A loose shoe sole, a torn down jacket, or a broken tent pole can be more than inconvenient. In remote settings, damaged outdoor gear can become a safety issue. With a compact outdoor repair kit, many common failures can be addressed temporarily while on the move.

After a long train journey, my friend Johanna and I arrived in Bodø in northern Norway, the starting point for our trip to the Lofoten Islands. We planned to spend 10 days traveling through the archipelago by public transport and on foot.

On the way to our first campsite, a problem emerged. After a few kilometers, the sole of my hiking boot began to come loose. Continuing the trip under those conditions seemed uncertain. At a nearby supermarket, we found a tube of superglue and were able to make a temporary repair. The trip continued as planned. The experience reinforced the value of carrying a small repair kit and checking equipment in advance.

Identify weak points early with regular equipment checks

To reduce the risk of equipment failure during a trip, outdoor gear should be inspected regularly. While not all damage can be prevented, routine checks can help identify issues before departure.

Tent: If possible, tents should be set up or laid out before a trip. This allows users to confirm that all components are present and to check for holes in the fabric or groundsheet. Seams, tent poles, and zippers should also be inspected for damage or wear.

Sleeping bag and sleeping pad: Sleeping bags and sleeping pads should be examined carefully. Pads should be checked for air leaks, damaged seams, or signs of delamination. Sleeping bags should be inspected for torn fabric or compromised insulation, as failures can lead to discomfort or, in some cases, a shortened trip.

Backpack: Backpacks should be checked to ensure that waist and chest straps function properly and that the carrying system and back padding are intact. Seams, zippers, and rain covers should also be inspected.

Clothing and shoes: Footwear should be examined for worn tread, loose soles, and damaged laces, hooks, or eyelets. Waterproofing should be renewed if water no longer beads on the surface. Clothing should be checked for holes, worn areas, or damaged fasteners. Rainwear should be inspected to confirm that its waterproof performance is still effective.

Your repair kit for out and about

Even with careful preparation, not all damage can be anticipated. A basic outdoor repair kit allows for temporary fixes in the field and can help extend the usability of damaged gear.

You should always have these basics with you:

• Sewing kit (sturdy needle, thread or dental floss)
• Duct tape / fabric tape or other repair kit
• Multitool with scissors, pliers, and knife
• Cord or paracord
• Cable ties (different lengths)
• Safety pins
• Possibly superglue

Robust tape, often referred to as gaffer tape, duct tape, or duck tape, is widely used for temporary repairs. It can cover tears in tent tarps or jackets, help secure a loose shoe sole, or stabilize tent poles. Superglue can also be useful for temporarily repairing soles or sealing small holes when tape is not available.

Adhesive tape and superglue cannot be removed cleanly from all materials. They should be used only when there is no better option. For delicate fabrics, a professional repair patch is often more suitable.

Cable ties and cord can also be used for temporary fixes, including securing a damaged backpack strap. Some cable ties can be removed and reused, which can be helpful when a permanent repair is planned later.

Repair kit for clothing and shoes

If you have enough space in your backpack and/or will be out in the wild for a longer time, the following materials and tools may also be helpful:

• Special textile or shoe glue
• Self-adhesive repair patches (for tents, rainwear, sleeping bags, sleeping mats, etc.), special Gore-Tex patches if necessary
• Strong thread/wire (for thick materials)
• Zipper repair kit (e.g., replacement zipper or zipper replacement aid)
• Soap or wax (as a grease for stuck zippers)
• Spare shoelaces
• Cleaning wipes or alcohol pads (e.g., from a first aid kit) for cleaning surfaces

Repair kit for outdoor equipment

• Spare rings and seals (e.g., for stoves, hydration systems, or water filters)
• Replacement buckles (e.g., for backpacks)
• Replacement sleeve for tent poles

Many manufacturers of tents, sleeping pads, and other gear include small repair kits with their products. These can be useful in the field and should be kept accessible.

Other first aid fixes for your equipment include:

Zipper: If a zipper is difficult to open and close, it can be rubbed with soap or wax. A zipper that no longer closes can be temporarily secured with safety pins inserted behind the teeth through the fabric.

Defective buckle: Backpack buckles are often sewn in place. If a buckle fails, the seam can be opened carefully with a thin, sharp knife. A seam ripper, which is often included in sewing kits, can make this easier.

A replacement buckle can then be threaded onto the strap and secured by sewing or taping the strap in place. Some buckles can also be attached without additional tools.

If no replacement buckle is available, cord or a cable tie can be used as a temporary fastener.

Holes and tears in clothing, tents, etc.

Before applying tape or a patch, clean the damaged area thoroughly, for example with a cleaning cloth from a first aid kit. Dust and dirt can prevent tape or patches from adhering properly.

If insulation is protruding from a sleeping bag or lined jacket, it should be pushed back in carefully. Pulling out down or feathers can enlarge the hole.

Cut a piece of adhesive tape to size or choose a repair patch that extends at least 1 centimeter beyond the tear being covered.

Fine fabrics, such as those used in down jackets, often crease. The material should be held as taut as possible during application.

Press down on the patch in the middle, then smooth it outward toward the edges.

Extra tip: There are special repair tapes for waterproof fabrics, such as Gore-Tex.

Last but not least! Adapt your repair kit to the duration and type of your tour

Repair kits should be adjusted to trip length and conditions. They should also be checked before each trip to ensure items are complete and usable, as tape and adhesive patches can lose effectiveness over time.

Combining an outdoor repair kit with a small first aid kit can reduce redundancy, since some items, such as tape and scissors, overlap.

Lead image: Miriam Ersch-Arnolds