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Fix a hole in a tent

Q. Yo Gear Guy, I just got back from summer camp and I had a blast, except for one thing: My tent got a hole in it. I was wondering if you know any good inexpensive ways to fix the holes?
— Holey Zachary, Freedom, Pa.

A. Better a hole in your tent than a hole in your head, huh Zach? No worries, I have an easy solution that my buddy (and Eagle Scout) Chris Dickey shared with me. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • one tube of SeamGrip ($5-$7; www.mcnett.com)
  • one fabric patch
  • duct tape

Apply a piece of duct tape to the backside of the fabric tear. On the outer facing side apply a thin layer of SeamGrip (careful, this is sticky stuff). Next, place the fabric patch over the top of the SeamGrip. Before it dries, give it a gentle press and wipe away any residue. Give the patch about 20 minutes to dry and you’ll have a bomber tough waterproof fix.


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10 Comments on Fix a hole in a tent

  1. I’ve always just used clear duct tape on the inside. The clear stuff not only looks nicer (although it’s not completely clear), but it’s stickier than the normal kind for some reason. I’ve got several such patches in mine that have lasted years and still going strong.

    But adding the seamgrip and patch would be even better, I’m sure.

  2. Rat ate a hole in my 10 person tent will this work it’s part bottom and a bit of the side?

  3. Thanks guys I’m a single mother of5 boys and a girl I like to take my kids camping . Ibought a heavy duty tarpolan tent 2nd hand andwhen I errected it ……….. the moths had eatenlittle holes in it so whenur lying down inside u feel like ur under the stars lol I will try the duct tape and material .thanks heaps wendy

  4. Colonel Hessler // August 30, 2012 at 1:24 pm // Reply

    I used duct tape to, but on the wrong side. So it is an eyesore to other troops.

  5. Thanks for the tent hole repair. I’m an 79 year old female and never had to patch a tent before this year when the flame came too close. Sounds a good bit easier than once I am home sewing the patch with my sewing machine.

  6. Knife Xpert 157 (aka Chad 101) // December 16, 2011 at 1:39 pm // Reply

    My vote goes to Duct tape. Here in the Idaho Mountains we live by 5 things. In order they are: Our Bibles, our guns, our knifes, our coffee, and our Duct tape!

  7. Cubmaster 96 // October 19, 2011 at 10:49 am // Reply

    I used the same technique. Just remember, when your shopping at your local “big box store”, check the fabric department. You can get a lot more patch material for a lot less money than the tent patch in the sporting goods department. Buy extra and keep it in your tent duffel so you always have it on hand!

    • In Australia we don’t have big box stores are they camping shops as we have those like BCF (boats,camping,fishing)

  8. i don’t even use the patch i just use the duck tape

  9. circus monkey 123456789 // October 17, 2011 at 3:35 pm // Reply

    cool

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