
1. Fabric Patch
A patch is fundamental in any backpacking repair kit. When you’re on trail for a long time, you’re likely to snag or hole in your jacket, sleeping bag, tent, or other fabric item. A patch can quickly and easily fix it in the field. If the color matches that is even better, so take note when choosing the fabric patch to bring with you! Learn how to patch a hole in a jacket.
- Retail Cost: $9
- Size: 3″ x 18″
- $0.17 a square inch
- 0.2 grams a square inch

2. Duct Tape
Duct tape has so many uses when you’re on trail and need a quick fix. It can work great to repair shoes, patch up a small hole in your puffy jacket, or even fix a broken tent pole.
- Retail Cost: $12
- Size: 1.88 inches x 108 feet
- $0.01 per inch
- 0.56 grams per inch

3. Sewing Kit
If you tear a piece of clothing, get a hole in your tent or sleeping bag, or even have to sew up part of your backpack, a thread and needle is the perfect fix!
- Retail Cost: $0.53
- Weight: 1.2 grams

4. Safety Pin
A safety pin provides a quick fix for a variety of things. If you’re missing a button, have a tear in your backpack, or need to replace a zipper – use a safety pin!
- Retail: $0.03
- Weight: 0.12 grams

5. Paracord
Even a few feet of paracord can make a big difference. Paracord can be used to replace a broken shoelace, fix a backpack strap, use as a belt, use as a clothesline, etc.
- Retail: $6
- Size: 50 feet
- $0.12 per foot
- 2.2 grams per foot
How much would your repair kit weigh?
The basic backpacking repair kit we assembled weighed just 62 grams or 2.2 ounces but could make a huge difference on a backpacking trip or thru-hike. It’s a little bit of extra weight, but we think it’s worth it!
- 4 square inches of patch kit
- 12 inches of duct tape
- Small sewing kit
- 2 small safety pins
- 24 inches of paracord