The Best Gear Repair Patches
Even the highest quality and most durable gear breaks down eventually. Before you toss your old jackets or leggings, why not give mending a shot? Some repairs are as easy as a stick on patch, other repairs might be more intensive and require an expert’s touch. If your gear absolutely cannot be salvaged, see if you can recycle it to be repurposed as new gear before donating or tossing in the bin. It has been estimated that 73 percent of global textiles end up in the landfill or incinerator. Gear and activewear in particular are made with fabrics that can take up to 500 years to decompose.
Here are some of the best gear patches out there:
Related: The Best Mail-In Gear Repair Services
Noso Patches
Noso patches are water resistant, waterproof patches made of polyester fabric, made from leftovers or upcycled rolls of fabric in the USA. Noso patches are simple to attach with a strong adhesive (which apparently is so non-toxic you could eat it), which they say can last up to 50+ washes. Noso patches come in playful designs, many of which are created by featured artists. They also boast sustainable shipping and use a zero waste dying process.
Gear Aid Tenacious Tape
Gear Aid Tenacious Tape is vinyl, nylon, or ripstop nylon fabric with a strong adhesive. Gear Aid says that their tape will adhere to (and therefore repair) fabrics made from nylon, polyester, fleece, vinyl, rubber, non-oiled leather and GORE-TEX fabric. Tenacious Tape comes in a roll or in patches, all extremely simple to stick on a rip or tear. They also offer patches for silicone-treated and neoprene fabrics and kits for tent repair.
Vintage Patches
If you’re repairing cotton or denim, or simply want to add a little flair to some of your gear, there are many outdoors-themed vintage patches available online. Check out Patch Parlor or Etsy to find iron-on and sew-on vintage patches that catch your vibe.
Gear patches are a wonderful tool for both backcountry emergencies and for prolonging the life of your favorite gear. New technology has allowed companies to make patches that are easy to use, effective, and allow you to express yourself all while keeping your clothes out of the landfill.
