IX Underquilt - DIY

**vinnya42** · 09-04-2011, 19:26

Funny Money I think the cold was from the head of my hammock too high and me sliding down past my UQ and until the UQ was right at my butt...instead of my mid thigh. Next time I will get the hammock set right. I could also wear long johns and zip my sleeping back up to my butt making my sleeping bag have a leg box instead of a foot box.

Vince

**jeepthangjim** · 09-10-2011, 02:26

Well. I just placed my order with BWDD yesterday. I tossed around several UQ options and finally decided on this one due to economy and efficiency. I live in MS so the winters here don't usually get super cold. I figure between this UQ, my pad, sleeping bag, and clothing options I should be able mix and match to handle anything this region can throw at me. Now I just need to get a sewing machine.

I have a question about using a space blanket in between the hammock and the UQ though. Will the use of a space blanket reflect any of the heat back into the hammock preventing it from warming up the UQ efficiently?

Thanks so much guys!

**jima59** · 09-15-2011, 20:21

How do you end up hanging this uq? I understand the channels but is the long one tied together or how do you get it over the end knots if its tied together?

**JohnSawyer** · 09-16-2011, 11:51

Originally Posted by jeepthangjim

I have a question about using a space blanket in between the hammock and the UQ though. Will the use of a space blanket reflect any of the heat back into the hammock preventing it from warming up the UQ efficiently?

The space blanket when used that way really acts like a vapor barrier. The reflective qualities help, but a lost of heat is passed through by conduction, since it's against your back. I've used a SB inside an UQ to extend the temps... it helped...

Originally Posted by jima59

How do you end up hanging this uq? I understand the channels but is the long one tied together or how do you get it over the end knots if its tied together?

SOme just loop the shock cord over the whipped bundle, others use micro-biners to clip it to the suspension at the end. "Triangle thingies" are also used by some...

**enoorange** · 09-16-2011, 21:31

Here is the first time using my DIY UQ per OP sclittlefield (and first time sleeping in hammock as a matter of fact).
I bought the materials, did the cutting and wife sewed. Green Ripstop top/bottom, 3 layers IX inside , camouflage gross grain, sock cord all around and a cord stop at each corner.
LOVE IT!! Temperatures were warmer than expected but it did get to 45F one night. <$50 total cost...right under 16 oz total weight.
Not sure if I hung it right but it worked well and it's a keeper! 5'9" tall and usually slept on my side kinda curled up just a bit.

Thanks for the instructions sclittlefield !!

On the top side I used a Kelty light 40F down bag unzipped with feet in pocket and rest laying on top.

**vinnya42** · 09-16-2011, 23:24

Looks Awesome...Great Job!!

**lustreking** · 09-19-2011, 10:23

I haven't been able to get out much this year, but I finally got camp and use my 3-layer underquilt for the second time. It got to a low of 43ºF, and I stayed nice and warm.

For the cost, ease of construction, weight, and low bulk, this IX underquilt can't be beat.

**jasco** · 09-21-2011, 11:21

I have been browsing around these forums for many months now and finally decided to post something here since I am researching making an UQ for my Hennessy expedition asym.

I love this design and I really like the idea of using IX for the installation. But I have one concern regarding the bottom entry used on Hennessy hammocks. I have read every post on this thread and don't remember seeing any information on bottom entry. Also, I don't really want to mod my hammock to make it top entry because I really do like the bottom entry.

Will the bottom entry cause a problem with design? For example, will the UQ cover the "door" and making getting in and out impossible...

I guess this is more of a general question for UQs and bottom entry hammocks.

Thanks!

P.S. Thank you so much for all the design ideas!

**sclittlefield** · 09-21-2011, 11:47

Originally Posted by jasco

Will the bottom entry cause a problem with design? For example, will the UQ cover the "door" and making getting in and out impossible...

I guess this is more of a general question for UQs and bottom entry hammocks.

Hey Jasco,
No, it won't make it impossible to get out, but it's certainly something to keep in mind. The shock cord system allows you to move the quilt around quite a bit, so you can push it back out of the way, slip in, and let it snap back. You might find you need to reach out through the hammock entry to adjust a little bit - having it right where you need it ahead of time is going to go a long way here, as you can't reach out the side to adjust.

I'd recommend putting loops in your quilt, corresponding to the two tie-outs on your Hennessy hammock - run the hammock tie-outs through those loops when you stake them out. This will keep the quilt right about where it needs to be all the time.

Enjoy your projects!

- Scott

**jasco** · 09-22-2011, 08:29

Scott,

Thanks for the quick reply. I think I am going to take the KAQ design and adopt it for IX insulation...then throw a few mods, such as a removable top layer of IX and maybe tweak the suspension on the foot end to make getting in and out a bit easier.

Once I get them done, I'll post the plans for the IX since the darts will need to be modified a little for the asym design.

- Patrick