Review on Gear Aid Tenacious Tape Mini Patches: Repair Down Jackets, Sleeping Bags, Tents, and Rain Gear with Ultra-Strong Adhesive Tape by Kelsey Brown

I was so happy when I read the rave reviews about these patches. I inherited a lovely North Face jacket that had 4 separate small holes, each no bigger than a pencil eraser. I cleaned each area with alcohol before carefully cutting out each circle to cover the holes. Allow the alcohol to dry/evaporate completely. The patches are easy to use, easy to cut and surprisingly easy to peel off the backing paper. I attached each one to the holes with a sizable margin to make sure it would fit snugly on the fabric. Let sit for a while, then wash the jacket YOURSELF on a gentle cycle in my front-facing machine, using mild natural liquid detergent. When I took the jacket out of the washing machine, ALL 4 patches in the washing machine were completely torn off and there was a thin layer of lint on the surface of the drum and glass door. Of course I was pretty disappointed. I still had to dry the jacket (not good for the down when it's wet!), which of course meant a lot of down loss as I couldn't mend the wet jacket. The next day I cut out and glued the patches back in, which was a bummer. but i would like to be able to use the jacket at least for the time being. I will look for a more permanent solution and something that will last at least one wash. I'd say they're good for a last resort to prevent an escape until you find a better, long-term solution. . So keep one patch in your backpack and another in your sewing/repair kit at home. I hope this is helpful and saves you time.