Fixing Tear In a Lightweight Waterproof Shell

[JohnSKepler]

I have a nice, Rab lightweight shell I often carry on Telemark outings. I was going through gear recently and discovered about a 1" tear in the sleeve a few inches above the cuff. It's nice and straight without any fraying.

Any recommendations on repairing it? I've used the repair tape on smaller tears but this tear is longer than the recommended size on the tape and I'm not out on the trail needing an emergency repair. It's a nice shell that I'd like to keep using as long as I can.

Thanks!

[spopepro]

I’ve had good luck with noso patches. My wife’s hardshell pants are almost more patch than pants as she keeps catching her crampon points. :/

[skimrg]

GoreTex Patch - outside or inside

like this "GEAR AID Tenacious Tape GORE-TEX Fabric Patches for Jacket Repair, Black, Round and Rectangle" from am-zon.

[mca80]

If it's not in a spot that gets frequent bending stress I can't see how any patch or tape whatsoever would not work. I have, and have seen, tents and other items with tape and patches all over without any ill effect. Heck even duct tape would be fine although perhaps not your wife's aesthetic.

[phoenix]

I'd use the nylon patches if you have them. Round the corners of the patch (so an oval or round shape). Stick a piece of cardboard behind the tear, smooth the area to patch, and apply it smooth and firmly. Then give it just a bit of heat from a hair dryer, and press again.
You can double it with a matching patch on the inside, but not necessary.

I've done a single patch on a couple of jackets and they've lasted years, if applied well. In particular, had a patch on a light wind jacket that survived many years of very hard use. I think the patch was still there when I retired the jacket due to it's general falling apart.

[Shintangle]

I have had good results with McNett Seam Grip. On the outside of the garment line up both sides of the tear and put some masking tape to hold it in place. Then apply the Seam Grip on the inside side of the tear. Once the Seam Grip has cured remove the masking tape from the outside. If done well the tear will be almost invisible.

[JohnSKepler]

I have had good results with McNett Seam Grip. On the outside of the garment line up both sides of the tear and put some masking tape to hold it in place. Then apply the Seam Grip on the inside side of the tear. Once the Seam Grip has cured remove the masking tape from the outside. If done well the tear will be almost invisible.

How long of a tear have you repaired this way? This tear is an "L" with each part being about 3/4" which is why I don't want to try to use a patch, it'll be a big patch. It is in a fairly low-stress spot on the jacked out on the arm a few inches up from the cuff on the side facing inward. I have absolutely no idea how this happened. Looks like someone took scissors to the darn thing!

Is this the stuff? There are several related products but this looks closest to what you recommended.

https://www.gearaid.com/products/seam-g ... 8044147153

I wonder if I could use this for a small puncture in a Camelbak bladder? I've got some vinyl glue that 'works' but I've had to do it twice and it's leaking again.

[Manney]

Don’t risk poisoning yourself (3rd time is a charm?). Buy a new Camelbak bladder. They need to be replaced as a matter of course anyway.

BTW, Rab has a repair service.