Ripstop does what the name says — it stops a tear spreading — but it does not close one. That is this kit's job.

Self-adhesive nylon patches handle the fast repair in wind or rain. The needle and heavy thread are there for the ones a patch will not hold: a seam pulling away from a corner, a zipper tape tearing loose, a guy-out point ripping from the panel.

Where it earns its keep

• Tent body and fly tears
• Awning fabric and sidewalls
• Stuff sacks and dry bags
• Anything nylon that has met a branch

Awning fabric is the one people forget. A 270 awning catches more wind than a tent ever will, and the tear always starts small.