Repairing a dry bag or waterproof backpack can be challenging due to their specialized construction. Keeping the inside of the bag or backpack completely waterproof requires special construction techniques that limit what can be easily repaired later. With this in mind, there are three different types of tears that can happen to waterproof bags, and depending on the type of damage, there are different ways to repair a torn dry bag or waterproof backpack:
- Tear or puncture in the waterproof fabric
- Welded seams coming apart
- Torn stitches
REPAIRING TORN OR PUNCTURED FABRIC ON A WATERPROOF BACKPACK OR DRY BAG
This is the most common and, fortunately, also the easiest type of dry bag repair. Tears and punctures can happen when you drag your backpack or dry bag over sharp surfaces, drop it on thorns, carry sharp objects inside the bag, such as knives or fishing hooks, etc.
MATERIALS YOU’LL NEED TO FIX A TORN DRY BAG
- Self-adhesive repair patch
- Scissors
- Rubbing alcohol or an alcohol-based cleaning wipe
- Clean, lint-free cloth
- Optional: Seam sealer or waterproof adhesive for dry bags for some extra reinforcement
STEP 1: CLEAN THE DAMAGED AREA
Start by cleaning the area around the tear or puncture. Use rubbing alcohol or an alcohol-based cleaning wipe to remove dirt, oils, and other residues. Make sure the surface is completely dry before proceeding.
Extra tip: It is usually better to apply the patch from the inside of the bag, as it is less visible and less exposed, but it really depends on where there will be less stress on the patch.
STEP 2: TRIM LOOSE EDGES
Inspect the tear or puncture for any loose or frayed material. Use scissors to trim these edges, as they can interfere with the repair patch’s adhesion. Smooth, clean edges provide a better seal.
STEP 3: CHOOSE THE RIGHT PATCH
Select a self-adhesive repair patch designed for waterproof materials, as these patches are specifically made to bond with the fabrics used in dry bags and waterproof backpacks, including PVC, PU, and TPU-coated fabrics.
There are dry bag patch kits designed for specific coatings, as well as patches that work with different types of coatings. Choose a patch that is compatible with the material of your bag.
When choosing the color of the patch, you can either go with a transparent patch that works with all colors or, if available, choose a patch that matches the color of your bag.
STEP 4: CUT THE PATCH TO SIZE
Cut the repair patch to a size slightly larger than the damaged area. There should be at least 1 cm (1/2 inch) of overlap. More overlap provides a more secure repair. Round the corners of the patch to prevent them from peeling over time.
STEP 5: APPLY THE PATCH
Peel off the backing from the repair patch and carefully position it over the damaged area. Press firmly to ensure good adhesion, starting from the center and working outward to remove any air bubbles.
STEP 6: REINFORCE THE REPAIR (OPTIONAL)
For extra durability, apply a thin layer of seam sealer or waterproof adhesive around the edges of the patch. This helps further secure the patch and prevent water from seeping in or the edges of the patch from peeling off.
STEP 7: ALLOW THE PATCH TO SET
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the recommended setting time. Patches usually require 4 to 24 hours to fully cure before the bag can be exposed to water or heavy use.
For light use, some patches can be used immediately, but it is better to wait if you want the repair to be as durable as possible. Avoid folding or rolling the bag during this time.
If you don’t have a pre-made patch, you can create one using a piece of the backpack’s material and a specialized sealant for dry bags. Refer to the next section for detailed instructions, as the process is similar to repairing welded seams.
WELDED SEAMS COMING APART
Most seams on DryTide dry bags and waterproof backpacks are made using high-frequency (HF) welding. This creates a strong bond without stitching holes or adhesives.
If a welded seam comes apart, it cannot be restored to its original HF-welded construction without specialized welding equipment. However, the damaged area can be repaired at home using a suitable waterproof adhesive and, where appropriate, a repair patch.
Dry bags and waterproof backpacks are made from waterproof materials such as PVC, TPU, or PU-coated fabrics, so it is important to choose an adhesive that is compatible with the specific material.
Here are a few types of adhesives that can be used for DIY dry bag repair:
- PVC Cement – Suitable for PVC and vinyl materials. It creates a strong, flexible, and waterproof bond and can be used on seams or to attach patches to waterproof materials.
- Urethane Adhesive – Suitable for TPU, nylon, and other coated fabrics. It forms a durable, flexible, and waterproof bond and is commonly used for outdoor gear repairs.
- Marine Adhesive Sealant – Designed for waterproof applications and bonds well with many materials. It has a longer curing time but can provide a strong seal for high-stress areas.
- Contact Cement – Can be used for some waterproof materials, but its suitability and durability depend on the specific material and product. Always check that it is compatible before using it.
If you decide to repair a welded seam, here is how to do it.
HOW TO REPAIR WELDED SEAMS WITH GLUE
- Clean the Area: Remove dirt, oils, and other residues from the seam and make sure the surface is dry before you start gluing.
- Apply the Adhesive: This depends on the type of glue, so check the manufacturer’s instructions. Usually, you need to apply a thin, even layer to both sides of the separated seam.
- Press and Align the Seam: Bring the seam edges together carefully, ensuring proper alignment. Use clamps or weights to hold the seam in place during curing.
- Allow Proper Curing Time: Let the adhesive cure for as long as the glue manufacturer recommends. Depending on the glue, this can range from a few hours to 24 hours.
- Reinforce the Seam (Optional): For extra durability, you can apply a self-adhesive waterproof patch over the repaired seam.
TORN STITCHES
Some parts of waterproof bags, and especially backpacks, are constructed using needle and thread. However, sewing is never used for waterproof compartments, as the needle creates holes that compromise waterproofing.
When something is attached to a dry bag or waterproof backpack, it must first be sewn onto a separate piece of fabric, which is then welded onto the bag.
With this in mind, it is easy to see why repairing torn stitches can be challenging. Stitches can be easily resewn in non-waterproof areas, such as shoulder straps. However, if stitches are used on fabric that is then welded to the bag and those stitches come loose, the repair becomes more complicated.
You’ll first need to separate the welded seams, repair the stitching without sewing through both layers of the material, and then re-weld the seams. For a DIY repair, you can instead glue the seams back together in the same way as described in the previous section.
