TEXT AND PHOTOS BY PHIL HOWELL
Tires carry us to work, the store and the backcountry. When exploring off the beaten path, there’s always the chance that we’ll experience tire failure. Punctures and slices are common, as sharp sticks and jagged rocks are always waiting to ruin a trip. Most backcountry explorers carry a spare tire, but what happens if you use the spare and then have another flat? What do you do when you don’t have a spare tire, or are too impatient to change the tire? One thing you shouldn’t do is worry. With the products available today, backcountry tire failures needn’t stop you from exploring, or even cause anyone to sweat.