Strappal is a rayon-based rigid strapping tape from the same manufacturer as the ubiquitous Leukotape P. Although it is noticeably easier to tear, Strappal is insufficiently adhesive and durable for blister prevention, breaking down in as little as six miles of hiking.
Stats
- Make: BSN Medical
- Model: Strappal
- Model year: 2020
- Measured weight: 86g
- Date Purchased: 2020-05-16
- Price Paid: $3.89
- Usage: 1 day hike
I prefer to use products for at least an entire season before I review them but when something fails so spectacularly I don’t feel the need to invest more time in it. I taped up my feet with Strappal in preparation for a successful summit attempt of Red Mountain, a short but steep hike involving some snow patches and scrambling in the eastern central Cascades. Not knowing the relative adhesiveness of the tape I spent extra time rubbing and applying pressure to it to increase the chances of sticking. After 6 miles and 3,000 feet of gain I removed my shoes and socks to find this:
In short, total annihilation. I had started out with a single wrap of each big toe, two strips across the balls of my feet, and a T-shaped wrap of the heels and achilles tendons. What I was left with was tatters, and on a hike where my feet didn’t get wet beyond a toe or two while crossing a marsh. I won’t be using this tape again.