Clothing Repair/Patching

[c9h13no3]

I've got some REI Talusphere rain pants that have acquired some holes in the knees. I need to patch them up. My initial reaction was to just duct tape them shut like the Engineering Flowchart says, but I figure I'd ask around if anyone had any good experiences with the various patch kits (like this one, or that one).

I bought them on REI used for like $40, and I wear these things pretty often. They're a great wind & snow barrier in addition to rain. And they zip open on the sides, which makes for easy venting while I'm ski touring or climbing. So I suppose I want something a little more durable than just tape.

[Wandering Daisy]

Here is what I do, but then, I sew. Not sure if it would be worth it to pay a seamstress to do it. I use my sewing machine, but you could hand sew if you do not have a sewing machine.

I have a multitude of stuff sacks from various worn out tents, etc. I keep these as patch material. I then cut a piece, usually round, that overlaps the holes at east 1/2 inch, and sew it on the underside, double stitch. Then seam seal edges.


For tiny pinhole size damage (usually due to campfire sparks) I just cover with seam seal. I have also used the adhesive patches from patch kits that have come with various sleeping pads that I have bought. Again, I seam seal - it helps them stay on. You could probably just seam seal over duct tape too. Never tried it.

[cahiker]

You've probably already made your repair, but I used the linked gore-tex patches to repair a tear in a rain jacket (I put it on the inside) a couple of years ago. I've washed the jacket two or three times and worn it a bunch and the patch is still as good as new, so I would say the product works as advertised.