Optional) Instead of an iron, use a hair dryer or tumble the garment in a machine dryer for 30 minutes on regular setting to strengthen the repair patch. Clean the area around the tear. Use an alcohol-based cleaner to remove grease as well as visible dirt Cut your patch or repair tape to size, to completely cover the hole (tip: circular shapes are better as there are no hard edges to catch and loosen over time). Clean the repair area with isopropyl alcohol to remove any dirt or body oils that may prevent a good bond. Trim any loose threads or feathers. Before attempting your own fix, consider a professional repair service. When you have invested in high-performance clothing, a quality repair will give you peace of mind on your next adventure.

Though using an official repair service is sometimes costly, brands are usually able to match fabric colours and types. This means repairs are unlikely to be very noticeable or result in a loss of garment performance. Take a pair of scissors and cut a strip of tape to size, leaving a margin of about 6mm/¼ inch around the tear. Don’t forget to round off the corners of the tape. This will ensure a strong hold and prevent it from lifting. Set the iron to medium or permanent-press heat. Use moderate pressure and circular motion for 30 seconds to heat evenly. If you are looking for a warm, light layer for a trip where ounces count, this is a great selection

You May Also Like:

Fortunately, the very thin outer material is usually made of very tough and tearproof Ripstop fabric – mostly polyamide – which can withstand more than you think. This is due to the special reinforcing technique used during weaving that serves to prevent a hole expanding after the material has been damaged. This classic down has a comfortable fit, excellent style, and plenty of warmth making it a reliable choice

Use a rag and some Isopropyl/rubbing alcohol to gently clean the fabric around the rip so that the patch has a clean surface to cling to. If there are stray strands of shell fabric, trim them away with sharp scissors. Step 3: Prepare your patch. PRO TIP: Cut Tenacious Tape to size by rounding out the edges to prevent the patch from snagging or peeling off before it fully bonds to the fabric. When extra strength is required especially for high-wear areas (e.g., cuffs and knees), apply heat on the Tenacious Tape Mini or Gear Patch after application on the outerwear. For repairs on waterproof-breathable fabric that get more moisture and scrapes, use Tenacious Tape GORE-TEX Fabric Patches with heat. The Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody has been a staple in our wardrobe for years. Style is not one of our official testing metrics, but this piece has it, offering a more refined look than the other more techy-looking pieces. This is our go-to option for day missions with variable and uncertain conditions. Its great wind resistance helps battle bitterly cold days, and we also like the athletic fit, which is roomy in the shoulders but trim down the sides. The adjustable waist hem traps warm air, and the fleece chin guard keeps the zipper from rubbing when you need to be fully zipped up. If you do a repair before cleaning the gear, wait at least 24 hours for the Tenacious Tape patch to adhere properly before washing it.