PLUQ pros/cons?

**default** · 08-26-2011, 11:03

im about to go get a Poncho Liner to make me a bottom and top quilt, (might skip the top for now, just to see) and i was just wanting to get an idea of the pros/cons.

im going to have it sewn around the edges just to make it a solid piece, but i may end up putting something like insultex in it to a little warmer.

can anyone give any tips on how to make this, ive seen some threads on it (links to those would be great) and will be doing mostly a no sew just because i dont want to have to worry about the edging. i may end up making it a full on sewn one later. just not sure right now.

i can already list:

Pro:

cheap
easy to make (no-sew)
stuff more or less readily available.

Cons:

not much use past summer weight (not a huge problem here, in charleston)
bulky? not sure on this one, but it definitely seems more bulk than some stuff
not a fancy as a $300 UQ (i can live with that, ha)

also, what do yall think about using another liner and cutting into a TQ?

**FLRider** · 08-26-2011, 12:02

Here's the original no-sew PLUQ DIY thread.

Here's the post within that thread that shows the updated version.

And here's the sewn version.

Several folks have added insulation between the layers of their PLUQs.

Here's a post by OldDog that has a link for metallized fleece for use between layers.

Here's a thread on a PLUQ with IX sewn into it; short on details, though, sorry.

Here's a thread on using a space blanket with a PLUQ.

Lot's of folks have used them in different ways:

Here's a thread with the weights of poncho liners in it, along with a discussion of what types exist.

Here's a thread discussing various ways of using the poncho liner to keep warm, including as a top cover similar to a polarpod.

And here's another thread discussing using it as an overcover.

Personally, I've used one down into the low 70s as a topquilt (not cut down), that I tuck under me as a wind block if the breeze is getting to me. No problems with feeling cold at those temperatures, but I'm also a fairly hot sleeper.

I've been thinking about getting another and cutting it down to size for a topquilt as well, while turning my current one into an underquilt with a space to add a CCF pad in between the layers. I'll let you know how it goes, if I wind up going that route.

My current one packs down to about five or six liters of space if I really compact it, if that helps with your packability question.

**olddog** · 08-26-2011, 12:49

Rev, these are my PLUQ in the orange sack @ 26.6 oz w/ triangle thingys, the insul-fleece in the red sack @ 7.9oz. The PLUQ is sewn w/ one end open for inserting extra insulation. Wearing long polypros, topfleece and sheet and this PLUQ went down to 32df last spring and was comfortable, would have been even better w/ the 2nd topfleece blanket.

**default** · 08-26-2011, 14:08

sweet. just picked up 2 PL's and 20ft of shockcord. nice...

**default** · 08-26-2011, 19:48

HAHA! I did it! first real DIY project and I just got it done!

not sure if i have enough shock cord on the ends, but i think i do, and ill test it out as soon as i can get outside sans hurricane!

i still have the other PL so im thinking a TQ is in my future...yay

**default** · 08-26-2011, 20:10

also, i had a spare XS granite gear compression sack laying around, and i think i can get both PL's in there. i compressed the heck out of it and still have a little more room to go, and the straps are as low as itll get (no more straps to pull)

man, and cheap too. $20 for the PL (used from the army navy store, new commercial ones are 30) and 20ft of shock cord and 4 cord locks for $4 total. i had some paracord to use as the side bolsters. a summer UQ for $25, i like this.

**olddog** · 08-26-2011, 21:43

Way to go REV, I make that as 5 hr 40min./ PLUQ. Welcome to the world of DIY.

**default** · 08-26-2011, 21:46

actually, it was about an hour, i just took my sweet time with it and didnt even get started till late and stopped to eat, run to the store etc. not the speediest either way, but dang satisfying seeing it ready to go. cant wait to try it out (and air it out so the surplus store smell can escape...)

**olddog** · 08-26-2011, 21:51

Feels good doesn't it? Just took a look at Irene, hunker down and good luck looks like your in for some wind and rain.

**default** · 08-26-2011, 21:53

actually, i doubt we will here. its all clear right now and has been since 12 today. i feel for the guys north of us, but right now i think well be ok.

and irene is a cat 2, so most locals in charleston arent even going to leave the porch