Last week we pulled out our old tent to make sure it was ready for a camping trip we have planned. We have had it for a few years now and its still in great shape but we did find a small tear in the side wall. Not knowing anything about tent repair I figured I would read up on every DIY method I could find on the web on how to repair a ripped tent and test what I think is the best options. Also, we did not receive free product or sponsorship for this article. That said brands, please feel free to send as much gear as you like and we will test it out for our readers!
Best Idea on How to Repair a Ripped Tent
The Solution, use Tenacious Tape Flex Patches from Gear Aid. We tested dozens of methods on how to repair a ripped tent and the best solution we found was to use Tenacious Tape Flex Patches. Simple to use, just clean the area around the tear real quick, cut a piece that will give about 1/4 inch on all sides of the tear, peal that backing off the tape, and press the tape onto the tear. Doeasnt have to be perfec and this fix will give you a permanent seal that looks nice and clean. For larger tent tears and emergency tent fixes I would use Tough & Wide Gorilla Tape especially if your are fixing a tent seam. It wont looks so great be it will get the job done
Tenacious Tape Flex Patches from Gear Aid works best out of all the methods we tested. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to find a free solution but most of the fixes I will mention below are under $10 and way cheaper than just buying a new tent.
Other Great Ideas on How to Repair a Ripped Tent
Our first test was everyone’s go to, Duck Take (duct tape) but we found that its worked OK to keep the bugs out but was not going to hold up. If it got wet it seemed to fall loose grip after a short time and would leak or just fall of. The Duck Take also had a hard time standing up to wind gusts. Probably an OK fix if you need to keep the bugs out on a dry day with little to no wind.
Next we tested out Tough & Wide Gorilla Tape and this looked like the solution at first because it help up well. After the blue had a chance to set the Gorilla Tape was able to get wet with no problem in our test and stood up with high wind. The only problem was that you could see our fix from a mile away. Man that tent looked bad after with such a big piece of tape on it. We even went a step further and ripped the seam to see how it performed and worked like a charm. I suggest you pack a roll of this when you go camping just just because it provided a great repair solution and can be used in so many other non-tent related ways.
Tough & Wide Gorilla Tape worked great but is very ugly so after reading a few more blogs I found a product that I feel is the best solution to repair a ripped tent. Tenacious Tape Flex Patches from Gear Aid was just as easy to use as Gorilla Tap and on top of that didn’t look too bad. It’s a clear product that is flexible, stands up to wind, and is water tight. I picked this solution because it feels like a permanent fix for a tent I want to keep and would be something I would use as part of my normal maintenance. Go the Gorilla Tape rout if you are in a pinch and need a quick fix on site.
How to Use Tenacious Tape to Fix a Tent
Click here to buy: Tenacious Tape Flex Patches
Click here to buy: Tough & Wide Gorilla Tape
So I would recommend you keep both Tenacious Tape Flex Patches and Tough & Wide Gorilla Tape with you on every camping trip. If you find a small rip or a large tear they can help you keep the bugs and weather out of your tent for good.
About Tenacious Tape Flex Patches
Ken McClary is a seasoned outdoor enthusiast, blogger, and outdoor marketing specialist who has been working in the outdoor industry since 2016. As the owner and author of the outdoor blog MakeCampingFun.com, Ken shares his passion for the great outdoors with others, providing them with valuable tips, advice, and insights on all things camping and outdoor adventure-related.
With a deep appreciation for nature and a love for exploring the great outdoors, Ken has established himself as a trusted voice in the outdoor community, inspiring others to get outside and experience the beauty of the natural world.
In addition to his work as a blogger, Ken has also worked as an outdoor marketing specialist, helping outdoor brands connect with their target audiences and reach new customers. Through his work and his blog, Ken continues to inspire others to live their best lives and make the most of every adventure.