Had a request to post some info on my draft tubes I added to my UQ. I find they work perfect and give me a ton of margin when setting up. My UQ is essentially the UQ from scittlefield's design found here: http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...ad.php?t=23881
In fact, I have some pics of my UQ in that sticky. It's a great design. I deviated by making my outer shell out of a poncho liner and by making the draft tubes out of the scrap PL and IX. Basically, I followed the same design I found on my sleeping bag. I made a tube of material (PL shell IX interior) about 4+ inches wide.
Then I sewed it along the bottom edge and 2 side edges like such:
Now the trick is to make that draft collar really 'stand up' when strapped under you so you have a full 4 inches of material creating a seal. At the top edge (edge not sewn) on the inside, I sewed a paracord in the corners and have the paracord coming out a hole in the middle like this:
Now, you can tighten the cord up and it forces the collar upright into the bottom of the hammock forming a great seal and ALMOST guaranteeing no drafts. Here's a couple pics of the effect is has:
Now, notice I said ALMOST guarantees no drafts. Who wants that. In order to really seal up tight, you have to cinch the draft collar tight and suck the UQ up under you. When cinched up tight like that, it really puts a line of pressure at the calves (or wherever your UQ ends on you). So the fix? I replaced that paracord with a stretch of shock cord. The length of the shock cord was such that stretched to its fullest, the UQ can almost stretch out completely flat. Now, I never have to adjust the horse collar. When I lay in it, it's a PERFECT fit everytime and guarantees NO DRAFTS.
Here's a pic showing the shock cord which replaced the paracord. To be honest, since the paracord was sewn in, I just tied the shock cord to the paracord deep inside the channels as far as I could reach. Worked out well.
A pic of the effect it has on the draft collar. Looks real tight and like it might constrict or put pressure on the shoulders/legs but honestly, I can't feel them at all.
Finally, here's a pic of how it seals up with someone in it. This is my 80 lb kid laying in the hammock and you see how well it fits to him. When I lay in there, it just spreads out more and conforms to me. No More Fiddle Factor.
Take it or leave it, YMMV. If I had it to do over, I would not change anything from my final setup.
Hope this helps someone or at least inspires something better.
-scum
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