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Gear Aid Tenacious Tape Fabric Repair Tape

rated 4.5 of 5 stars
photo: Gear Aid Tenacious Tape Fabric Repair Tape patch/tape

Stronger and more aesthetic solution than duck tape.

Pros

  • Stronger and stickier than duck tape
  • Easy storage
  • Simple to use

Cons

  • Small chance that tape won't come off from backing
  • Not a lot of tape for the price you pay

This is the only gear repair tape I've used, but I'm pretty happy with the results. I got this tape with the intention of repairing this terrible tear that I created on interior fabric of my rain jacket. I cut out a generous amount and applied it directly to the tear.

The great thing about this tape is that so far, none of the edges of the tape have frayed after application. I will probably buy more for future use. This tape is a much better solution that duck tape to fix holes and your gear will have a much longer lifespan.


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I also applied it to where the tape seams have started to break.


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It even worked on the back of my shoe where a hole started to form.

Source: bought it new
Price Paid: $4.50

Toughest gear repair tape I've come across. Hasn't failed me yet.

Pros

  • Strong and durable repairs
  • Can be used on many fabrics

Cons

  • Doesn't work on sil-nylon

This tape is much stronger than duct tape and can be used to repair everything from packs to rain jackets.

I first used this tape as a last minute repair on a well used ULA pack before heading into the Rockies. The tape not only held up for that trip, it is still holding up over 2 years later and multiple trips into the woods.

I have since used tenacious tape to repair another backpack (Golite) and fix several places on my Marmot rain jacket where the inside waterproofing had rubbed off. I was about to trash the old Marmot softshell rainjacket until I remembered this stuff and thought to give it a try. The tape is waterproof and the rainjacket is working like new. I placed the tenacious tape on the inside of the jacket to cover up the rubbed off waterproofing material. I suspect this jacket will get several more years of use with this tape and save me quite a bit of money.

Yes, this tape is a bane to gear manufacturers. With this stuff, you can go much longer before buying replacement gear. Plus, the Tenacious Tape comes in multiple colors and even looks good.

This stuff goes in my pack these days.

The only downside to this tape is that it uses acrylic adhesive and the acrylic will not adhere well to silicon. So, you should not use this tape on silicon impregnated materials. So, do not use this stuff on Sil-Nylon tents.

Source: bought it new
Price Paid: $4-5

A strong and durable patch kit for nylons, fabrics, and more!

Pros

  • Strong
  • Discreet
  • Easy to use

Cons

  • Expensive for amount

I first purchased this tape to apply it to a pair of Gore-Tex rain pants from North Face. They had caught an ember from a campfire and had a hole the size of a dime. Fearful of catching something on the hole and making it worse, I started researching options to make the fix.

I first considered traditional duct tape, but decided that it would leave a residue and not be much of a permanent seal as I would have liked as well as left residue. Then I stumbled upon Tenacious Tape and liked the look and concept of it, as well as the affordability.

The tape is simple to apply, as all you do is cut the desired size, round the edges and peel off the backing to apply it. The bond strengthens over time and doesn't peel off. I have continued to wear the pants through cold, wet and dirty conditions and the patch shows no signs of peeling. 

The sole con to this product is the price. I paid $7.25 (can), and for that you get about 15 centimetres by 6 centimetres. It will have enough for quite a few small patches, but for a big team it may not suffice. It is still more affordable than replacing otherwise great gear.

Source: bought it new
Price Paid: $7.25 Canadian

I tried a coloured American patch tape with disappointing results. In particular, the patch slid across the fabric and left a sticky mark. I wasn’t happy. Then I heard of Tenacious Tape by McNett’s.

Pros

  • Comes in handy lightweight container
  • Sticks like Hell

Cons

  • Blue container attracts some biting flies

I tried a coloured American patch tape with disappointing results. In particular, the patch slid across the fabric and left a sticky mark. I wasn’t happy. Then I heard of Tenacious Tape by McNett’s which outdoors and sports stores in New Zealand can order through Alpine & Leisure importers. So I got a roll.

I discussed it with a seasoned traveller from Canada, and we agreed the quality of this tape is excellent. So I’m throwing away my coloured tape patches in favour of McNett’s Tenacious Tape which comes in a handy sealable container (the best part about this container is that it will make an excellent sewing kit holder once I’ve used the tape inside to fix my most vicious fabric cuts).

Source: tested or reviewed it for the manufacturer (I kept it!)

This is the best.

Pros

  • Bond grows stronger with time
  • Not effected by water
  • Heals virtually any fabric material
  • Economical permanent repair of expensive gear
  • A little is all that's needed
  • Remains flexible and doesn't yellow even years outdoors

Cons

  • None

I've used this to repair tears and holes in my $100 bicycle seat, Cordura panniers, backpack, down jacket; all with total success and no failure. Even the adhesive is impervious to water. No better product is available. I highly recommend it for any fabric repair you want to be permanent. You won't get it off after a few months.

Source: bought it new
Price Paid: $7 shipped on ebay

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Specs

Price Current Retail: $5.95-$6.99
Historic Range: $2.95-$6.99
Reviewers Paid: $4.00-$4.50
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