Is 1.1 to fragile for a vest?

[wwk10]

I have been kicking around an UQ / Vest combo.
UQJacketSnipit.PNG
I have my Kmart pillows and 1.1 from DIY Gear.
I plan on wearing the vest around camp, but not tramping around.
Now that I see 1.1 for the first time, I am worried it is too fragile even for casual wearing.

Any thoughts?

[hppyfngy]

Interesting idea. I like it!

I think 1.1 is durable enough but I believe I'd nix the zipper idea and use velcro instead. Probably in place of buttons as well. Attach it so that you have some adjustability.


I'm not quite getting what goes on above your shoulders. Is it just a kind of roll down collar kinda dealio?

[wwk10]

Above the shoulders rolls down like an 18-20" cape.
This will reach to your elbow so with arms folded your arms are insulated.
Also it is double thick around half of your torso.
It is the only thing I could think to do if the UQ is about 55".

Cape width becomes an issue as I become closer to an actual build.
To compromise in the vest's favor:
The cape should be 18-20" for the reasons stated above.
The length should fall between mid thigh and just above the knee.

Originally, I thought the UQ would be 55" long.
I am using 64" wide 1.1.
My mom is going to help sew. She hems 5/8 of an inch. If I did it I was allowing 2" for the hem. (I dont sew straight.) The darts on each end will eat up lenght as well. I am not sure what the final lenght will be. Probably around 60".

It is an UQ first and foremost.
I have to commit to the placement of the arm holds early on.

On the next one, I may use more durable 1.9 on the outer layer and 1.2 on the inner.

BTW I am no longer going to put a split in the bottom like a duster.

[hppyfngy]

I think I'd rather cinch it up around my neck somehow than have a cape. My inclination is to make the arm holes nearer the top and just bunch it up around my neck with the end cinch maybe, or add another cinch.

Have you mocked it up? I think I'd get some cheap comforter from Goodwill and try it on that first...

Best part of this is if you're wearing it it doesn't take up room in your pack.

[MAD777]

I like where you are headed with this!
Don't worry about the 1.1 being durable enough unless you plan to bushwack.

[mrmike65]

Neat idea! If 1.1 oz is durable enough to hang my 210 lbs, then I would think it should be enough to wear as a vest.

Have you thought about making it just long enough to go from neck to mid-thigh? A top quilt with a deep foot box and perhaps a small pad (also used for sitting on the ground) could reduce the need for a longer underquilt. And a pillow and/or hat eliminate the need for the underquilt to under your head.

[wwk10]

@MrMike.
I am more concerned with snags and rips. The consensus seems to be 1.1 will be fine. MAD is right I will not be bushwhacking in it. So there shouldnt be branches etc reaching out.

@hppyfngy
re removing the cape.
It is an UQ first, a vest second. If I design it without the cape, then it will be a very short UQ. Maybe 42". So for now the cape stays.

I really just wanted answers as to the durability of 1.1, but I appreciate all the other thoughts too. In another thread someone suggested I cut about 4" from the sleeves out of an old windbreaker and then sew that into the quilt for the arm holes.

[hppyfngy]

@hppyfngy
re removing the cape.
It is an UQ first, a vest second. If I design it without the cape, then it will be a very short UQ. Maybe 42". So for now the cape stays.

If you move the arm holes toward the end you needn't lose any length.

But apparently you have settled on your design. Good Luck!

[wwk10]

@MrMike.
I am more concerned with snags and rips. The consensus seems to be 1.1 will be fine. MAD is right I will not be bushwhacking in it. So there shouldnt be branches etc reaching out.

@hppyfngy
re removing the cape.
It is an UQ first, a vest second. If I design it without the cape, then it will be a very short UQ. Maybe 42". So for now the cape stays.

I really just wanted answers as to the durability of 1.1, but I appreciate all the other thoughts too. In another thread someone suggested I cut about 4" from the sleeves out of an old windbreaker and then sew that into the quilt for the arm holes.

[wwk10]

hppyfngy
I am not so settled on my design that you couldnt convince me to change it.
The reason I dont move the arm holes toward the end, is the vest would come to just above my ankles. I think this would be too cumbersome.