[5 wood]

During a winter camping trip my partner burned a hole in the mesh screen of my tent, about 3 inches in diameter. I live up in the Marysville area and was wondering if someone has a home repair or do I need to take it somewhere. And if I need to take it somewhere, do you have any places to suggest?

[Duncan]

I had the same thing happen to me, but I took the easy way out. I just put some duct tape on both sides of the hole and called it good. It' been there ever since. Mine wasn't that big of a hole, but close.

[Wapiti]

You folks will get to know me and my frugal ways soon enough, and learn to not listen to any of my gear/repair advice. But since that day isnt' here yet ... here's what I do: You can get mesh samples by contacting any mesh dealer found on the internet: http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&q=mosquito+netting+tent Usually they send you them for free. Small 2" x 2" pieces usually. Makes a great self patch. I use rubber cement or shoe goo to past it up around the hole. Keeps it from spreading, but I'll even admit it, its not the pert'iest solution. Works tho... heheh Again, I'm sure you'll get better answers out here, but I hope to think mine are the least expensive and the most McGuiver'esque... grin Mike

[Wapiti]

[MooseAndSquirrel]

Ditto, I'd either find a swatch of mesh somewhere & glue or sew it on or the old standby duct tape. No need to get too fancy with this. I made a huge patch with it in the ripped out seat of my nylon rainpants that lasted for YEARS. The eighth wonder of the world. The tape, not my ass.

[jenjen]

I've used the old duct tape patch myself. Cheap, works, lasts for years. I never thought about the mesh samples tho, that would look better.

[packrat]

the same piece of duct tape has been on my tent mesh for over 4 years now

[MooseAndSquirrel]

I'd certainly NOT pay someone to repair it if you're looking to go that route. Fix it yourself & no matter how ugly it adds character to the tent. Who polishes off dings on their ice-axe?

[jenjen]

A link that may come in handy: http://www.identi-tape.com/duct.html You can get duct tape to match any decor...

[packrat]

hey that yellow and black mite match my tent better. Thanks

[WrongBridge]

leave the hole to pee out of in case you don't want to get wet from a rainstorm

[Odonata]

My Bibler bivy bag has had duct tape over a mouse hole for 3 or 4 years now. It has been bullet proof . I took a small sewing kit with me when I hiked from Stevens to Snoqualmie passes once. A needle, some thread and 3 or 4 small pieces different of fabrics. I myself did not need it. I did sew some things for a couple of through hikers I meet though. They had a mouse hole in one tents netting, and a ripping seam on a hipbelt. It was kind of weird, they acted like I was practicing some sort of dark art by sewing stuff Now that I think about it, I could of done the repairs with duct tape too. There is a book, I think its called "sew and repair your outdoor gear". I do not remember if covers this. It may be helpful.

[MooseAndSquirrel]

Man, I would feel sorry for anyone (guys!) who couldn't make a basic sewing stitch! Like to sew on a button or a piece of mesh onto a tent. But then, I've been in offices where supposedly manly-men cry and whimper for help at the copy machine when they can't figure it out and the female machine-whiz comes to the rescue. Oh how they must loathe us sometimes!

[polarbear]

[5 wood]

Thanks for the input. I like the idea to leave it for a pee hole. I think I still have the spare mesh patch that came with the tent when I bought it. I'll just get some glue and mend it. I guess next time I'll just bring a flashlight in the tent. Or not invite my hiking partner.