A guy at the trailhead saved my trip with a piece of duct tape

I was about 20 minutes into setting up my new tent at a spot near Bend, Oregon, and I heard a small rip. The seam on the rainfly door had split open about three inches. I just stood there, feeling like an idiot for not checking it at home. This older guy from the next site over walked up, looked at it, and said, 'Happens to the best gear. Got a roll?' He pulled a small roll of grey duct tape from his pack, tore off a piece, and showed me how to put it on the inside and outside to make a solid patch. That little fix held through two nights of rain. I offered to pay him back but he just laughed and said, 'Pass it on next time you see someone stuck.' What's the one small, cheap thing you always pack that has saved a trip?

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evan4696mo ago

Duct tape is a total lifesaver, I've patched a torn backpack strap with it. A small multi-tool is my other non-negotiable item for quick fixes. It's crazy how the smallest things can turn a disaster around.

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calebrivera6mo ago

My multi-tool mostly just opens my beer.

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