When you are out hiking, accidents inevitably happen; the winds can destroy your tent, a branch can slit a hole on the side, or maybe an unprecedented fire can consume a part of your tent. Each of these eventualities can cause your tent to rip apart and get damaged. But that doesn’t mean an end to your hiking expedition- most tears, rips and damages can be easily repaired. Here’s how to go about it:
How to Fix a Small Tear on a Tent
A small tear on a tent can worsen quickly, but small rips are very easy to repair. You will need a tent repair tape and seam sealer. Start by applying the tent repair tape on the inside of the tent. Then do the same for the outside part of the tent. Finish by covering both sides with seam sealer. It’s advisable to choose the right kit. For instance, if you have a nylon tent, you’ll need a tape and sealer made for nylon tents. For canvas tents, you’ll need taffeta tent repair tape and sealer made for canvas. Using the wrong tape and sealer could cause further damage to the tent.
How to Fix a Big Tear on a Tent
If you are dealing with a more significant tear, things can get a bit more complex since you’ll have to do a bit of crocheting. You will need a sewing awl, a waxed thread and a repair tape. Start by pulling both sides of the material together such that one side is folded under the other. Stitch both sides together carefully ensuring that the stitching is seamless and tightly knit. Finish by applying seam sealer all over the edges to cover any remaining holes and keep the tent waterproof.
How to Fix Leaks on a Tent
Leaks are usually caused by rips or tears on the fabric of the tent. To repair a leak, you can follow the steps above. However, most leaks are found on the seams of the tent (this is where the fabrics of the tent are joined together). If you notice any leaks on the seams, clean the area with alcohol, then apply seam sealer to make it watertight.
How to Fix a Broken Tent Pole
A broken tent pole is a very common problem when hiking. This usually happens for a variety of reasons including strong winds, wear and tear and accidents that occur when setting up the tent. To fix a broken tent pole, you will need a duct tape to strengthen the pole. This works particularly well if the pole is not broken or damaged completely. But if the poles are entirely snapped, you might need to use twigs or branches for support, although this is a worst-case scenario. The most sensible thing to do is to carry an extra tent pole so that you can quickly fix any damages.
How to Fix a Broken Tent Zipper
A zipper is damaged when its teeth get misaligned or broken. If the teeth are misaligned, you need to slide the zipper up and down a few times to fix the misalignment. However, if the teeth are broken, you’re better off replacing the whole zipper, which is not something you can do in the middle of your hike.
Takeaway
You never know when accidents strike and force you to repair your tent. To be safe, always carry the necessary equipment and tools with you to fix any damages so you can stay dry and warm.
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