The line between DIY and buying

[HomeMadeHiker]

I think the line can be drawn by your enjoyment of DIYing. I love the challenge, problem solving and pride in one of a kind gear. But with that pride comes a little stress when I miss the mark. As far as saving money, It's two fold. 1st, if you enjoy the process then your time doesn't count as a cost (No fair getting paid to have fun). Secondly: obsessive research, good instructive resources, preoccupation, over-thinking, and over-measuring are a must. Otherwise you'll eat up your savings in material. Nice thing about this type of DIY is you can usually "un-sew" and try again. From what I gather stairs are much less forgiving.

[dedominick]

Gathered end hammocks tree straps and whoopies barely count on the DIY scale, that's all I've done so far. Tarps are next, uqs and tqs prolly never

[Derizen]

I used to try to make everything myself. It was pretty satisfying when it worked out, but when it didn't, I was left with a lot of parts, material, and a finished product I couldn't really use. Add in the time I spent to the cost, and sometimes it's just worth it to buy. Now I try to limit my projects to skills that I'll use again and again. If I'm going to buy new tools and learn something new to make one thing, or maybe in the long run make three things, then it's not worth it for me.

[Law Dawg (ret)]

I like quality workmanship...that leaves DIY out for me, most of the time. The second part of the equation is would we enjoy DIYing say...a down UQ TQ etc? I have made a down vest once, just once. No thanks, never again.

A proud supporter of cottage industries!

[sandykayak]

I have a basic sewing machine and basic sewing skills. I want a bug net for the hammocks with nets. I keep copying instructions and keep not doing anything.

I like the look of Brandon's net (Warbonnet) with the curved zipper. NO WAY could I ever do that.

Anyone want to sell one?

[BullFrog]

I've made a down UQ and TQ, backpack, rain mitts, hammock, and gaiters. Bottom line: I would MUCH prefer to buy the big stuff (UQ and TQ) because I think making them is a pain in the butt, but I just don't have the cash. The small, easy stuff only take a bit, and can be close to free due to low material use, so I don't mind doing it. Some people seem to have fun making those big projects. Not me!

[creativeKayt]

I like to make stuff, so I DIY more than not. BUT! I like to buy really cool gear from our great vendors, too. For me, the DIY aspects fuel the creative hobbyist inside. And sometimes I just want to try things I haven't seen done or tweak something for a more customized fit. But, if I want something semi-normal and don't want to spend the time making it, I'll buy. The money comparison is about even when I figure in the time I spend.

[Beast 71]

I'm a woodworker by trade so my work can be somewhat seasonal. When I have money it's because I'm busy with work (too busy too DIY camping gear). But when winter comes and work slows down,it makes sense to DIY. Price wise it doesn't save much, or any. The benifit is making EXACTLY what you want, for example I love my 6'6"X12' digital camo hammock, I wouldn't be able get one of those off of the shelf. Where thread injecting is like money in the bank, is for mods and repairs. I especially make a lot of repairs to my upland hunting clothes (damned barbed-wire). I've also repaired straps, packs and other clothing. I also like getting the same sort of satisfaction, when thread injecting and working with my hands, as I do while woodworking.

P.S. Usually my dyslexia is a pain but sometimes it gives me a chuckle; I read SelfMadeHiker's name as SelfMadeHitler and I thought what a terrible name no one will ever give him advice .

[SteveJJ]

I could keep buying hammocks until I settled one one or more, but I'm intrigued to try my own ideas out, so I'm having fun learning in the process.

First lay in a purchased HH = ok
First lay in my first proto barely ready to hang = priceless ( as the commercial says)

I hope my skills rise to meet my aspirations, but the path to that destination is greatly satisfying and worth every step

YMMV

[TrailH4x]

Stoves. I know how efficiently process the unused materials...