Greetings all! I'm a new member (long time lurker) and I love the info on this forum! Anybody have a recommendation for a top-quality brand (and product #) of heavy-duty duct tape? I currently have light-duty 3M 3903 "easy tear" tape, but I also want a heavier version. Also, how about the new "clear" duct tapes? Any thoughts? Many thanks!

Welcome, AJ.

I love the new clear 3M duct tape - good stuff! Have some in my kit right now. It seems to have different properties than conventional duct tape (maybe my over active imagination), so I don't lump it in with the others.

My #1 favorite - because it works the best - is military duct tape. I have no idea who actually makes it and no incentive to find out, because I can still scrounge a roll of the real stuff.

My second choice is not the best of the commercial-off-the-shelf, but I can find it anywhere - it's the best 3M stuff. There is a better brand (google duct tape - a couple of informative sites), but I don't even recall what it is, because I rarely find it on the shelf.

Everything else is third choice. Even cheap duct tape gets most jobs accomplished (it might take more and/or more layers). And the cheap stuff is great to give kids who are playing with large cardboard boxes, scrap lumber, etc on a rainy day... it keeps them from using your good duct tape <img src="/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

Tom

Go to a HVAC supply house. They always have good duct tape. After all, they tape ducts with it.

Here's link to Backpacker magazine article that compares couple of different duct tapes based on thread count, sun resistance, and stickiness. The article's four years old, so newer products aren't covered.

Tom,
I have been looking forthe military duck tape for iover a year and cant seem to find a source.
Please pm me any possible leads.
Many thanks
Oliver

http://www.uscav.com/productinfo.aspx?productid=7148&tabID=1

http://www.uscav.com/productinfo.aspx?productid=5543&tabID=1

I'll check the pack when I get home, but I carry a small amount flourescent orange duct tape in my pack. Not sure of the quality, but in a survival situation, if you need tape, the orange is just a bonus. If anyone has an interest in that, just PM me and I'll get you that info.

Here are my favorite duct tape:
REI
http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductD...vcat=REI_SEARCH

Survival and Outdoor Safety – Gaffers tape
http://www.survivalandoutdoorsafety.com/tape.htm

Thanks for the input, everyone. That'll give me a few new ones to try!

Nice article.