butchering an old sleeping bag?

**ref103** · 12-28-2009, 12:26

I can only afford so much at once so i was thinking of buying an old down bag from ebay for cheap and making an underquilt. i was going to cut off the zippers, adding loops on the corners for bungee attachment, and maybe buying some more down to stuff in the baffles if needed. i would probably make it 2/3 or 3/4 length. i basically want to replicate a yeti. i'm no martha stewart so any info would be great.

**Hawk-eye** · 12-28-2009, 13:05

Just a thought ... but make sure to shift the down into the areas you are keeping and sew the pattern before cutting if you can. Then you can cut off the extra and sew the hem or channel for the cords without having to deal with the down.

Once you cut into one of these I know the down will go everywhere if you're not careful ... at least I know it would for me!

Anyway haven't done it yet .... but just a though I had when thinking of doing it once before.

**E.A.Y.** · 12-28-2009, 18:49

I did this with an old Gerry bag.
The thread.

I think it has possibilities under certain conditions, but it didn't really work out for me. I came to the conclusion that the mummy bag was too heavy for the amount of warmth I got (but OK for car camping), and the shape of the side seam opposite the zipper made a big old cold spot since the 'quilt' didn't make contact with the bottom of my hammock.

From my "42 deg fog test" "trip" report from last year (edited a bit)

Originally Posted by eay

For underquilts I started off with my old-down-mummy bag-into-bottom-quilt-thing. ...
I added the Primaloft UQ between the down UQ and the hammock. This just pointed out to me how badly the down quilt sagged down and how well the Primaloft one fit the bottom of the hammock.
Pondering this problem for a while I realized that I could just grab the stack of underquilts and flip them right over, making the well-behaved Primaloft quilt the bottom layer which would help the down quilt stay closer to the hammock. Perfect! I was able to reach round underneath and strategically fluff up the down to get rid of the cold spot.

**ref103** · 12-28-2009, 18:51

so i'm better to save the cash and get the real deal?

**Cannibal** · 12-28-2009, 18:55

Originally Posted by ref103

so i'm better to save the cash and get the real deal?

Almost always, unless you are skilled with a sewing machine or in need of a time consuming project.
DIY is only cheap when you consider the materials involved, but don't forget the value of hair that isn't yet gray.

**Hawk-eye** · 12-28-2009, 18:56

I'd never advise anyone to not give it a try. Even if it didn't work out perfectly.

**ref103** · 12-28-2009, 19:02

i do have some insultex that i plan to do a DIY underquilt and a summer top quilt. but for now maybe i'll save some cash for a yeti or crowsnest.

**Shewie** · 12-28-2009, 19:44

We have some ex militay bags knocking around over this side of the pond, they have a centre zip and no side seams so cold spots shouldn't be an issue.
I've toyed with the idea a few times but in the end I've just splashed the cash on something that's been made by pros and tested in the field.

**opie** · 12-28-2009, 20:01

I picked up 2 Kelty Eclipse 35 degree bags on sale at REI, $80 for the pair.

Yes, I know they are heavy.

I had planned to turn 1 of them into an UQ..... Im hoping I can talk someone into doing it for me!!! I can sew.... but after about 10 minutes my ADHD kicks in and Im off to something else.

I mocked one up on my traveler on my new PHS like a sock.... and I feel asleep in about 5 minutes.

**oldgringo** · 12-28-2009, 21:54

Originally Posted by Hawk-eye

I'd never advise anyone to not give it a try. Even if it didn't work out perfectly.

I agree.

That said, DIY is full of little costs here and there that add up. I make a lot of stuff in my shop...only rarely do I save money. I do it because I like doing it...that's reason enough for me.