As videos of successful trail-side tire repairs flood social media, we examine how GlueTread’s compact kits are changing the game for overlanders and powersports enthusiasts facing tire emergencies in the backcountry.
GlueTread has been taking social media by storm lately, with off-roaders and powersports users alike sharing videos of trail-side tire fixes using the company’s compact patch kits.
The idea of an easy-to-use sidewall repair system that doesn’t require removing the tire has caught the attention of weekend warriors and full-time overlanders alike. With all the buzz, we decided to take a closer look at the brand and its offerings.
Trail damage is part of the game for off-roaders, but few things halt progress faster than a compromised tire. Whether it’s a sidewall gash or valve stem failure, remote terrain doesn’t leave much room for error—or help.
Sidewall Repair
GlueTread offers a solution aimed squarely at this problem: a compact tire repair kit designed to temporarily patch off-road tire damage and get you moving again without removing the tire.
GlueTread is engineered specifically for emergency off-road use on vehicles like UTVs, ATVs, and full-size rigs. The brand’s core product is a patch system designed to seal sidewall damage, small punctures, and valve stem issues.
While not a permanent or on-road fix, the patch is meant to hold up to the rigors of backcountry use—buying drivers enough time and mileage to return to a more serviceable location.
The Kit
Each GlueTread kit includes rubber patches, adhesive, prep tools, and in some kits, Colby Valves—quick-install, tool-free valve stem replacements.
The process involves sanding and cleaning the damaged area, applying the adhesive, pressing the patch into place, and letting it set for 10 minutes.
According to the company, the repair can hold up for hundreds of miles under off-road conditions. One of our contributors has seen this first hand on a weeklong off-road trip that claimed a few tires along the way. Each time, GlueTread patches came to the rescue and held up for the duration of the trip.
A key appeal is simplicity. The kit is small enough to stash in a glove box or trail bag, and no special tools are required to complete a repair.
Unlike traditional patch kits or plug tools, which often only work on tread areas or require tire removal, GlueTread is one of the few options designed to bond directly to a tire’s sidewall. This makes it particularly useful for trail-side emergencies where space, tools, and time are limited.
Final Thoughts
GlueTread is a family-owned operation based in Hiram, Ohio, and all kits are made in the U.S. Its mission is to give off-roaders a simple, reliable way to handle tire damage on the trail—without cutting the adventure short.
The company makes it clear that their products are not DOT-approved for on-road use. They are purely intended to get off-roaders out of the backcountry safely when no other options are available.
As a field repair solution, GlueTread adds a lightweight and relatively easy-to-use option to the recovery toolbox. For those who often venture far from cell service and paved roads, it may be worth carrying, even if you never need to use it.
For more info, visit: GlueTread.com
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