Patch a Burn Hole in Pants
Whats the best way to patch a burn hole in my hiking pants and make sure it will not expand any bigger?
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Question:
I recently had an ember burn a hole a little smaller than a dime in my Mountain Hardwear Mesa convertible pants. Whats the best way to patch the hole and make sure it will not expand any bigger?
Submitted by – Chris – Seaford, NY
Answer:
Easy-peasy! Grab yourself some a self-adhering fabric patch like Gear Aid Tenacious Tape ($5, mcnett.com) and a tube of Seam Grip ($7, mcnett.com). Cut a small patch a little larger than the hole (for a dime-sized hole, a quarter-sized patch will do) and apply it to the outside of the ember hole. (Note: The repair up to this point is perfectly fine if you need to do it in the field. Once you get home and want to make the repair more bombproof, continue with the next steps.) Paint the edges of the patch with a thin line of Seam Grip (let it cure overnight) to reinforce it and eliminate the possibility of peeling or leaking. If you want to really make your repair fortified, turn the pants inside out and paint a thin layer of seam grip over the hole. You’ll never have to give it a second thought.
If you’d like to see exactly how this repair and dozens of others play out, grab a copy of my book, The Complete Guide to Outdoor Gear Maintenance and Repair, which has step by step instructions and photos for fixing everything from zippers to tents to boots to stoves.