Tent Repair: How To Fix 4 Types of Tent Damages

Even the toughest tent can suffer from the occasional hole, tear, or leak.

Having a damaged tent can ruin your trip.

Let’s imagine a scenario:

You’ve reached your campsite.

You’re about to put up your tent.

You’re already dreaming about relaxing and enjoying the great outdoors.

But, when it comes to actually putting your tent up, you notice a busted seam.

End of your camping trip, right?

Not necessarily.

Small damages to your tent aren’t the end of the world, and for the most part, can probably be fixed with a simple tent repair.

How To Repair a Hole in a Tent

Small tent holes are easy to repair. You can do it at home or during your trip.

1. Trim All Visible Fibers & Threads – If you look closely, you’ll see exposed threads at the torn area. Trim those threads with sharp scissors. Doing so will prevent any further tearing.
2. Clean the Area – Make sure all the dirt is cleaned off. Use a brush or sponge to clean stubborn dirt but don’t be too harsh – you could make the hole worse! Clean the tent from the inside out.
3. Steam – Then, if possible, steam the area from the outside. Steaming makes the surface flat and smooth.

If this is not an option, have someone flatten out the area with their hands.

4. Apply Patching Tape – Cut the patching tape into two equal pieces. Make sure the patching tap is large enough and equal in size to seal the hole both from inside and outside.

Apply pressure on the tape and make sure to leave no bubbles or creases.

If the hole is bigger than your hand, stitch the hole together first before applying the tape.

How To Seal Tent Seams

Sealing seams is easier than you think.

The product comes in a small bottle with an application brush.

Just follow these steps:

1. Seam sealing is done from the inside of the tent. So set up your tent if it is not already.
2. Gently remove any worn out tape or sealant that is coming loose.
3. Clean the seams with a rag and rubbing alcohol. Let the area dry before moving onto the next step.
4. Using the application brush, apply a smooth even coating of the new seam sealer.
5. Let the seam sealer dry completely.

How To Fix Broken Tent Poles

A simple accident or high winds can break your tent poles.

If you have the right equipment, repairing tent poles is a breeze.

Use Manufacturer Parts – The first and foremost option for tent pole repair is to use the spare parts specifically made for that tent. Most new tents come with extra poles.

Use Repair Kit – Some high-end tents also come with a repair kit that will include a splint sleeve. If your tent doesn’t come with a repair kit, you can buy one.

Splints are pole repair sleeves, which is a short tube used to repair broken, bent or snapped poles.

1. Line up the broken pole sections.
2. If the pole is bent, not actually broken, slowly straighten the bent area.
3. Slide the sleeve over the pole end until it’s centered over the break or kink. You might have to use pliers to crimp or a rock to bend damaged pieces so that the sleeve can slide over them.
4. Wrap each end of the sleeve/pole a couple of times with duct tape, or whatever heavy-duty tape you have on hand.
5. If your pole breaks where one pole end inserts into the next one, you will have to splint the sections together; keep in mind that this will prevent the poles from folding up neatly when you take the tent down.

If you don’t have a splint sleeve, a tent stake or something similar, can be used instead. Just wrap the duct tape around the edges of the stake.

Buy Replacement Pole – This is not possible when you are at the site, but once you get home, consider purchasing replacement tent poles.

How To Repair Waterproofing on a Tent

This is a repair you’d probably only want to do at home.

Waterproofing plays an important role in camping. It helps you keep dry and comfortable when the weather doesn’t go your way.

If it is failing, re-applying a durable water repellent will help you stay dry.

1. Set Up Your Tent – You can not reapply any waterproofing without the tent being assembled.
2. Apply Durable Water Repellent (DWR) – This repellant can be in the form of paste or spray. Before you apply the solution, make sure your tent is wet.

Once your tent is wet, read the instructions on the bottle and apply as instructed. Wipe any excess solution after letting it sit for a couple of minutes.

3. Let it Air Dry – Don’t use a dryer to dry your tent because it will cause more damage. Just let it air dry. Be sure the tent is completely dry before packing it up.

Accessories You’ll Need To Repair Your Tent

Whether you purchase a tent repair toolkit or buy the tools individually, make sure you have these important accessories.