My first DIY - UQ on the cheap

**douglar** · 09-29-2010, 23:10

I am fairly new to hammocking and as the weather begins to turn cooler, I have found myself needing some insulation. I have been using a cheap self-inflating pad that I had from my ground dwelling days. The pad was OK, but I kept reading posts on here about how much better underquilts are. I wanted give one a try, but didn't want to spend a fortune in the process. I had also read several posts regarding converting sleeping bags into quilts so I decided to give this a try.

I had two objectives with this project:
1. Obtain an UQ on the cheap.
2. Try my hand at DIY gear.

Now I haven't touched a sewing machine in about 16 years (home ec in middle school) so I decided to go simple and stick with a rectangle quilt. I started with a 40 degree Coleman sleeping bag that I bought at Big Lots for $12.

I wanted a full length (or close to it) quilt so I trimmed the sides and cut the zipper off the bottom leaving me with a 46"x71" quilt. I stitched the edges and finished the seams off with polyester blanket binding. This created channels on all 4 sides for bungee cord which allows me to adjust the tension and "shape" of the quilt. I used 1" webbing to form a loop on the corners to serve as attachment points.

Total investment: $35

Weight (including stuff sack): 2.5 lbs - Definitely heaver than what I wanted, but I knew I wasn't going to get an ultra light quilt for 35 bucks.

Check out the pics and let me know what you think.

I just finished tonight at 11:30 so I haven't had a chance to try it on the hammock, but as soon I do I will post pics and comments.

**JayS** · 09-29-2010, 23:15

Looks good! Can't wait to hear how it works.

**natureboy68** · 09-29-2010, 23:34

awesome! i just got a wallyworld 40* bag at goodwill for $7, and i was going to do the same thing...where did you find the shockcord and binding tape? I have an ENO DN and would like to hear your thoughts on how it fits...

**slackmacker** · 09-29-2010, 23:37

I love it and it's in my price range! Let us know how she sleeps. Thanks for the post.

**Wags** · 09-29-2010, 23:48

looks great!

**douglar** · 09-29-2010, 23:49

Thanks for all the replies.

Natureboy,

Shockcord: REI (online) - 1/8"
Binding Tape: Joann Fabrics. It is made be Wrights - The code on the package is PC794.

Hope this helps.

**creativeKayt** · 09-29-2010, 23:52

Mmmmm.... that looks fabulous! Very nicely done.

Trip to JoAnnes, this weekend ---- check!

**natureboy68** · 09-29-2010, 23:58

Originally Posted by douglar

Thanks for all the replies.

Natureboy,

Shockcord: REI (online) - 1/8"
Binding Tape: Joann Fabrics. It is made be Wrights - The code on the package is PC794.

Hope this helps.

excellent! thanks...back to Joann's! need to find a local source for the shockcord...maybe EMS?

**JohnSawyer** · 09-30-2010, 00:06

Joanne's has white 3/32" (or so) shock cord. It works, but you may have to double it in this application... It's cheap, too!

Most sporting goods stores that carry climbing gear will have by-the-foot webbing, etc. I just bought 10' of 1/8" shock cord for $3. Not cheap, but when I need it, they're there...

Oh: If you have a coupon, Joanne's has a 50% off thing going...