage is structural or load-bearing, fit the right replacement. Our camping spare parts cover poles, ferrules and fixings, so you can tell at a glance whether a job calls for a strip of tape or a new part.

What repair tape should you carry camping?

A small roll of fabric repair tape earns its place in every kit, light, cheap and able to rescue a tent, mat or jacket far from a shop. Choose one rated for outdoor and waterproof use rather than ordinary household tape, which won't hold up in the damp. Tucked into the repair pouch with your tents and shelters, it's the quiet hero that saves a wet night out. Replace the roll once it's been dipped a few times so you're never caught short.