Torn Ski Pants or Jacket? Here's How to Fix It at Home in 60 Seconds

Family out in the snow, the kind of day that's tough on gear.

You're unpacking after a day on the slopes. Favourite ski pants, the ones that have done three seasons, caught on something sharp on the way down. A small tear. Not huge, but the cold will find it on your next run.

You can fix this tonight. No sewing kit, no hardware store run, no sending gear away for two weeks. FabPatch Extreme rubs on in 60 seconds and is waterproof from the moment it bonds. Here's exactly how to do it.

Why shouldn't you just sew ski gear?

It feels like the logical fix. Thread, needle, done. But sewing through technical outerwear almost always creates more problems than it solves.

Ski jackets and ski pants are built with waterproof membranes and DWR (durable water repellent) coatings that make water bead off the surface. A sewing needle pierces straight through that barrier. Even tight stitching leaves tiny holes that water will work its way through, especially under the pressure of moving through snow and wind.

Iron-on patches are better than sewing, but they come with their own issues on snow gear: heat can damage waterproof laminates and softshell coatings, and iron-on adhesive can struggle to bond to technical outer shells that are specifically designed to repel everything, including adhesive.

The cleanest solution for ski and snowboard outerwear is a rub-on patch, applied cold, with no heat and no needles.

What do you actually need to repair ski gear at home?

One packet of FabPatch Extreme is genuinely all you need. The patches are purpose-built for hard-wearing outdoor gear: rip-stop nylon, technical shells, softshell fabrics, fleece-backed jackets, and waterproof bibs. They bond to coated fabrics without heat, stay flexible in cold temperatures, and are waterproof from the moment they're applied.

Each packet includes patches in two sizes so you can match the coverage to the damage.

How do you repair ski pants or a ski jacket, step by step?

Step 1: Clean the area

Brush off any snow or moisture and let the fabric reach room temperature. Wipe the damaged area with a damp cloth, then let it dry completely. Trim any loose threads around the tear with scissors. A clean, flat, dry surface means the patch bonds evenly and holds longer.

Step 2: Pick the right patch size

Each packet of FabPatch Extreme includes patches in two sizes. For a small tear or hole under 5 cm, the cross patch works well. For a longer rip, a scuffed knee, or a worn-through elbow section, use the oval patch. It should fully cover the damage and overlap by at least 1 cm on every side.

Step 3: Position it before you press

Hold the patch against the tear with the backing still on to check coverage and placement before you commit. Once you're happy, peel the backing off and place the patch carefully onto the fabric.

Step 4: Rub it on

Press the patch down firmly and rub in a circular motion for 60 seconds min. Work across the whole surface, paying extra attention to the edges. This activates the adhesive and ensures a complete, even bond. You can FabPatch this.

Step 5: Give it time to set

For best results, don't wash or soak for 3 days. If you're mid-trip and need to wear the gear sooner, the bond is strong enough from application for most conditions, but an overnight cure gives the best long-term hold.

Applying FabPatch Extreme in the field. The rub-on step takes about 60 seconds.

What ski and snow gear can you FabPatch?

FabPatch Extreme works across a wide range of ski and snowboard gear:

• Ski and snowboard jackets (outer shells and softshells)
• Ski pants and snow bibs
• Fleece mid-layers
• Ski gloves and mitts (the fabric body section)
• Gear bags and boot bags
• Backpacks and hydration packs

It also handles general wear, not just clean tears. If your ski pants have a worn-through cuff area from scraping the ground across three seasons, or your jacket elbows are starting to thin out, FabPatch Extreme covers that too.

For tears inside a down-filled jacket where the fill is escaping through the inner lining, take a look at our full guide on repairing a down jacket.

Will a rub-on patch actually stay waterproof on ski gear?

Yes. FabPatch Extreme is designed for weatherproof, outdoor use. The patch material itself is waterproof, and because it rubs on without puncturing the fabric, the repair doesn't create new entry points for moisture.

What helps the bond last: a clean, dry surface at application, full overlap around the damage on every side, and a full 3 days of curing time before soaking or heavy washing.

What doesn't affect the bond: cold temperatures, regular movement and flexing, repeated outdoor use, or general ski conditions. FabPatch Extreme is built for exactly these situations.

Before and after - the same tear, the same gear, 60 seconds apart.

What's the best repair kit to pack for a ski trip?

A packet of FabPatch Extreme fits in a jacket pocket, a gear bag side pouch, or a glove compartment. If you're heading up for more than a day, it's worth having on hand. A small tear on day one doesn't have to become a cold, wet problem by day three.

For a full breakdown of what to keep in your repair kit for tougher outdoor adventures, see our guide on repairing outdoor gear.

Frequently asked questions about repairing ski gear

Can I use FabPatch Extreme on Gore-Tex?
Yes. FabPatch Extreme bonds to Gore-Tex outer shells. Apply to the outside of the jacket on a clean, dry surface.

Will the patch hold in freezing temperatures on the mountain?
Yes. FabPatch Extreme stays flexible and bonded in cold weather. It's designed for outdoor, weatherproof conditions.

Can I apply it mid-trip, not at home?
You can. Bring the gear indoors to let the fabric warm up, make sure the area is dry, and apply as normal. The bond is strong enough to use sooner if needed.

How large a tear can FabPatch cover?
The oval patch covers up to around 11 x 8 cm. For larger damage, apply two overlapping patches, ensuring the coverage fully surrounds the tear.

Does it work on ski pants with a waterproof coating on the outside?
Yes. The Extreme patches are designed specifically for coated technical fabrics. Clean the surface thoroughly first so the adhesive bonds to the fabric itself, not to wax or surface residue.

Is it a permanent repair?
Yes. FabPatch Extreme is designed as a long-term fix, not a temporary stopgap. Removing it later may leave adhesive residue, so apply it in a spot you're happy for it to stay.