INSTEAD of simply listing some uses for duct tape
(there have actually been dozens over the years, as it is..), I would like to post a review of a couple of books here, as an alternative...
THESE two books are on the repair and maintenance of outdoorsy and camping gear and equipment, with the first one specifically titled on the subject of using Duct Tape, while the second one is covering a wider range of gear maintenance and emergency repairs..
AS SUCH, these two manuals are actually a much better bet at helping prepare people for many potential "MacGyverisms", than any of those weak efforts to be seen that actually use the name "MacGyver" in their titles. Anyway, here are my reviews:
'Two Outdoorsy' Book Reviews:IS this you
>> - as your pants are falling down, your trekking pole has snapped in two, your tent is blowing away, your boat has sprung a leak
?!?NOT to worry! Here I will attempt to take a look today at what are possibly the two best repair manuals available on the market at this time:Hostetter, Kristin 'Don't Forget the Duct Tape'; The Mountaineers
2007, 2009; Seattle WA. USA.
Price: should be able to find it for under $10...This is great little pocket-sized volume, ideal for taking along on your world travels or outdoors excursions ~
weighing less than 2 oz. (50-something gr.), along with a small first aid guide, and the Gem "SAS Survival.." pocket edition, these can be the cornerstone of your outdoorsy field repair kit and emergency library..
A quick look at the Index for this book shows the breadth and depth of the authors coverage of just how far you can go, with a small and basic repair kit built around your modest roll of duct tape:1. Fabric
2. Zippers
3. Boots
4. Packs
5. Tents
6. Sleeping Bags and Pads
7. Stoves
8. Water Filters
9. Cookware
10. Hydration Systems
Appendixes - 50 fixes with 'Seam Grip'; (
plus: a USA Repair Facilities guide..).
This book does indeed include more suggestions for possible "fixes" with the likes of duct tape, twine and Seam Grip than most of us could shake a stick at
~ it earns 5-out-of-5 from me.. ~ and can be considered a worthwhile addition to everyone's repair kits.Next up in my reviews, is a more substantial tome
~ more suitable for referencing and keeping at home, as it would weigh over a pound (half a kilo..) ~ making it too heavy for most backpacking and bicycling trips:
Getchell, Annie; 'The Essential Outdoor Gear Manual'; Ragged Mountain Press / McGraw Hill; 1995, 2000; Camden, Maine USA.
Price: around $20 +/-, if you have to find it online, with p/p it should still be available for under $30.This 250-page manual remains [IIthe "GO TO" handbook[/I] for home repairs and maintenance on your outdoorsy gear and kit, with a much more comprehensive list of contents ~
So, to get the best out of your equipment, keep it in tip-top condition, and extend its useful lifespan...
we have presented to us in these chapters:Soft Goods:1.
'Essential Techniques' (sewing, patching, zippers & fasteners, cordage, seams..)
2. Fabrics and Insulation
3. Specialty Garments
4. Shelter
5. Packs
Footwear:6. Weatherproofing
7. Custom Fitting
8. Boot Repairs
Hardware:9. Stoves and Cookware
10. Water Filters
11. Knives and Multi-tools
12. Optics and Electronics
13. Climbing Gear
14. Winter Gear (skis, snowshoes, sleds..)
Paddling:15. Boats
16. Resin
17. Hull Materials
18. Canoe inspections
19. Kayak inspections
20. Paddles and PFDs
21. Dry Storage and Flotation
Appendixes: Adhesives; Cleaning solutions; Kits; Tools and Supplies; Knots; Resources; Rec. Reading list... So, as can be seen from this more-than-adequate,
(and indeed quite comprehensive..), list of contents - this encyclopaedic volume is a great little reference work for anyone concerned with caring for, and getting the most out of
- their 'outdoorsy' kit-and-caboodle.. Another 5 star review from me.....Both of these books are highly recommended here by my humble self..I know that I have mentioned these two books in passing in a couple of other threads in the past ~ but I didn't actually go as far as to review them in depth, back then..
(AS they are available from the same bookseller as this Forum uses, maybe the Admin' can have a look at them as well.. ).