Being able to repair and maintain your gear is essential to having a successful outing into the wilderness. Having a versatile kit with you makes life a lot easier when something should rip, tear, break, or dull. Here is a kit I’ve put together over the last few years for just such a purpose.
Needle and Thread
Being able to mend clothing, patch up a canvas tarp, or even stitch up a wound in an emergency is very important. I carry several sizes of needles and try out different thread materials. You should learn a few stitches and practice them. I recommend at least knowing a saddle stitch and a running back stitch to start.
Awl
An awl is used to punch through leather or other hard materials where it would be difficult to just pierce with a needle. I made this crude awl while practicing some blacksmithing a few weeks back. It works just fine and adds a little character to the kit.
Sharpening Stone
Having a sharp blade is crucial in the field. If you sharpen your knife, axe, machete, etc. before you outing, and take care not to abuse it, you shouldn’t need more that to touch up the edge while you are out. I’ve found this Fallkniven DC3 to work great for being such a small package.
Wire
I’ve found having a small spool of 20 gauge wire with me is pretty handy. It’s good for making lashings, mending things, and hanging things. It’s also important to have for survival snaring should the occasion arise.
(Always follow all local laws and game regulations when it comes to trapping animals.)
Cargo Tape
I know it’s cliche, but nothing fixes things quite like duct tape. It can be used for patching up tarps, fixing broken glasses, or even used on a wound as an improvised BandAid. I particularly like the Gorilla Brand tape in the one inch roll.
Scissors
Scissors aren’t absolutely necessary however I find them to be quite convenient for cutting thread or things that need a bit more precision. This pair I got off of Etsy for only a few bucks and are small enough to throw into the kit without taking up too much space.
A Few Extras
I keep a couple of large safety pins with me. They can me used to quickly mend a torn piece of clothing until you have the time sew it properly. They can even be used with a wool blanket to make a makeshift cloak. A small pocket knife takes up hardly and room and is a nice redundancy. Also, I find it handy to have a few nails in my kit. They’re great for camp projects, can be used as an improvised awl, or simply used to hang your hat at camp.
Use Your Kit
A repair kit is only useful if you know how to use the gear inside of it. I recommend spending time with each tool and making sure you can use them effectively. Practice sewing and stitching and think of different ways each item can be useful. This will help give you confidence in the field and give you a sense of peace of mind. Get outside, learn something new, and be safe.
Nees Bushcraft 