Duct tape, duck tape, gaffer tape, armor tape, industrial tape, fabric tape - there are almost as many names as there are variants or manufacturers. But no matter who makes it, in what version or even what color, duct tape is a useful helper on the mountain in a wide variety of situations and a true miracle weapon for improvisation.
It is very easy to carry with you. A few meters wrapped around the shaft of each ski pole and you have enough to cope with most situations. Well, if you want to tape your snoring roommate to the ceiling in a mountain hut, you'll need a bit more, but for many applications the strips on the pole are more than enough. And you certainly won't feel the few grams of weight. On the contrary, it has unexpected advantages. The chunky bead on the shaft is surprisingly grippy and can be used well if you want to shorten your grip on the pole when climbing cross-country traverses.
And in an emergency, it is quickly unwound, still sticks cleanly and can save the day. I've used fabric tape in countless situations, usually to everyone's amazement: Hole in the backpack? Cuts from an edge or crampons in your pants? No gaiters tucked in and the baggy trousers are in the way? The soles of your cheap boots come off when canyoning? Or on a wet spring snowshoe tour? No problem with a bit of gaffa tape. Jonas Blum has even made a goggle with tape and a spare lens. The possibilities are endless!
Duct tape for the win!
Show us in the forum how you have used duct tape sensibly or pointlessly.
