Essential Gear: Create the Perfect Repair Kit for Your Hiking Adventures

There's nothing worse than being halfway through a hike and having a piece of equipment break. A backpack strap ripping, a link on your microspikes snapping, a trekking pole refusing to stay the same height--gear problems of any shape and size can force you to turnaround from your objective, or make travel downright hazardous. Adding a small repair kit to your hiking bag can help save you from having to abandon your hike, and could even save your life in an emergency. But, premade kits can be expensive, and full of additional items you may not need. Building your own repair kit is easy, cost-effective, and lightweight, saving you from carrying additional ounces and shedding additional dollars. That is, if you know what to pack. A Pocketknife or Multi-tool: one of the lightest and most versatile things you can bring on your hike is a pocketknife, or better yet, a multitool. This doesn't have to be an expensive or flashy piece like a Leatherman, although they're certainly nice. Something with a blade, can open