A Quick and Effective Way to Repair a Down Jacket

No doubt a down jacket is the warmest and most comfortable gear for winter adventures or walks! Whether you go hiking or camping in winter, a down jacket is always a versatile light-wear option for wind and water protection. However, no matter how experienced and careful you are, you may find yourself in a challenging situation – bushes, sharp rock edges, cliffs, cigarettes, campfire, or dogs can cause tears in your jacket! Fortunately, there is a quick and easy way to repair your camping clothing and equipment. No sewing is required!

No needle, no thread, but self-adhesive repair patches

Always remember that it is important to seal any tears as soon as possible to prevent them from getting bigger, as well as to stop warmth escaping the interior. Manufacturers do not recommend using a needle and thread as the material in the outer layer is more likely to rip further. Pre-cut self-adhesive repair patches are an effective and inexpensive solution. They are available in different colours so it won’t be difficult to find a suitable one and put the kit into your pocket or backpack when going outdoors next time.

A step-by-step guide to using repair patches

First, remember that if there’s down escaping from the hole in your jacket, never pull it out! Instead, push it back as much as possible. Next, you can follow the steps below:

1. Clean the area to be repaired and let it dry for a while. Dirt and moisture make it harder for the patch to stick.
2. Select the appropriate size and shape of the pre-cut patch. It should be bigger than the hole.
3. Peel the patch off carefully.
4. Stick it to the area to be repaired. 
5. Smooth out wrinkles if they appear.

As you see, the process does not require any professional skills and takes little time. Azengear self-adhesive repair patches ensure a neat finish and a long-lasting result. 

In addition, the repair kit comes in handy for fixing holes in tents, sleeping bags, backpacks, bags, skiing clothing, gloves, and umbrellas.

Down jacket washing, drying and storage tips

Wash, dry and store your down jacket properly to make it last a lifetime. Here are some useful tips.

1. Washing

It is very important to regularly wash your down jacket to remove dirt and prevent body oils from building up. Otherwise, the item may become more susceptible to tears. 

First, check the fabric care label to make sure that the down jacket can be put in the washing machine. If possible, use a front-loading washing machine as it is gentler on clothes. Next, fasten all zippers and flip the item inside out. Use mild liquid laundry detergent. You may need to run through two rinse cycles to wash out the soap completely.

2. Drying

When it comes to drying a down jacket, a dryer is the best option. Before you start, don’t forget to check the care label. Set the machine dryer to low or air dry. To prevent down from clumping, toss two or three tennis balls into the dryer. You may also need to rerun the dryer if the item is still wet. 

3. Storage

The best option is to keep your jacket in a cool dry place. Be aware that compression damages feathers. Hang it in a closet or on a coat rack.  And always restore before you store ;)

Follow our tips and enjoy your camping gear for many years to come!