Aspects of the disclosure relate to fabricating balloon envelopes for high-altitude balloons. One or more segments of reinforcing tape are applied to gore segments of the balloon envelope. The segments are arranged in a ring to circumscribe an upper portion of the balloon envelope, and may be affixed by a pressure sensitive adhesive. Should a catastrophic failure of the balloon envelope occur, the reinforcing tape acts as a ripstop to prevent a tear from extending upward toward the apex of the balloon envelope. Tendons secured to the apex and to a base of the balloon envelope are configured to keep the top film of the envelope in a parachute configuration in the event of a catastrophic failure. The reinforcing tape is positioned above an equator of the balloon envelope, for instance approximately ⅓ of the distance down from the apex to the base of the envelope.