5 Best Uses of Duct Tape When Backpacking

By any reckoning the three greatest inventions of mankind are fire, the wheel and duct tape – not necessarily in that order. Duct tape when backpacking will certainly be the most versatile tool you drop into your backpack. Let’s explore some of its uses.

1. First-Aid. A piece of duct tape can do duty as a bandage on its own or as a protective guard over a medical bandage protecting a sensitive spot. Duct tape also does splendid work preventing blisters. Just slap a piece over that ‘hot spot’ and it shouldn’t get any worse. And it is unrivaled in removing thorns or a passel of cactus spines after an unfortunate brush against one of these heavily armed desert dwellers. Just press a piece of duct tape sticky side down and lift gingerly away.

2. Repairs. Duct tape is the quick fix for a gash in a tent, a tear in your rain gear or a puncture in your hydration bladder. For heavy duty work, a few strips of tape can restore your trekking pole to action. Duct tape can also be used as a temporary fix for battered hiking boots but be aware that if you wrap the tape around the sole it will likely only last an hour or so of hiking before being worn away. Duct tape is the answer for holding pieces of your boot together while gluing the sole back together.

3. Architectural Building Blocks. Only a lack of imagination tethers your duct tape to the inside of your backpack. It can be wadded and fashioned into nearly anything. A makeshift spoon or cup? Check. An extender for eyewear to keep sunglasses from bounding off your head on the trail? Check. An entire pair of sunglasses or reflective hat? Check. A zipper pull for a recalcitrant fastener? Check.

4. Organizer. Tape small, related items together for storage inside your backpack. Also use the tape for labels.

5. Edging. Any item you carry on a backpacking trip that can fray or tear can be toughened up by protecting the edges with strips of duct tape.

The familiar large rolls of duct tape are unnecessarily bulky and most likely an excess of tape. Smaller rolls designed for backpacking trips can be purchased from outfitters but most experienced trail users prefer to carry strips of duct tape wrapped around torches, trekking poles, water bottles and the like. But if you are using borrowed gear always ask before loading up with the sticky wonder.