Connect with us

Outdoor Blog

How to Build the Ultimate Backpack Repair Kit

Published

on

A grey backpack on a rock ledge.

Backpackers spend a lot of time and money accumulating outdoor gear. To avoid pricey replacements, making simple repairs can make your equipment last much longer. It’s vital to carry a repair kit on any longer excursion, so if your gear fails in the middle of the backcountry, you’ll be able to repair and carry on instead of having to turn back.

Next time a buckle snaps, a seam leaks, or your clothes get ripped, you should be able to whip out your backpack repair kit and carry out a quick fix. Being adequately prepared for any eventuality will help prevent gear malfunctions from ruining an otherwise well thought out adventure. 

It can be confusing to figure out the items you need to carry in a repair kit. With so many hiking and camping gadgets all marketing themselves as must-haves, putting together the right kit without over-packing can be a challenge. That’s why we’ve put together a full guide of what you need in your backpack repair kit. 

 

A collection of tools.

Having a backpack repair kit with you while hiking will ensure that if something happens to your bag, it can be mended.

 

Why carry a backpack repair kit?

Our outdoor equipment takes quite a beating on the trails, and although it’s made to last, sometimes you’ll find yourself with a broken piece of vital equipment in the field. Whether its due to extended use, general wear and tear, or human error, even the most durable of backpacking gear can break down. Clothing and equipment will break, tear, or just wear out, and you need to know how to make quick repairs in the field. 

When it comes time to set off, we think we have everything we need and are fully prepared. However, have you ever thought about what you’d do if your clothing tore midway through a 5-day hike? Or worse, your backpack? And how about broken trekking poles, leaky tents, and cracked water bottles? All of these problems can cut your trip short if you’re not equipped to solve them. 

Some equipment breakages can be expected, for example, sustained mileage will eventually wear out the tips of trekking poles. However, sometimes the unexpected happens, perhaps your new shoes start falling apart after only a few miles. Your field repair kit should at the very least keep you going until you can find replacement equipment, but it’s even better if you can restore your equipment to full function. 

 

What to include in your backpack repair kit

Now, we’re going to cover some basic items which should have a place in everyone’s emergency kit, as well as extras you’ll need to consider depending on the type of excursion you plan to undertake. 

 

A multi-tool pocket knife cutting through a tree limb.

Having a multi-tool knife is an essential tool for repairing your backpack.

 

1. Multi-tool 

A good multi-tool can save you countless times on the trails. While they’re bulkier and heavier than your standard pocket knife, a multi-tool certainly makes up for its weight in functionality. Whether you’re cutting rope or food, the knife is always useful on the trails.

Screwdrivers can be used to adjust trekking poles, the pliers have multiple uses such as pinching together broken zippers. Scissors are an absolute must, for cutting bandages or patches for other repairs. Multi-tools are available with just a few simple tools or as a fully equipped toolbox, so you can decide how elaborate you want yours to be.

Multi-tools were popularised with the Victorinox Swiss Army Knife at the time of World War One, but since then they’ve become much more advanced. Read our buying guide for the best camping multi-tool to help you make the right choice. 

 

2. Duct tape

Every camper or backpacker can tell you that at some point, they owed their life to duct tape. This wonderful invention can be used for so many things and is a vital part of your backpack repair kit. Duct tape can be used as an emergency patch on clothing or equipment, it can help your falling-apart boots make it a few more miles.

If you feel your shoes rubbing, a piece of duct tape on your heel will prevent blisters- duct tape is a real backcountry miracle worker. Rather than carrying a whole roll, you can keep a length of duct tape wrapped around your trekking poles or your water bottle.

Alternatively, miniature duct tape cylinders like these from SOL won’t take up much space in your bag. However you choose to carry it, duct tape is worth its weight without a doubt, so always make sure you have it on you. 

 

3. Paracord

There are endless uses for this strong and durable cord, it’s a really valuable thing to carry. Snapped boot laces can make it impossible to continue with your hike, but paracord can easily solve this problem. Emergency straps for bags and guy lines can be made easily, as well as countless other things.

With so many uses, it would be silly not to include this essential survival gear in your backpack repair kit. Carry a lighter to melt frayed ends, and you’re good to go. One way to carry some parachute cord in an unobtrusive way is in the form of a paracord bracelet.

This survival accessory is becoming more and more popular, as the paracord is efficiently stored on your wrist, ready for whenever you may need it. To see some of the best available, check out our buying guide for paracord survival bracelets

 

4. Zip ties

Zip ties promise not to take up much space or add too much weight to your pack, and you’d be surprised how useful this common household item can be in the backcountry. They’re perfect for fixing backpack straps, and they can form a quick replacement for broken snowshoe clips.

Zip ties also make a perfect zipper pull and make lots of other fiddly repairs much easier. Include a few zip ties in your backpack repair kit, you won’t regret it.

 

A box of sewing supplies.

From sewing supplies to extra buckles, there are several items you will need in order to build a proper backpack repair kit.

 

5. Spare buckles

Almost every piece of backcountry equipment and apparel features buckles. These plastic fasteners take a lot of strain, and they’re also vital to a safe and comfortable trip. For example, a backpacker’s hipbelt buckle can mean the difference between a successful hike and a week of back pain.

Whether you step on your buckle, or it just gives up after years of hard use, having these spare parts on you will mean a quick stop to make a replacement, and then carrying onwards down the trail happily.

Without, you risk a painful and inconvenient hike, or just having to turn back towards home and give up your hike altogether. It’s very helpful to have a few spare buckles of different sizes in your backpack repair kit, just in case. 

 

6. Tent pole sleeves

Most backpacking tents include a tent hole sleeve in their package. This short tube is often overlooked, but can really help you out in a pinch. If one of your tent poles breaks, bends, or splits in the field, it can leave you without a safe shelter for the night.

However, if you have a tent pole sleeve, all you have to do is slide it over the break and duct tape in place. This will keep you tent usable so that you can finish your trip, without having to worry about where you’ll sleep. 

 

7. Needle and thread

Duct tape and glue will get you far, but sometimes a good old-fashioned needle and thread are necessary. Mostly useful for clothing repair, a needle and thread are a big help when you lose buttons or tear seams. If you bust your sleeping bag, you’ll need to sew up the hole fast to keep you from losing insulation. Keep a sewing kit in your backpack repair kit for next time you need to do some last-minute backcountry sewing. 

 

8. Stove repair kit

If you’re using a camping or backpacking stove, and especially if you’re relying on it as your main source of food, a stove repair kit is a necessary part of your emergency supplies. Keeping a few tools and spare parts will make sure your stove is always up and running.

One potential problem is a deteriorated O-ring, which could leave your stove unusable and lead to some grumpy campers when there’s no coffee in the morning. However, if you have the spare part and necessary tool, you’ll be able to make a quick repair at no cost to your time or pride. 

 

9. Adhesive patches

These serve pretty much the same purpose as duct tape, but in a more convenient manner. To quickly stop an air leak in your inflatable mattress or close a hole in your jacket, adhesive repair patches are an ideal solution. 

 

10. Seam sealer

So much outdoor equipment depends on the sealant of seams; clothing, tents, tarps, and backpacks. If a seam on one of your belongings tears, leaks, or outright breaks, it could leave you in a world of trouble. A good seam sealer always has its place in any hikers backpack repair kit, to ensure no further leakage occurs.

Try to get a seam sealer that works with all the fabrics you might need it for, including nylon, rubber, PVC, vinyl, and leather- whatever you might need to repair. 

 

Two blue backpacks in a field.

Once you’ve built your ultimate backpack repair kit, it’s time to hit the trail.

 

How to repair a backpack

If you’re carrying a backpack repair kit, you should have the necessary materials to get you through almost any equipment emergency. However, you might not have the know-how. A broken backpack is one of the most serious and fatal problems a thru-hiker or backpacker can face, so you need to know how to fix it.

Holes in the fabric, non-functional zips, and broken buckles can render your backpack all but useless. Making small repairs as soon as the problem occurs could save you from facing bigger catastrophes later on, so check out our tips for repairing your backpack while in the field.

For rips, tears, and holes in the fabric of your backpack, duct tape can be a quick temporary solution. To make a repair using duct tape, follow these steps:

 

1. Clean the area which needs repairing, inside and out. This will help the tape to adhere better, reducing the chance of further problems.

 

2. Cut the tape to at least 1 inch larger than the size of the repair. This will ensure full coverage and a good grip.

 

3. If you have your scissors-featuring multitool, cutting duct tape into a circle is very helpful. This will reduce the likelihood of the tape catching on things by removing the vulnerable corners, making it less likely to peel off and require further repairs. 

 

4. Stuff the inside of your pack, so your work area isn’t flapping around. This will also help you check that your repair is sufficient so that it doesn’t break again upon first use.

 

5. Apply your piece of duct tape to the tear or hole on the outside of your pack. Ensure it’s securely stuck down, and that there are no gaps where it could re-open.

 

6. Remove the contents of your pack carefully, in case they have stuck to the duct tape in any small part.

 

7. Use a second piece of tape to repeat the repair from inside the bag. This will reinforce this weakened point and help the fix to last longer.

 

If you develop a hole in a mesh part of your bag, duct tape isn’t the ideal fix. For these issues, you’ll have to break out your needle and thread, or alternatively, fishing wire and dental floss can also serve as cord. 

 

1. Close the mesh in a few stitches, pulling it together to the correct place.

 

2. Then, sew in multiple directions to try and re-create the grid of mesh which was already in place.

 

Broken zips can be a huge pain, which is why lots of backpacks avoid them altogether due to their vulnerability. However, many pieces of outdoor gear feature zip, so it’s useful to know how to repair them- you’ll never know when you’ll need it! For a distorted zip, one which moves but won’t actually close your pack, the pliers on your multi-tool will come in very handy.

 

1. Open the zip as far as possible.

 

2. Take your pliers and gently squeeze the top and bottom of the slider part together. This should bring the slider into better contact with the zip, and easily solve your problem.

 

Another common problem with zips is bent teeth, something which can happen all too easily in the backcountry. This might be slightly harder to do with a multi-tool as ideally, you would use more precise pliers, although if your multi-tool includes sturdy enough tweezers you could try with those. 

 

1. Take your pliers and very carefully bend the teeth back into shape.

 

2. Do not use too much force, be as gentle as possible, as zipper teeth can easily snap off, which to repair in the field is impossible. 

 

For jammed zippers, a little lubrication will work wonders. If you have nothing else, try rubbing on a bit of your lip balm. 

 

As we’ve mentioned, your backpack repair kit absolutely must include spare buckles. Repairing a broken buckle out in the field isn’t easy, but if you don’t have the replacement parts then you’ll fail before you even begin.

If a buckle breaks in an important place, such as the hip or chest, then as a last resort you can replace it with another buckle on your gear. Look for buckles in less critical places, such as the side or back of your bag, and maybe you can fashion one of these into a replacement for your hipbelt.

 

1. Remove the buckle that needs replacing. It’s already broken, so you can get it off any way you wish, pliers may make it easier. 

 

2. Take your replacement buckle and locate the middle bar, the one that holds the buckle to the webbing on your bag. Use a lighter to soften the plastic slightly, and slice through the middle bar with your knife. 

 

3. Use this cut to push the buckle onto the webbing where it’s needed.

 

4. Use some duct tape to reinforce the bar where you cut it, and you’re finished.

 

A broken shoulder or hip strap is perhaps the worst injury your backpack could sustain. If you have your repair kit through, a little sewing can fix it right up and get you on your way.

 

1. Empty your bag of all belongings.

2. Cut away the protective tape around the seam, to expose the opening of the strap.

3. Feed the trap through this opening, it should lay flat between the pack’s side seams.

4. Sew three parallel lines of backstitching, as strongly as possible, between the side seams.

 

Our Winner:

 

[amazon table=”13784″]

If there was one product we would recommend for your backpack repair kit, it’s Gear Aid Tenacious Tape Patches. This is ultra-strong repair tape with a highly effective adhesive and can be used to fix any holes, rips, tears, and gashes in your outdoor gear. These patches will stick to almost any surface, so they’re so valuable to carry. 

One reason we’d recommend Gear Aid Tenacious Tape is its abrasion resistance. Backpacking gear goes through a lot, so this extra protection on repaired areas can make a difference when putting up with high wear.

Starting from less than $3, these tape patches are available in all different forms. They’re weather-resistant, and as a huge bonus are washable, meaning repairs using this tape can last for trips to come. 

 

A guy jumping through the air.

At the end of the day, a hiker with a well-maintained backpack is a happy hiker.

 

Final Verdict:

 

Carrying a backpack repair kit is important for any outdoor traveler, as you’ll never know when emergency repairs will need to be made. A fully equipped kit will save your skin many times out in the backcountry, and over time you’ll cultivate your own methods and must-have repair items. For now, we recommend you carry duct tape, a good multi-tool, some paracord and a sewing kit at a minimum. Buckles and zip ties also make very valuable additions. Now you’re prepared for any eventuality, so we wish you good luck on your next excursion!

 

Bonus tip: Check out the video below on how to fix a jammed zipper!

 

 

Continue Reading

Outdoor Blog

Living Life on the Edge: Embracing Adrenaline-Fueled Moments

Published

on

Life is an adventure, a journey filled with countless opportunities for thrill and excitement. For some, the idea of living life on the edge, embracing adrenaline-fueled moments, is an exhilarating concept that fuels their passion for adventure. This article delves into the world of adrenaline-chasing, highlighting the benefits and experiences of such a lifestyle.

Kitesurfing: Riding the waves of excitement

The first step to living on the edge is stepping out of your comfort zone and trying something new. Kitesurfing, a water sport combining wakeboarding, windsurfing, and paragliding elements, is an excellent example of an adrenaline-fueled activity. The activity entails utilizing a sizable maneuverable kite to capture the force of the wind, enabling the rider to traverse the water on a board specifically designed for kiteboarding. There is nothing quite like the exhilaration of soaring through the air, feeling the breeze caress your cheeks, and mastering the art of maneuvering a kite. Kitesurfing is a remarkable adventure that captures the spirit of embracing excitement and pushing boundaries.

The psychological thrill

In addition to the excitement of the tangible experience, embracing a daring lifestyle offers a mental rush that is just as stimulating. Engaging in these activities provides an exhilarating experience that stimulates the production of endorphins, the body’s innate pain relievers. This results in a profound sense of joy and an overwhelming feeling of invulnerability. The thrill of this frenzy can become habit-forming, compelling thrill-seekers to pursue fresh and increasingly demanding adventures consistently. 

The benefits of embracing the edge

Embracing a daring lifestyle goes beyond pursuing excitement; it presents many advantages. Participating in thrilling adventures can enhance physical well-being, as numerous pursuits demand robustness, stamina, and skill. Furthermore, they have the potential to enhance one’s emotional well-being by offering a means to alleviate tension and unease. Engaging in these activities demands concentration, which can effectively alleviate mental clutter, resulting in a serene state once the surge of excitement diminishes.

The balance of risk and reward

While living life on the edge can be exhilarating, it’s important to remember the balance of risk and reward. Adrenaline-fueled activities often involve a certain level of risk, and it’s essential to approach them with a healthy respect for safety. Proper training, equipment, and precautions can help mitigate these risks, allowing you to enjoy the thrill without unnecessary danger. 

Always research your activities and location. This understanding can help you decide if the risk is acceptable and if you have the skills and equipment. Check and maintain your gear, and never sacrifice safety. Finally, embracing adventure with a responsible and safety-conscious mentality lets you enjoy high-risk activities without risking injury.

Living life on the edge embracing adrenaline-fueled moments, is a lifestyle choice that offers a unique blend of thrill, excitement, and personal growth. Whether kitesurfing across the waves, scaling a mountain, or skydiving from a plane, these activities provide an escape from the mundane, a chance to challenge oneself, and an opportunity to experience life at its most vibrant. So, step out of your comfort zone, embrace the adrenaline, and start living on the edge. After all, life is not meant to be lived in the slow lane; rather, it’s about experiencing every thrilling moment it offers.

Continue Reading

Outdoor Blog

Renewable Energy Farms That Make Beautiful Hiking Trails

Published

on

Wind farms and solar panels are not just alternative means to get our natural resources. They have now combined with another industry and are making some unexpected news. 

The tourism industry has marked renewable energy farms as hiking trails, and hikers are here for it. You can read more about renewable energy sites. Although you might not think of hiking on a wind farm as beautiful as hiking along a famous mountain trail, you might just be in for a surprise. 

Let’s discuss the benefits that renewable energy farms have as hiking trails. 

Why are Renewable Energy Farms Important? 

Renewable energy farms are important for the future of civilization. These farms provide an alternative to our natural resources, such as wind and energy. 

The most important benefit of renewable energy is that it doesn’t produce any greenhouse emissions and reduces the air pollution other traditional processes create when providing natural resources. 

These farms also allow for the creation of the country’s own resources without having to import natural resources from another country and save their limited natural resources. 

Here are some of the reasons why energy farms are important: 

  • Allows for sustainable rural development 

This will allow landowners to make an extra income by generating energy. 

  • Test new technologies 

Providing the opportunity to test technologies to find new ways to create renewable energy. 

  • Improving the effect of climate change 

Climate change has left the environment filled with toxic pollutants, which has led people to become sick and breathe in harmful air. 

Renewable energy can change this by lessening the number of pollutants that are released into the atmosphere and providing much safer, cleaner, breathable air. 

  • This leads to job creation 

Job creation within the renewable energy farms industry is plentiful as there is a need for skilled workers such as construction, maintenance and manufacturing to build the necessary infrastructure that is needed to generate these wind and solar farms. 

The Benefits of Renewable Energy Farms As Hiking Trails 

Renewable energy farms have many benefits for both the environment and people who love spending their time outdoors. 

Embracing the Use of Green Technology 

Since wind farms and solar plants are located in areas that are unpopulated, they make for great hiking trails. 

By visiting these sites, people get to experience green technology, and by integrating them into recreational spaces, people can visit these sites and embrace green technology by seeing how they work and the positive effects that it has on the environment. 

The more people embrace the shift to green technology, the easier it will be to use it. 

Energy Farms Offer A Unique Experience For Visitors 

Visiting energy farms means you will have a unique experience while there. You will get to see how these large devices work and how they replace the basic resources needed to survive. 

Tours can give visitors more information on the background of the construction of devices, their environmental impact and why it is important for us to switch to sustainable energy resources. 

Visitors Get to Enjoy Natural Beauty 

The sites for these renewable energy farms are often located in areas that are surrounded by natural beauty, such as large landscapes. 

Natural pathways can be used as hiking trails without the need for carving out new roads and damaging the ecosystem. 

Visitors can even discover native plant life and explore the natural wonders that are located at these energy farms, as they are often placed where no infrastructure has been built on the property before. 

Providing Health and Wellness Benefits 

Hiking has many health benefits, such as reducing stress, improving fitness, and helping aid mental well-being. 

Energy Farms have Community Benefits and Increase the Economy 

These hiking trails can help boost economic sales, bringing tourists to the community. This will give the local people the opportunity to expand their businesses. 

This can also help increase employment within the community as these sites will be visited frequently and lead to new business openings to cater to tourists. 

Conclusion

Renewable energy farms greatly benefit both the economy and the people who want to spend their time on them. These farms are especially important for transitioning from natural resources to newer energy resource power plants. 

From learning how to embrace green technology to getting health and wellness benefits to enjoying nature’s natural beauty and finding job opportunities within the market. 

Spending time on these renewable energy farms can be educational and recreational for anyone who visits them. To find more renewable energy farm hiking trails, you can visit https://outsidebozeman.com

 

Continue Reading

Outdoor Blog

Top Recommendations for RV Window Maintenance

Published

on

Much like other sections of your RV, the windows sometimes need a bit of maintenance. It is essential to clean off dirt and insect smudges and also make sure they are adequately sealed to avoid leaks and water harm.

If you have a broken RV window, then you may want to consult Van Isle Glass. However, if you wish to know more about simple measures to ensure your RV windows stay spotless and secure, you are in the right spot! Continue reading below.

Polish Your Windshield Using Ultra-Fine #0000 Steel Wool

Numerous RV enthusiasts have praised the use of the finest grade of steel wool #0000 for removing stubborn bugs and water marks from their windshields. Before proceeding, first test the #0000 steel wool on a small portion of your windshield. Apply it with light, circular motions. Sweep away any remaining steel wool bits with a microfiber towel. Next, spritz the surface with a residue-free glass cleaner and wipe it down with a separate cloth.

Steel wool is also great when used with a spray lubricant for cleaning tires, maintaining grills, starting campfires, and repelling mice. A gentler alternative is cleansing dish pads. These pads are versatile, suitable for cleaning various materials such as wood, porcelain, stainless steel, chrome, painted areas, and glass.

Apply a Sealant to Avoid Leaks

Silicone sealant is effective in stopping leaks in areas like your windshield, RV windows, sunroof, and vents. It penetrates tiny gaps, creating a robust waterproof barrier. Ensure the surfaces are clean before application and do not have old caulk, dirt, oil, and other residues.

Furthermore, clear away any standing water on windows to prevent hard water stains. Make sure the inside of your windows stay dry to avoid condensation and mold build-up. If there is significant condensation on your windows, consider getting a small dehumidifier.

Use Tools to Access Difficult Regions

Using cleaners with long handles can prevent you from straining to clean those distant parts of your windshield. Windshield cleaning tools often feature a lengthy, swiveling triangular head that is ideal for getting into corners and spots difficult to access manually.

Opt for a Residue-Free Glass Cleaner

A high-quality glass cleaner will maintain the clarity of your windows and windshield. A great glass cleaner performs well on both standard and tinted windows, making sure to remove streaks or leftover residue. Another option is a natural concoction of half vinegar and half water, with a touch of lemon essential oil.

Steer Clear of Cleaning RV Windows in Bright Sunlight

A sunny afternoon may feel perfect for washing your RV windows, but the warmth can speed up the drying of the cleaner, resulting in streaks or spots. It is advisable to tackle your RV window cleaning during early morning, late evening, or when stationed in a shaded area for the best outcome.

Endnote

Keeping your RV windows clean and clear is not only about aesthetics, but is also vital for safety. The subtleties in cleaning, like steering clear of the sun and using the appropriate products, play a key role. Adhering to these guidelines will help you maintain a pristine view during your various journeys.

Continue Reading

Trending