Patch an Insulated Jacket with Repair Tape
Introduction
Go to step 1Tenacious Tape® is the brand name of a gear tape that Patagonia uses to patch holes. It's incredibly durable, great in a pinch, and much better than duct tape!
Tenacious Tape® will only stick to synthetic non-stretch fabrics, like Down Sweaters™, Nano Puff® Jackets, rain shells and ski gear. But it will not stick to natural fabrics like jeans or t-shirts, anything with a lot of stretch, or anything with a high pile like a fleece.
Tenacious Tape® can be acquired on the Gear Aid website or by calling or messaging Patagonia Customer Service.
Alternatively, Patagonia products can be taken to a local retail store for repair evaluation or sent in to Patagonia through their mail-in repair service.
Let's get fixing!
What you need
Tools
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Locate the hole.
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If a feather is emerging, but there isn't a tear in the fabric, follow this guide to pull feathers back into a down jacket.
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Remove any old tape or home repairs.
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Use rubbing alcohol and a cotton ball to clean the area and remove any tape residue, dirt, and grime.
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Let the jacket dry completely.
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Use sharp scissors to cut a shape out of the Tenacious Tape® that's large enough to cover the hole and overlap it by at least half an inch (~13 mm) all the way around.
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Round the corners of the patch because sharp edges tend to get caught and peel up.
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Check that the patch is cut to the right size.
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Check again that the cut patch is the right size for the hole.
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Peel off the backing and carefully apply the patch over the hole, making sure to keep fingers clear of the sticky back of the patch.
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Use your fingers to smooth out any bubbles and apply pressure to the patch.
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GARMENT CARE: Wait 24 hours for the glue on the patch to cure before putting it through a laundry cycle, otherwise the tape will fall off in the washing machine.
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INSULATION TYPES: Be mindful of the type of insulation when patching. A down jacket with a large tear will require special care to save as many feathers from escaping as possible. Synthetic insulation is more forgiving and emerging pieces can be snipped away.
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ALTERNATIVE REPAIRS: This repair is a great for those in a pinch (a hole in a down jacket in the middle of winter!). While it's not a permanent repair, it can last for up to 60 washes if applied properly.
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11 Guide Comments
I have now put four or five tenacious tape patches on my son's down sweater (9 year old are tough in VT). But now it is very dirty. Can I wash it like I would if it didn't have the tenacious tape - or do i need to do something different?
Hi Hylah, Yes you can wash your jacket and if the patches are starting to peel a little after 7 years you have some options. 1) Contact Patagonia Burlington Store and ask for some more patches, each store has a variety of patches, zipper sliders, Zipper pulls, snaps, buttons to help with easy repairs. 2) Send it to us for Repair, you could take it to the store or start the process on-line . https://www.patagonia.com/returns.html
Holes are not warranty but due to wear and tear, we will repair it for you no problem. Our goal is to keep product in use as long as possible. After they have reached there end of life use, we can recycle it for you and then you can invest in another long lasting durable product. Please check out this link for additional questions. https://help.patagonia.com/s/article/Rep...
Hi Sheilaym 1, Everything we make can be washed, Cold water Low tumble dry. It's good to wash your shells every once in a while to remove dirt and oils.
I've found super glue works pretty well and doesn't show the down.
