Zippers are a part of many pieces of gear. From our jackets to our tents and backpacks, having a functional zipper can keep us warm, dry, and all of our gear contained. What happens when that zipper ...

Add Popular Science (opens in a new tab) More information Adding us as a Preferred Source in Google by using this link indicates that you would like to see more of our content in Google News results.

We’ve all been there: you’re in the backcountry or on a long hike when you yank the zipper on your jacket and—bam!—it comes undone, gets stuck, or the whole thing rips off. You’re forced to ski or ...