Kittens, campfires and thorny bushes all have it in for your jacket, and just one little hole can let lots of precious down fly free.

Luckily, patching small holes is pretty simple.

Here’s what you need:

• • • • Gear repair tape, such as Tenacious Tape™
      • Scissors
      • Rubbing alcohol
      • A rag

Here’s how to patch your down jacket:

• • • • Pull feathers back in: If there are any feathers sticking out of the hole, pinch them from the other side and pull them back inside the jacket.
      • Cut the patch: Use your scissors to cut a patch that will cover the hole with about two centimetres of overlap in every direction. If you round the edges of the patch, it will last longer.
      • Prep the area: Clean the area around the hole with your rag and rubbing alcohol.
      • Apply the patch: Make sure to smooth out the jacket to avoid wrinkles, then press the patch into place with your fingers. The patch will take about 48 hours to fully cure, so be gentle with it for the first couple days.