ReBIRD™ REPAIR | How To Patch a Small GORE-TEX Tear, by Arc'teryx on YouTube. 2 min 18 s.
- Video length
- 2 min 18 s
- Time to do it
- 10 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Clean the fabric around the tear with a damp cloth and a little mild soap. Let the area dry completely, because a patch will not stick to a damp or greasy surface.
Trim any loose threads or frayed edges with small scissors so the fabric lies flat. Cut on a stable surface and keep your fingers clear of the blade.
Cut a patch from GORE-TEX repair fabric or tenacious tape. Make it round or oval rather than square, and at least 2.5 cm bigger than the tear on every side.
Peel the backing off the patch and try not to touch the sticky side. Fingerprints and dust weaken the bond.
Press the patch over the tear, centred on the hole, and smooth it from the middle outwards to push out trapped air.
Rub the patch firmly for 30 to 60 seconds, paying extra attention to the edges and corners.
Leave the garment flat and unwashed for about 24 hours so the adhesive sets fully.
Check the edges before you head out. If a corner lifts, press it down again or add a second small patch over it.
Tips and common mistakes
Round off any square corners, since sharp corners peel up first.
Do not iron the patch or run a hot dryer over it, as heat can damage the waterproof membrane.
For tears bigger than a coin, or damage on a seam or zip, send the jacket to a repair service instead of patching it yourself.
Patch on the outside of the garment, not the lining side, so the repair sits against the weather.
Questions
Can I wash the jacket after patching it?
Yes, once the adhesive has set for about 24 hours. Wash on a gentle cycle with a technical wash and skip fabric softener, which coats the membrane.
Can I use duct tape instead of a proper patch?
Duct tape leaves sticky residue and lifts after a few washes. A GORE-TEX repair patch or tenacious tape is made for waterproof shells and lasts far longer.
What if the tear is on a seam or a high-stress spot?
A flat patch may not hold there. Contact the brand's repair centre or a gear repair shop, since those areas need stitching or a taped seam repair.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
