How to Make Your Own Repair Kit

Things will break. That's the way it goes. But just because something breaks does not mean it cannot be fixed. And by you. Yes, some of that will relay on you knowing what's broken and how to fix it. Usually, though, that's not a problem. The problem is having the right stuff. It is impossible to have everything you will ever need with you at all times, but you can make a pretty handy Repair Kit that gives you a leg up on most breaks.

You can store this in a can, pouch, toolbox, or plastic box. Whatever you want is fine. Each has their own pros and cons. Just make sure you're able to bring it with you, because it's hard for this repair kit to be useful when it's out of reach.

SEWING KIT

Find a small, basic Sewing Kit and keep it as part of your own repair kit. Sewing kits are useful, but no where near complete, but it does have things we need. I like to add Dental floss to this, as I don't like using thread for things that will be near water or can get wet.

GLUE

I don't mean Crazy Glue, I mean a strong adhesive. Either get some Shoe Repair Glue or the Glue used to patch Waterbeds. Keep the patches, too. This can used to fix holes in tents, backpacks, sleeping bags, and more. While the glue itself has countless uses.

WASHERS, NUTS, SCREWS

I have a Pill Bottle full of varied washers, nuts, and screws and it has saved me many times. Each time you get a stray one, put it in the bottle. And keep that bottle with you. Most things use one of five different sizes, and you will have it covered. You can also have safety pins and tacks, too. I do.

TAPE

Duct tape, cloth tape, and friction tape are very useful to have. Duct tape is probably the most versatile of any tape, as it can be okay for just about any job. Tape is also a great way to keep small parts, screws, or bolts that come free together. Tape them right on the surface of where they belong and you won't lose them by the time when you get back.

TENT POLE SPLINTS

If you are camping with a tent, you are going to have to bring a few specific replacements for it. It is so much easier to have a few of these on hand than try to construct something to replace it. If you can't bring Splints, bring extra rope and use your tent as a tarp, that is much easier than trying to make your own poles.

CABLE TIES

Cables ties can keep things together while you're working on it, or be used as a fix for some things. It can be used to keep loose parts close or to replace straps, strings, and chords from some things. In fact, I still use a Cable Tie for my Hockey bag, a bag that weights over 35 pounds. It's just fixed with a Cable Tie, and has been for over a year.

REPLACEMENT PARTS

There are few things that are just out of fixing, and simply need to be replaced. Maybe if you are better with a few of these things, you can make a fix from what you have, but not for most people. Stoves and Lanterns are just too specific and valuable for me to try to fix it using tape and cable ties. Instead, I make sure I have the replacements with me.

ROPE

Rope is always be needed. Some say you should have basic nylon rope. This is great for camping and hunting, but it's not great for repairing. Instead, get some Parachute Chord, it is exactly what you want.

WEBBING STRAP

A webbing strap is great for making things tight, keeping something light or heavy in place, or securing anything at all. Having a 1 inch wide Webbing Strap will repeatedly come in handy.

Each person camps and hikes differently. They use different materials, go to different places, and worry about different things. Looking back at your past while hiking and camping can be very useful as you make your own Repair Kit. Know what you might need and bring it. The more you take things out and put things in the more specific your repair kit will be to you.