Description
This tape sticks very well to both the coated and uncoated sides of packraft fabric, and it does not come off when it gets wet. It’s the best packraft field repair tape I have found! It is similar to Tyvek brand tape and it sticks better to TPU-coated fabric than other “gear repair” tapes I have found in camping supply stores.
This tape is colorless, so it looks like a roll of regular packing tape, but the adhesive is much better suited to outdoor and underwater applications. A 50 m roll is more than you will need in the field, so instead of carrying the whole roll, wrap a few metres of tape around your water bottle, paddle shaft, bear spray, or some other piece of gear.
Because the tape is clear, you can easily see bubbles or creases that could allow air to escape, and it doesn’t leave any colored residue on the packraft after it is removed. This tape can usually be lifted and re-positioned on the TPU coated side of the fabric without losing its stickiness (for a short time, at least).
I have also used it to repair torn rain pants and a down jacket, and it is still holding them together years later. My only criticism of this tape is that you have to be careful to start pulling a full width strip off the roll or it will peel off in a narrower strip; once you have the full width coming off the roll though, it does not split.
For good adhesion, the fabric you’re repairing must be clean and dry.
Here’s the manufacturer’s sales pitch:
“Permanently patches temporary garages, tents, shelters, tarps and camping equipement and more! Made of UV resistant film and adhesive. Resistant to bad weather – Perfect for outdoors!”
48 mm x 50 m (1.88’’ x 54.68 yd)
Note: I pay retail prices for this tape; I only offer it here as a service to those who can’t find something similar locally – if you can, please shop closer to home.