Repair Kits
On This Page
Top Picks
How we choose: The best repair kits highlighted here were selected based on 12 reviews of 11 products. Our top picks are those that are readily-available in the United States and have received the highest overall ratings from reviewers.
How we test: Trailspace is powered entirely by our community of readers. The reviews posted here reflect the real-world experiences of outdoor enthusiasts just like you.
If you've used a repair kit that you think should be listed here, please share your experience.
Disclosure: Trailspace never accepts payment for gear reviews, product placement, or editorial coverage. When you buy through affiliate links on our site, Trailspace may earn a small commission, which helps cover the costs of running the site.
Sea to Summit Field Repair Buckles
These are a quick fix repair buckle for backpacking, kayaking, and hiking gear. These come in different sizes from 15mm (5/8 inch) up to the larger sizes. Hard to find in the outdoor store, I snapped up a set of the Side Release in 15mm and a ladder lock also in 15mm. Was I impressed? Yup! My tent/backpack repair kit now contains these small wonders.
Reasons to Buy
- Easy to replace old broken buckles
Reasons to Avoid
- Size
- Cost
- Need a very small Phillips head in order to use in the field
- Prior planning...
side buckle ladder buckle replacement buckle I have looked for these when I saw a video of them a while back. I have needed replacement buckles in the past with my equipment and have a few of the replacements for repairs once I get home from a trip. But, to have these on the trail could be handy. I finally found these (although only 15mm) in a local outdoor store and purchased them for my carry tent/backpack repair kit. Easy to use. Although a very small Phillips is needed. Place the stainless steel pin through the canvas strap loop of old buckle and repair is complete! I created a new repair kit within minutes with these new buckles.
Read more: Sea to Summit Field Repair Buckles review (1)
Sea to Summit Mat Repair Kit
Pleasantly surprised by this product.
Reasons to Buy
- Works instantly
- Easy to use, no thinking about it
Reasons to Avoid
- May or may not be waterproof, not sure just yet.
Needed to make an emergency repair to my rain jacket a Marmot Oracle Jacket. Only thing the store had was this kit for sleeping pads. I had backed into a lantern and burned a quarter size hole in it dead center of my shoulder blades on a previous outing. The kit came with four round 1 1/4-inch and four 2-inch square patches. What I did was put a square one on the inside of the jacket and a round one on the outside effectively glueing them together in case they didn’t hold to the jacket. Well, it did hold two days in heavy rain and cold on the trail.
Read more: Sea to Summit Mat Repair Kit review (1)
Gear Aid SilFix Sil-Nylon Repair Kit
Great repair kit for fixing holes and tears in sil-nylon material used by many manufactures of lightweight backpacks and tents.
Reasons to Buy
- Kit comes complete with brush, silicon tube, and patches
- Really works well
- Kit size is small enough to keep in your pack
Reasons to Avoid
- Would be nice if the piece of sil-nylon patch material was larger
As I've been adding lighter weight gear to my backpacking and hiking arsenal, I've run across the complications of making those choices. That being, these lighter weight packs and tents using sil-nylon materials are not as durable as their heavier weight counterparts. My first purchase was the Marmot Kompressor Summit, which is a lightweight 28L day pack which uses sil-nylon along the sides and front of the pack. As I used it over the past summer, various damage occurred from carrying various objects inside the pack that ultimately poked small holes and in one case, tore a corner.
Read more: Gear Aid SilFix Sil-Nylon Repair Kit review (1)
McNett Zip Tech
A great product for zipper maintenance. One stick lasts a long time. Does not attract or hold sand and dirt. No mess. Easy to use.
Reasons to Buy
- Easy to use
- No mess
- Does not stain or damage fabrics or thread
In 2003 I bought this product because it was recommended for my drysuit. It worked so well on the drysuit that I started using it on backpacks, tents, down jackets, and waterproof jackets. Any high dollar gear with a zipper is likely to get Zip Tech'd. It actually helps seal water out of water resistant zippers. Product is easy to use and the benefits are noticed immediately. I apply it occasionally, especially if a zipper is feeling a little rough or hard to operate. In 2015 I just bought my second tube of it.
Read more: McNett Zip Tech review (1)
InstaMorph
This is something new to me. It is a moldable plastic that can be used for so many repairs when on the trail. It can be made moldable in hot water and can be remolded as necessary. I used it to repair a broken tent pole and it got me through what would otherwise would have been a very miserable four-day trip.
Reasons to Buy
- Portable
- Easy to use
- Doesn't take much space, and when you need it, it is very good to have
Reasons to Avoid
- Heat source needed
- Will become pliable again at over 140 degrees, so repairs will fail in a hot vehicle.
This stuff is amazing. The uses for it are only limited by your need and imagination. Can be used for repairs of items you already have or to make something you need. It will bond to some plastics. Would be a good item to carry in a first aid kit, also. Splints can be made for anything you need, and custom fit to the individual for comfort. I am going to carry some of this with me everywhere. I suggest going to its site and viewing the suggest uses. Impressive!
Read more: InstaMorph review (1)
More Reviews of Repair Kits
Trailspace reviewers have shared 12 reviews of 11 different repair kits.
or add yours
Other Types of Gear Care and Maintenance
Find more gear care and maintenance reviewed in these related categories:
Patches and Tapes
Seam Sealers
Down Cleaners/Treatments
+4 more types
Review Your Outdoor Gear
If you've found this site helpful — or if we've missed something important — please consider paying it forward by some of your favorite outdoor gear.
Why? From professional gearheads to outdoor novices, everyone has an important point of view to contribute. will support the outdoor community and help others find the best gear.
Trailspace reviewers are outdoor enthusiasts like you: hikers, climbers, paddlers, backcountry skiers, and trail runners who share our experiences with the gear and clothing we rely on to get outside. Learn more about Trailspace