by Deneice Arthurton

Created on: August 17, 2010   Last Updated: September 19, 2010

The Mighty and Praiseworthy Duct Tape

According to some sources duct tape was invented by an American man named Richard Drew. Well, if that is so, Mr Drew I salute you. I wonder if he envisaged his humble invention becoming the life saver of backpackers worldwide? You may be forgiven for thinking my claim a little melodramatic but perhaps not so.

- Mosquito net repair -

The number one use for duct tape, in my book, is for fixing holes in torn mosquito nets. As every backpacker knows mozzie nets, when provided, always have holes. It's a tradition or something. Malaria is still the number one killer in many areas of the world and mosquitoes have an unerring ability to find even the smallest of holes in nets.

- Uses for tents -

If you are a backpacker of the tent toting variety then consider duct tape your best buddy. It will make tent seams and ground sheets watertight, it will patch tears, it will strengthen frayed guys, it will mend snapped poles, it will plug holes in air mattresses and water containers and the list goes on. In fact duct tape is so strong you can even make it into a makeshift guy rope by cutting a long length and twisting it.

- For the first aid kit -

Duct tape is a wonderful addition to your first aid kit. You can use it over plasters and bandages to make them watertight and it can even be used on its own with a small piece of lint or gauze. The smallest of cuts can soon become infected in the tropics, leading to tropical sores which have serious implications. Even a large supply of sticking plasters will run out with the need to constantly redress wounds but duct tape goes on and on.

When 'just down the road' has turned into an epic endurance march, the footsore backpacker can use duct tape for binding sprained ankles and cushioning blisters.

- Shoe laces and other on the road repairs -

There is another law of the universe that backpackers will be aware of – the inexplicable recurrence of self untying shoelaces. It's always when you are most weary, always when just one more stoop down with that load on your back is going to be the one that sees you toppling, top heavy, into the dust. Tape a strip of duct tape over your shoelaces, problem solved!

Tears in ragged clothing items that have been from one end of the globe to the other with barely a glance at soap powder can be fixed with duct tape. Probably not the most attractive look for a permanent solution but it will cut down on unnecessary draughts and may be a way

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>