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Cedar1974
10-28-2014, 14:11
I know several people put patches on their packs, but I am wondering how to do this without compromising the waterproof integrity of my pack? Any suggestions?

rocketsocks
10-28-2014, 14:12
...multi directional bonding strip.

rocketsocks
10-28-2014, 14:13
or you could just use silicon.

Starchild
10-28-2014, 14:53
Packs are not usually waterproof, but you could seam seal it from the inside.

Slo-go'en
10-28-2014, 15:02
It depends on the pack, but often there is a flap of some kind you can sew the patch to which won't leak into anything. But I wouldn't really worry about it if there wasn't such a place. What about all the other seams and stitching the pack already has? Are any of those seam sealed? Probably not.

dangerdave
10-28-2014, 16:09
You have a waterproof pack? Wow!

<note: ain't no such animal>

Dogwood
10-28-2014, 16:23
What model is your backpack Cedar? What's the fabric? I would try McNett's Seam Grip( NOT Seam Seal!). It dries to a flexible clear seal that strongly bonds things like a cloth patch onto a Dyneema or, I would think, Cuben fiber material. It also works awesomely for mending tears, rips, and punctures like on inflatable sleep pads and in backpacks.

Cedar1974
10-28-2014, 16:34
You have a waterproof pack? Wow!

<note: ain't no such animal>
Ok, maybe not waterproof, but very water resistant. I have an Alice pack and the inside is coated in a Urethane.

dangerdave
10-28-2014, 17:47
Ah, nice. Thanks for the idea. I just ordered me some "Danger" patches from thecheapplace.com for my pack. I've got a pack cover, so I'm not worried about sealing my pack to keep rain out. I'll patch my cover, too, and seal it, though. :)

Teacher & Snacktime
10-28-2014, 17:50
You have a waterproof pack? Wow!

<note: ain't no such animal>

Exactly what I was thinking!


I used a silicon spray on the bike panniers we made....better than nothing.

12trysomething
10-28-2014, 18:17
Here is what I use. http://www.allstitch.net/product/fabritac-permanent-adhesive-large-10-oz-bottle-3813.cfm?aid=FABTAC-8&sid=googlebase&gclid=CKPG5POt0MECFaZj7Aodb0gA0A

Miner
10-28-2014, 18:33
Here is what I use. http://www.allstitch.net/product/fabritac-permanent-adhesive-large-10-oz-bottle-3813.cfm?aid=FABTAC-8&sid=googlebase&gclid=CKPG5POt0MECFaZj7Aodb0gA0A

Does that really last? Will it handle the fabric being compressed in various directions when the pack is half empty or the patch getting rubbed by a rock as you butt slide down a boulder? Just wondering about the durability as it seems so much easier then sewing is.

Up to now, I sew the patch on through the fabric. I don't use cotton thread; use a heavy polyester thread. I normally pick a spot like the side pockets on my pack or the rear mesh pocket so that I don't penetrate into the main compartment. But I think seam sealing would work to reduce water penetration into the pack.

jimmyjam
10-28-2014, 18:47
sew it to a mesh pocket if you have one.

Malto
10-28-2014, 18:53
sew it to a mesh pocket if you have one.

What would you seal it with to make it waterproof?

dangerdave
10-28-2014, 19:08
Here is what I use. http://www.allstitch.net/product/fabritac-permanent-adhesive-large-10-oz-bottle-3813.cfm?aid=FABTAC-8&sid=googlebase&gclid=CKPG5POt0MECFaZj7Aodb0gA0A

Tips for this product reads: "Not suitable for applying patches to fabrics as patches have a coating on back that prevents glue from absorbing into the fibers."

rickb
10-28-2014, 19:08
sew it to a mesh pocket if you have one.

Exactly. After years in the drawer...

12trysomething
10-28-2014, 19:13
Tips for this product reads: "Not suitable for applying patches to fabrics as patches have a coating on back that prevents glue from absorbing into the fibers."

I have about 1,000 miles on it so far.

SteelCut
10-28-2014, 19:55
You have a waterproof pack? Wow!

<note: ain't no such animal>

Think again. The newer cuben hybrid fabric packs are made completely waterproof fabric although the hydration port and some of the seams at the bottom of the pack may not be completely waterproof. I use this one now:

http://www.hyperlitemountaingear.com/ultralight-packs/3400-series-ultralight-packs/3400-windrider.html

I do not use a rain cover or poncho with it and have used it in recent torrential downpours without any wetness on the inside. There is no way I'm sewing any stinking patches to this pack :)

12trysomething
10-28-2014, 20:09
Zpacks Zero with taped seams is waterproof as well.

MuddyWaters
10-28-2014, 20:26
Not to mention ula Epic

Maui Rhino
10-29-2014, 01:01
I prefer to sew a 4" x 4" velcro loop (the soft side) patch to my packs. Then I sew a piece of velcro hook to the back of my patches, so that I can swap them out easily as I choose. Many patches also now come with the velco hook already sewn on.

Pro tip: cut your velcro to shape/size using a soldering iron to both cut and heat seal the edge in one step to stop fraying.

RangerZ
10-29-2014, 22:58
I prefer to sew a 4" x 4" velcro loop (the soft side) patch to my packs. Then I sew a piece of velcro hook to the back of my patches, so that I can swap them out easily as I choose. Many patches also now come with the velco hook already sewn on.

Pro tip: cut your velcro to shape/size using a soldering iron to both cut and heat seal the edge in one step to stop fraying.


Seems that I've seen this somewhere else - better idea here than there.