Down Sleeping Bag Converted to Top Quilt

**Peg-Leg** · 12-22-2009, 23:04

Here's the finished product from a 20* REI down bag I converted to a top quilt. I bought the bag for $75 off geartrade.com. I haven't tested it yet but hope to soon.

The bags intial weight was just over 4lbs. I cut away the hood, zipper, and draft tubbing. I sewed a rolled hem on the edges where the zipper formerly resided. I finished the new top edge with grosgrain and added a shock cord with a cordlock.

The weight now is slightly over two pounds using a floor scale to estimate. I'll have an exact weight soon.

The only drawback I can see so far is that it appears the bag's original botton side had less loft than the top side. I tried to remedy this somewhat by adding down from the parts I cut away. I now have down all over my garage floor. That stuff is tough to handle.

Can't wait to try this new piece of DIY gear.

**angrysparrow** · 12-22-2009, 23:07

That looks nice. You did a great job...

Any chance you can salvage the hood you cut off? That would be a nice warm addition to wear while you use the quilt!

**Peg-Leg** · 12-22-2009, 23:19

Originally Posted by angrysparrow

That looks nice. You did a great job...

Any chance you can salvage the hood you cut off? That would be a nice warm addition to wear while you use the quilt!

Thanks!

Sadly no. I wished I'd seen the hood thread earlier, I would have taken more care during the cut down process. I did however use most of the down from the hood to add back to the modded bag.

This should help with the heavy pack I had on the Sipsey overnight. You guys inspired me to lighten my load.

**animalcontrol** · 12-23-2009, 07:34

Originally Posted by Peg-Leg

The only drawback I can see so far is that it appears the bag's original botton side had less loft than the top side. I tried to remedy this somewhat by adding down from the parts I cut away. I now have down all over my garage floor. That stuff is tough to handle.

Can't wait to try this new piece of DIY gear.

Don't sweat the less loft on the bottom. As soon as you lie on it, you compress most the loft and lose most of your insulation....hence the need for UQs or pads!
Great Modification...enjoy

**SmokeHouse** · 12-23-2009, 08:09

looks very nice... great job...

WV · 12-23-2009, 08:42

Originally Posted by animalcontrol

Don't sweat the less loft on the bottom. As soon as you lie on it, you compress most the loft and lose most of your insulation....hence the need for UQs or pads!
Great Modification...enjoy

Yes, but isn't that original bottom now half of the top?

**Perkolady** · 12-23-2009, 08:52

Very nice job!

Years ago, I had converted a down sleeping bag into a TQ. Worked out very well! This is a great way to lose weight and bulk in your pack without sacrificing function.

Yeah, down isn't the easiest to work with, for sure!

**Peg-Leg** · 12-23-2009, 09:39

Originally Posted by WVhammockmaker

Yes, but isn't that original bottom now half of the top?

You're mostly correct. Thankfully the former bottom surface area is about 60% of the size of the top. I tested it in the hammock had plenty of coverage from the area with the most loft.

**Peg-Leg** · 12-23-2009, 09:42

Originally Posted by animalcontrol

Don't sweat the less loft on the bottom. As soon as you lie on it, you compress most the loft and lose most of your insulation....hence the need for UQs or pads!
Great Modification...enjoy

I've got a Crowsnest Ptarmigin to cover my backside.