How to mend torn hiking clothes – a step by step guide
Published on June 25, 2026
Do your hiking and bushwalking clothes hold memories? Mine do. Stories of rock scrambles, scrub slides, thorny branches and the occasional gymnastic move executed to the accompanying sound of fabric tearing. All evidence of good times exploring and adventuring!
It won’t win me a CWA sewing prize, but it does the job!
Given the cost of outdoor gear and the places we wear it, it makes sense to mend, repair and patch things, rather than replace… especially when every patch is a memory.
Don’t worry, you don’t need to be an expert sewer or own an overlocker. I’m the kinda person who chooses sewing patterns suitable for beginners and uses my mum’s old Bernina 830 sewing machine, circa 1970.
Before – Oh dear. That was a memorable slide.Use scissors to remove any loose threads and frayed edges.
Choosing a fabric patch
Choose a fabric with the same qualities as the piece you’re repairing. In this example, the khaki pants are a polyester-cotton blend and stretch in one direction. My local fabric shop (shout out to the lovely Clare & Kylie at Minerva’s Bower, Katoomba) didn’t have a colour match (a great excuse to have a bit of fun), but did have this contrasting orange/rust-coloured fabric in a similar weight and stretch – perfect! Make sure the patch fabric stretches in the same direction as the pants and cut a patch of fabric large enough to cover the hole plus 2cm seam allowance all around.On the right side of the cloth, hold the 2 raw edges together to close the hole. Using a tight zigzag stitch, slowly sew along the edges to join them together.On the patch (not the pants) turn under 1cm once and stitch a simple hem all around the patch.Pin the patch over the zig-zagged hole.Secure in place with tight zig-zag stitch.Still got another couple of yearsStill going strong-ish
Writer, producer and content creator by trade, search and rescue volunteer by passion, Caro Ryan started LotsaFreshAir.com to inspire, teach and encourage people to get into hiking and the outdoors safely.
It’s all about connecting people to wild places in meaningful ways, so they can look after themselves, their mates and these precious places we visit.
She teaches wilderness navigation, authored the book, ‘How to Navigate’ and hosts, ‘Rescued - an Outdoor Podcast for Hikers and Adventurers.
In the bottom of her pack you'll find coffee grounds, instant noodles past their used by date and an insatiable curiosity.
