Repair broken glasses in the field

Step-by-step

1. 1

   Broken nose bridge: wrap tightly with a strip of cloth tape or duct tape, splinted with a matchstick or twig for rigidity.

2. 2

   Popped-out lens: warm the frame slightly by a fire, gently press the lens back in place, cool it, and check by lightly tapping the frame.

3. 3

   Broken temple arm: splint with a stick or bent hairpin, tape or lash to remaining arm.

4. 4

   Missing screw: replace temporarily with a small wire from a twist tie or a very thin sliver of wood pushed through the hinge hole.

5. 5

   Cracked lens: cover the crack with clear tape on both sides to keep it holding shape until you can replace it.

Tip: Carry a spare pair of glasses (or your last prescription) in your pack for any multi-day trip. Duct tape is a fix; a spare is a solution.