Isn't all duct tape waterproof?

[Moab]

I thought all duct tape was waterproof. What makes this stuff so special? Just a marketing gimmick?

https://sport.woot.com/offers/surviveware-waterproof-duct-tape-9

[MacWa77ace]

Apparently there are application specific options available.  Although I've never thought about it, I use real metallic duct tape for actual duct and A/C stuff, black or silver standard duct tape for other temp holds.

Whether you need an all-weather option for outdoor use, foil-backed tape for ducts, or extra-wide rolls for large rips and tears, you should find an option that fits your specific needs.

https://www.popularmechanics.com/home/tools/g37825453/best-duct-tape/

My rule of thumb is don't put duct tape on anything you don't want to ruin.

[majorhavoc]

I thought all duct tape was waterproof. What makes this stuff so special? Just a marketing gimmick?

https://sport.woot.com/offers/surviveware-waterproof-duct-tape-9

I actually have that exact roll of tape. It's included in the Surviveware 72-hour 2-person Emergency Readiness Survival Backpack I bought and reviewed this past summer.

Seems a little over-priced at $10 for a 33' roll. I wasn't curious enough to take it out of its plastic wrapping to see if it was anything special. If you're thinking of buying it, you should consider Gorilla's All-Weather duct tape instead. It'll be cheaper per foot and I've heard from multiple sources it's really good stuff. I'd be surprised if Surviveware or anyone else has anything better unless you look for a specialized tape like Mac suggests. 

And if you're wedded to the 33' length or thereabouts, you're still better off flat-packing the same length of Gorilla Tape around a credit card - you'll end up with a smaller overall package.

[NT2C]

I bought one to include in this year's Go Bag Giveaway.  Is it worth the price?  Nah, but it's a nice little package I can just toss in the box with the rest of the stuff.

[Moab]

My only real thought was "As its made out of olastic. Isn't all duct tape waterproof?!". Lol!

I have three types of duct tape. Maybe 4. Standard thin silver for bandages - you need the flexibility. Then thick green usgi. Better adhesive and very strong - but thick and not that flexible. More like gorilla tape but less shiny.  Better for repairs. Those are the main two in my BOB.

I also have some wide silver duct tape from Aliexpress. It's thicker than the thin stuff I use for first aid. But not quite as thick as the usgi stuff. Very low cost. I actually like it alot. And you can get it in just about every width.

Lastly, gaffers tape. But really only best for things you want to easily remove it from. Might be good for first aid in that regard.

All of mine is credit card wrapped. Completely agree, Major.

(I saw a cool firestarter idea the other day. Make up wipes with vaseline or wax. Then enclose it in folded over duct tape. Which adds burn life. And keeps the wax or vaseline from getting all over stuff. I have a small bag of vaseline cotton balls. But its a gooey mess inside the plastic bag. I also have cotton dryer lint mixed with vaseline. But again a gooey mess. The duct tape would solve this.)

[MacWa77ace]

(I saw a cool firestarter idea the other day. Make up wipes with vaseline or wax. Then enclose it in folded over duct tape. Which adds burn life. And keeps the wax or vaseline from getting all over stuff. I have a small bag of vaseline cotton balls. But its a gooey mess inside the plastic bag. I also have cotton dryer lint mixed with vaseline. But again a gooey mess. The duct tape would solve this.)

Step aside, professional here  I'll take this.




That makes a dedicated fire starter but wouldn't it be better to have multi-use duct tape, wipes, and fuel?

I keep hand sanitizer in heat sealed plastic straws. Can be used as firestarter fuel or sanitizer.
Compressed wipes [dry] in Altoids tins, pill bottles or ziplocks, think more like TP or washcloth.
And duct tape on a CC.

All can be combined to make that exact 'kindling' or used separately for other duties as needed.