UQ - to Build or to Buy?

[hppyfngy]

I've been mulling this over for a while and I know I need to do more research, but the entire UQ question has me confused.

First off, I don't hammock that much in the cold. Almost never below 40*. So I've gotten by with my hack job synthetic fiber sleeping bag UQ and/or my good old thermarest plus my down tq.

But the call of the downy goodness is haunting me.

So I'm here poring over dozens of threads on DIY, and all the fine vendors who already know how to do this stuff!

But, here's the thing. I want a nice one. I have no doubt I can build a nice one. Oh yes, I have skills. But when I see that cost of materials can approach what some vendors are charging I begin to wonder. Why would I do that? Why not just buy one?

Example, I can buy a New River from Arrowhead for $155. Could I make as nice of a quilt for that? For a lot less?

I like to make things... but sometimes it's nice when somebody just makes you a nice sandwich and hands it to you. With a nice pickle. And a cold glass of tea. Ya know what I mean?


(I'm also intrigued by the pea pod... and apparently I'm hungry)

Halp!

[bloomgorge]

I just bought one from undergroundquilts, picked up a new summer uq with some mods

http://www.undergroundquilts.com/

Good luck on your decision

[Catavarie]

For me it was a matter of I could make my own and have a UQ or wait for several months until I could afford what I wanted. So I DIYed a 30* down UQ and TQ for around $60-$70 total. I used ripstop and mosquito netting that I got on sale. Bought a down pillow off ebay for the fill. And used cordage that I already had around the house.

What ever you decide, good luck and remember its all about enjoying yourself.

[JohnSawyer]

So... $50 to Adam above material costs, and you have some downy goodness without any fuss...

Skip eating out for a week and buy. I like making hammocks, but sometimes the feeling of accomplishment is not better than that feeling of opening that box... It's like Christmas when you were 6!

Oh... I'm back to the garage... Gotta finish that hammock cover..

[Perezrt]

I made my own UQ for about $50 to $60. The most expensive part was by far the down. Having never sewing before (and with my wifes help) it came out great. The best part is I was able to custom fit it to me so there is no extra baffles on each side or to long or any wasted material anywhere. It only weighs 12 oz and ive used it down to 25 degrees comfortably. Give it a try. You wont regret it.

[hppyfngy]

Okay, so I should definitely make one unless I buy one. Got it!

I'm leaning toward buying one at the moment. I really like to see how someone who knows what's what does it before DIYing.

But I don't know...

Where do I buy down?

[BLUEFIN 774]

Hey hppyfngy,

Making some gear gives us great satisfaction but sometimes it is well worth to have someone make it for you. It will work exactly as planned and it is easier on you. There are reasons so many people use the cottage guys here on the Forum.

I bought an UQ from Hammockgear.com and it was worth every penny. I need a TQ now and I will buy from them again.

[uncle_ray_ray]

For me, it's not the savings; I don't look for the most inexpensive or quickest way to construct an item. I try to find the best materials I can afford because I know it will last a lifetime (nothing beats 900 down). If you add your time as a factor, you will probably come out on the short end of the stick. I enjoy designing, being creative and problem solving. There's nothing like creating an innovative idea and carrying it through to total completion. You get the opportunity to make an item that you know will have the assured quality because you know what went into it. Then there's the ability to customize it to you particular needs. There's is a zen-like quality to sewing for me so I thoroughly enjoy the entire process. Then finally you have the infamous "pride factor" ... I made it!!!

[sodakgrrl]

It was boothill's idea for us to make our own tqs and uqs. I'm an experienced thread-injector, so I was pretty skeptical....it sounded like a lot of work to me! He bought a couple of down pillows off eBay and away we went! I was a lot easier than I thought it would be. To second what Perezrt wrote above, I was able to twitch the design and end up with a custom insulation system that works for me. I'm already planning my summer system! (Oh, yeah, and from those two pillows--about $80 total??--we ended up with a tq, 2 uqs, several hammock pillows, and a pair of down booties! Nice.)

[hppyfngy]

Okay, so get me started in the right direction please. I want a simple 40* full uq.

Is it that much more economical to rip apart pillows? I see WildernessLogics has 800 fill for $6.50/oz. I figure 7 oz for $50 or so shipped.

I have mesh and fabric I think. Might need some dwr.

Where are the soup to nuts diy directions?