Friday, June 1, 2007

Packhack: Ducttape + Pencil


Here's a fun packhack: We know that things break. And, when things break, what will almost always fix them? That's right kids, duct tape. Everything from leaky radiators to fractured femurs has been repaired (for better or worse) by resourceful, tape-wielding handyfolk, and no backcountry pack would be complete without some - you could use it repairing rips in packs or tents, and possibly even clothes (I have found duct tape to be incompatible with washing machines, but YMMV) .
The problem lies in the portability of duct tape, because historically duct tape is large, heavy, and awkwardly shaped into a tall donut shape. And, despite the enthusiasm of well-meaning DIY'ers, any job that requires a full roll of duct tape is probably better left to the professionals at the emergency room. So, how do we bring some of the silver cures-what-ails-ya without breaking the weight bank?

Simple. Take a regular ol' pen or pencil, and wrap several inches of duct tape around the middle. Next time you need to keep that leaking bear-bag from spraying aromatic koolaid all over you and your appetizing companions, never fear: you now have a reasonably small and easy to use repair kit that doubles as a padded writing utensil, or for those who aren't poetically inclined, a pointy object to dig things out of a shoe with or poke at hiking partners.

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