Most kit failures in the field are small and fixable — a torn tarp, a split pack strap, a loose load — if you're carrying the right bits. A proper repair kit weighs almost nothing and has bailed out more trips than any single piece of 'proper' gear.
We've picked heavy-duty tape that sticks in the wet, cable ties for quick lashing and repairs, bungee cords for securing loads, and a compact sewing kit for torn fabric and lost buttons — enough to fix most things until you're home.
Heavy-duty duct tape is the ultimate field repair solution — capable of patching tents, waterproofs, shelters, and gear in seconds. A survival kit staple that weighs almost nothing when wrapped around a pencil or card.
Choose a tape with a strong rubber-based adhesive that bonds well to fabric, plastic, metal, and wood — even in cold and damp conditions. Cheap tapes lose adhesion rapidly when wet or cold, which is precisely when you need them most in UK conditions.
The cloth mesh within duct tape determines its tear resistance and conformability. Higher mesh counts provide better strength while still allowing you to tear the tape by hand. Avoid cheap thin tapes that stretch and deform under tension.
Not all duct tapes are genuinely waterproof. For survival use, choose a tape specifically rated as waterproof or designed for outdoor/marine use. These maintain adhesion and integrity even when submerged or exposed to prolonged rainfall.
A full roll of duct tape is heavy and wastes pack space. Instead, wrap 3-5 metres around a pencil, old bank card, or your water bottle. This gives you enough for multiple repairs while weighing almost nothing and fitting anywhere in your kit.
Duct tape adheres poorly to wet, muddy, or oily surfaces. Whenever possible, dry and clean the repair area before applying tape. In an emergency, even wiping with a sleeve or blowing the surface dry improves adhesion dramatically.
A heavy-duty cloth tape that sticks hard to rough, uneven and damp surfaces. The go-to for fast, strong field repairs when something absolutely has to hold.
Strong, weather-resistant cable ties for securing, bundling and repairing almost anything — a featherweight, do-everything fastener for kits, cars and toolboxes.
Assorted-length elasticated bungee cords with strong carabiner hooks for securing loads, rigging shelters and strapping down gear quickly and reusably.
A compact sewing and repair kit with assorted needles, strong thread and spares, letting you mend torn clothing, packs and gear wherever failure strikes.