Civilization as we know it would crumble without duct tape. That sticky ribbon is essential for many tasks, from gear repair to hair removal. But much like prom dates or taxi cabs, it proves elusive when needed most. Fortunately, you can always carry duct tape with you by wrapping it around your water bottles, avoiding the bulky nuisance of a separate roll.

With 3 rings, each bottle could host more than 3 m/10 ft of tape

Simply stick the tape around the bottle in one or more rings, adding as many layers as you want. For best results, add subsequent layers directly on top of the layers underneath, ensuring that the bottle still fits into a holster or insulating parka. Good quality duct tape will remain usable for many months, even if the bottle is repeatedly filled with boiling water or cleaned in the dishwasher.

Do you really want to lug this beast around with you?

While I haven’t needed the tape to remove hair yet, I have used it to prevent blisters, waterproof holes in the tent floor, and splint up a broken paddle. What could you use it for?

Considerations:

  • Cylindrical, rigid bottles with a smooth surface work best (e.g., Nalgene’s Tritan 1 litre/32 ounce bottle). Flexible bottles, or bottles with uneven surfaces or irregular shapes, may not work as well.
  • The tape will make it difficult to read the bottle’s volume markings, and unwrapping the final layer may even remove painted markings altogether.
  • Low quality tape will lose the ability to stick, and turn gummy from age, wear or heat.
  • You will likely carry less tape this way than if you packed a separate roll.

Categories: Maintenance & Repair, First Aid & Health, Survival & Rescue