Exotac ripSPOOL Field Repair and Survival Spool

The Exotac ripSPOOL is a machined anodized aluminum field repair and survival spool weighing 0.5 oz at its core, designed for everyday carry and pack kits where weight and precision matter. It combines over 60 feet of 30-lb braided synthetic line, over 50 inches of heavy-duty flammable repair tape, a #16 sail needle, and a 550 FIRECORD lanyard into one compact system. The ripSPOOL is available in Black, Gunmetal, Blaze Orange, and Olive Drab.

One Tool, Multiple Field Problems Solved

The ripSPOOL addresses the gap between a roll of duct tape and a real repair: tape covers a hole, but it cannot close a blown seam, re-stitch a torn pack strap, or reattach a failed zipper pull. The 30-lb braided line and #16 sail needle handle those jobs with precision, turning what would be a trip-ending failure into a field fix. Because the needle is retained by an o-ring inside the spool, it is always where you need it and doubles as an awl when no thread is required.

Every Component Pulls Double Duty

The repair tape wound on the body is flammable, so a strip serves as emergency tinder when fire-starting conditions are poor. The lanyard is 550 FIRECORD, meaning the tether itself is usable cordage and a backup tinder source. The 60-plus feet of braided line covers gear repair, lashing, improvised tool-making, and rigging a basic fishing setup. There is also space inside the tape body to store a small fishing kit alongside the needle, though one is not included.

Made in the USA, Refillable, Lifetime Warranty

The body is machined anodized aluminum, made in Atlanta, Georgia. When the tape and line are spent, the 012000-KIT refill restocks the consumables without replacing the spool. The ripSPOOL is covered by Exotac's limited lifetime warranty.

Features

• 30-lb braided synthetic line: over 60 feet for gear repair, lashing, tool-making, or improvised fishing
• Heavy-duty repair tape: over 50 inches wound on the body; flammable for use as emergency tinder
• O-ring-retained #16 sail needle: functions as a sewing needle, awl, or thimble
• 550 FIRECORD lanyard: tether doubles as cordage and backup tinder
• Refillable design: consumables restocked with the 012000-KIT refill (sold separately)
• Machined anodized aluminum body: made in the USA, covered by Exotac's limited lifetime warranty

Specifications

Who This Is For and Isn't

The ripSPOOL suits overlanders, backpackers, and bushcraft practitioners who carry a knife and fire starter and want a single compact tool that handles gear repair, cordage, and emergency tinder needs without the bulk of a full sewing kit or a tape roll. It fits naturally in an everyday-carry kit, a pack hip belt pocket, or a vehicle emergency bag.

A fishing kit is not included, only space to store one. The refill consumables (012000-KIT) are sold separately. The ripSPOOL is not a substitute for a full first-aid kit or a dedicated fishing kit; those use cases depend on additional gear the buyer supplies.

Common Questions

What is inside a ripSPOOL?

The Exotac ripSPOOL comes loaded with over 60 feet of 30-lb test braided synthetic line, over 50 inches of heavy-duty repair tape wound on the body, a #16 sail needle retained by an o-ring, and a 550 FIRECORD lanyard. A fishing kit is not included, though there is space inside the tape body to store a small one.

Can the repair tape be used as tinder?

Yes. The heavy-duty repair tape wound on the ripSPOOL body is flammable and can be burned as emergency tinder. The 550 FIRECORD lanyard also functions as a backup tinder source, so the ripSPOOL carries two tinder options alongside its repair materials.

Does the needle work without thread?

Yes. The #16 sail needle in the ripSPOOL is retained by an o-ring inside the spool and can be removed to use as an awl or thimble without attaching thread. To sew, pull the needle out, attach thread, reinsert it, and use the spool as a bobbin.

Is the ripSPOOL refillable?

Yes. When the tape and line are used up, the Exotac 012000-KIT refill restocks the consumables so the machined aluminum body can be reloaded and reused. The refill kit is sold separately.

Where is the ripSPOOL made?

The Exotac ripSPOOL is machined and assembled in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, and is covered by Exotac's limited lifetime warranty.