Expert Answers
Repairing torn Gore-Tex pants

Rick's Question:

How do I repair a tear in 2-layer Gore-Tex pants? It's very near to a vertical seam on the lower leg, and it's a clean rip about 1/2" long.

—Rick Drury

Annie's Answer:

	Ask the Expert Annie Getchell Gear expert Annie Getchell believes the key to happiness is buying quality gear and treating it with tender loving care. Meet Annie Answer Archive Gear Forums

Glad you asked first, Rick! Most people are inclined to slap a slice of duct tape on their outerwear and call it good.

However versatile, there's nothing a repair specialist hates more than the gummy residue"silver solution" leaves behind. Its tenacious adhesive is so hard to clean from fabric, you're often faced with a repair far greater than the original problem.

Anyway, let's attend to your shell pants. I recommend an adhesive patch, since sewing will create a lot of tiny holes that require seam-sealing. Pick up a roll of waterproof nylon adhesive tape, like the ubiquitous "K-Tape" from Kenyon Consumer Products, which is available in a rainbow of colors at your favorite outfitters, and costs about four bucks (www.kenyonconsumer.com). Cut a section of repair tape long enough to extend beyond the tear by about an inch all the way around. Now, with scissors carefully round the edges of the patch, just like you would with a Moleskin patch for your tender feet.

Make sure the area around the tear is clean. Swab a little rubbing alcohol on the area to be patched, and allow it to dry thoroughly. Apply the patch, lay a piece of paper over and burnish (rub briskly). Now go outside and play!

Note: With 2-layer (lined) shell garments, you cannot access the tear from inside, though the best repair method would be to create an interior patch that mirrors the outer one.]