Waterproof repairs: How to repair your outdoor gear

By: Andrew Forrest - January 2025

Repairing your waterproof gear not only restores its functionality but also contributes to environmental conservation by extending its lifespan.

Waterproof clothing, such as jackets and trousers, is essential for outdoor enthusiasts. It provides vital protection from the unpredictable British weather. However, over time, even the most durable waterproofs can succumb to wear and tear, leading to reduced performance.

Table of contents

Why repair your waterproof gear?
When to repair your waterproof gear
Preparing for repair
How to repair waterproof gear
Additional tips
Spend more time with your favourite walking gear
Repair your waterproofs and help save the planet
Summary

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Why repair your waterproof gear?

Waterproof gear is an investment, and repairing it offers benefits far beyond saving money. Whether it's your waterproof jacket or waterproof trousers, keeping your essential hiking kit in good condition ensures you’re always ready to face the elements.

It's time to repair your waterproof jacket or trousers when you notice:

Visible damage: Tears, punctures, or worn areas in the fabric.
- Small tears and punctures, or seams starting to peel off your waterproofs, can generally easily be mended by yourself using repair patches or tapes.

Rips in your waterproofs

Leaks: Moisture seeping through during wet conditions.
- If the leak is through a hole or a seam, again, these can be repaired by yourself using repair patches or tapes. If the leak is due to the material losing its waterproofing properties, it may just need cleaning and reproofing.

Water coming through on the inside of your waterproofs

Delamination: The inner waterproof membrane peels away from the outer layer. You generally notice 'bubbling' appear in the waterproof material.
- If the material itself is delaminated, you may need a new jacket. You could try a professional repair, but if the material has delaminated, I don’t believe that could be repaired; the delaminated section would have to be replaced.

Delamination on a jacket

Preparing for repair

Before starting repairs, it’s essential to prepare your waterproof gear properly:

Cleaning: Wash your jacket or trousers with a cleaner designed specifically for waterproof fabrics. Avoid regular detergents, which can damage the waterproof membrane. Use a technical cleaner, such as Granger's Performance Wash or Nikwax Tech Wash, to remove dirt and oils that might impede repairs.

Nikwax Tech Wash

Granger's Performance Wash

Drying: Let your gear air dry completely before attempting repairs. Avoid direct heat sources like radiators, which can damage the fabric.

For a full breakdown of how to clean, dry and reproof, check out our guides on washing and reproofing waterproof trousers and cleaning and reproofing waterproof jackets.

How to repair waterproof gear

Once your gear is clean and dry, evaluate the damage to determine the best repair method. Below are four methods, with detailed instructions for each.

1. Iron-on repair patches

Iron-on patches are excellent for repairing small to medium tears or punctures. They bond to the fabric through heat-activated adhesive.

Iron, iron-on tape, scissors ready to repair a seam on a jacket

Steps:

Place the patch on the inside of the garment, covering the damaged area.
Ensure the surface is smooth and flat.
Set your iron to low or medium heat and avoid steam, following the manufacturer's instructions.
I always use a thin, clean cloth, handkerchief or some greaseproof paper between the iron and the tape so that the tape does not stick to the iron. For me, the greaseproof paper method works best, as the tape can stick to the handkerchief and not the jacket. Press the iron onto the patch for the recommended time, typically 5 to 10 seconds, moving up and down along the patch/tape. Follow the patch/tape manufacturer's instructions for precise timing.
Allow the patch to cool completely to ensure a secure bond.

Tip:

Check the fabric's care label to ensure it can withstand heat.

Best iron-on repair patches and tapes

Seam Sealing Tape T-2000X

This tape gave excellent sealing results on the seams of a wide range of my waterproof jackets and trousers. Its specially developed hot melt adhesive makes it easy to apply and high-performing.

2. Self-adhesive repair patches and tapes

Self-adhesive patches are quick and easy to use, ideal for temporary or on-the-go repairs. They are versatile and work well for small tears or punctures.

Small tear in a waterproof jacket from the outside

The small tear from the inside of the waterproof jacket

Steps:

Cut the patch slightly larger than the damaged area. Round off the corners to prevent peeling.
Peel off the backing from the adhesive side of the patch.
Place the patch over the damaged area and press down firmly, smoothing out any bubbles or wrinkles.
Rub the patch with a flat object (like the back of a knife or anything hard with a flat edge) to ensure a secure bond.

Small tear sealed with Gear Aid repair tape from the inside

The repaired small tear from the outside is now not really noticeable

Tips:

Clean the area thoroughly before applying the patch to remove dirt or oils.
Carry these patches in your first aid kit for emergencies.

Best self-adhesive repair patches and tapes

Gear Aid/McNett Tenacious Tape Fabric and Seam Repair

Fixes rips and cracks in waterproof jackets and trousers. I have used this many times on various items, and it has always stuck, even after many washes.

Gear Aid Tenacious Tape Repair Tape - Black Nylon

The same tape as above but in black Nylon.

Gear Aid Tenacious Tape Repair Tape - Black Nylon

Gear Aid/McNett Gore-Tex Repair Kit Patches

Two black Gore-Tex repair patches.

Gear Aid/McNett Gore-Tex Repair Kit Patches

3. Seam tape repairs

Seams are common weak points in waterproof garments. If you notice leaks at the seams, repairing them with seam tape can restore the waterproof seal.

A seam that is coming away from the jacket

Steps:

Use a seam tape designed for waterproof fabrics (iron-on or adhesive-backed).
Clean the seam and ensure it is completely dry.
If using iron-on tape, place it over the seam and apply heat with a low to medium iron. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and always use a thin cloth or greaseproof paper between the iron and the tape. For adhesive-backed tape, press it over the seam and rub firmly. Again, for me, greaseproof paper works the best, as iron-on tape can stick to your thin cloth rather than your jacket.
Check for any gaps or wrinkles to ensure the tape adheres evenly.

Repaired seam, with iron-on tape used to seal the seam

Tip:

Seam repairs can be tricky; consider professional repairs if the damage is extensive.

Best seam tape repairs

The best seam tape repair tapes I've used are the Seam Sealing Tape T-2000X and the Gear Aid/McNett Tenacious Tape Fabric and Seam Repair, both of which I explored above.

4. Professional repairs of waterproof clothing

While minor repairs can often be handled at home, professional services provide the expertise and precision necessary for extensive damage.

Professional services may be the best option for significant damage, such as large tears, delamination (if saveable), or multiple leaks. These services use advanced techniques and specialist materials to restore your gear to as-new condition. I've used a couple of these over the years, and the repairs, although more expensive than fixing at home, were barely noticeable.

Retailers offering repair services or repair patches and tapes

Berghaus offers a free repair service for their own products as long as you pick up the postage.

Inov8 has a RENOV8 scheme that offers a repair service for Inov8 clothing and accessories taken in person to any Inov8 UK brand store.

Cotswold Outdoor offers a repair and care service and sells the Gear Aid GTX Fabric Patches Repair Kit, Gear Aid Tenacious Tape Flex Patches Repair Kit, and the McNett Tenacious Repair Tape.

Whist Go Outdoors does not offer a repair service, it does sell Mcnett Tenacious Tape and the Mcnett Gore-Tex Fabric Repair Kit.

Also, while I believe that Ellis Brigham does not offer a repair service, it does sell the Gear Aid Tenacious Repair Tape and the Gear Aid Gore-Tex Repair Kit.

Other waterproof repair services:

Lancashire Sports Repairs claims on their website to be the UK's leading repair specialist of outdoor gear.

Gore-Tex provides a repair service for garments made from Gore-Tex.

Scottish Mountain Gear also provides a repair service for waterproof clothing, rucksacks, tents, sleeping bags, and gaiters.

Additional tips

Reproofing: After repairs, restore the water-repellent finish with a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) treatment. This is especially important for jackets with high-wear areas, such as shoulders and cuffs.
Regular maintenance: Regularly clean and reproof your waterproof gear to maintain performance and extend its lifespan.
On the go: It is almost impossible to use iron-on patches while out on your walk, and self-adhesive patches aren't always the easiest to apply when your waterproofs are wet or dirty, and you haven't got a flat surface. So, I always have a small roll of waterproof gaffer tape in my first aid kit to quickly temporarily patch any tears while out and about before sorting them properly on my return home.

Small tear from the inside of a waterproof jacket

Infield repair - gaffer tape was used to seal the hole, whilst out on a walk

Warranty: Don't forget that whatever you bought may have come with a warranty. If the repair is needed is due to a faulty garment, contact the store you bought it from or the manufacturer of the garment - whoever offered the warranty.

Spend more time with your favourite walking gear

Outdoor gear often becomes a trusted companion, and waterproof clothing is no exception. Your jacket might have shielded you from torrential rain on a mountaintop, while your trousers kept you dry during a muddy hike. Repairing this gear lets you continue to rely on familiar, well-fitting garments rather than replacing them with new items that might not suit your preferences and cost you more money!

Repair your waterproofs and help save the planet

Repairing your waterproofs instead of replacing them is an eco-friendly decision. Waterproof garments, especially those made with technical fabrics like Gore-Tex, are resource-intensive. It requires energy, water, and raw materials, creating emissions and waste. Opting for repairs reduces demand for new production and keeps materials like synthetic fabrics out of landfills, which can take decades to decompose.

Summary

Repairing your waterproof gear, whether a jacket or trousers, is a smart and sustainable choice. It keeps essential kit in use, reduces environmental impact, and fosters a culture of reuse. Whether patching a small tear at home or entrusting the task to a professional, repairing your waterproofs ensures they'll remain reliable companions for many more walks. With proper care and maintenance, your waterproof gear will keep you dry and ready to face whatever the elements throw at you.

Happy walking...

January 2025

Gear Topics