Cost/weight/bulk/performance

**nathan.custer** · 08-14-2013, 08:49

I'm gettin ready to either make or buy my first underquilt. I'm looking at 3 options:
1. DIY 5.0 apex underquilt. $65 and 20 oz.
2. DIY underquilt.com shell and WL 850 down. $125 and 16 oz.
3. Buy hammockgear or wilderness logics quilt. $175 and 16-18 oz.

If I go with #1 I will be able to get a tarp sooner to replace my blue poly tarp. Either down quilt will get me to 20 instead of 30 with the apex. But I'm in the south so below freeze trips are rare. I am a lightweight weekend backpacker but I would have to go all in and sell my lightheart gear solong tent to finance a top of the line quilt set. Just looking for a little guidance.

**Boston** · 08-14-2013, 14:30

If you can do "1" or "2" why not DIY a full down underquilt?

If you haven't DIY before I suggest making a hammock and some stuff sacks as practice first (screwing up is easy to fix on these projects).

Also, for tarp, a DIY tarp can be fairly easy once you get the hang of the basics on a hammock project.

Google is your friend for doing research on how to make these things. For a tarp I'd recommend a grosgrain ridge line instead of a felled seam that's so prevalent. Easier to sew, and so far mine hasn't leaked without any seam sealer.

**nathan.custer** · 08-14-2013, 14:49

I've already made an apex top quilt. It turned out nice. I'm just trying to justify spending 2-3 times the amount for down. If I build a down quilt completely from scratch would it be worth $10 a yard for argon or m50 when I can get 1.1 ripstop for 2.95? I priced out building a tarp and it didn't seem to be much savings unless I could find some silnylon under $5 a yard.

**nothermark** · 08-14-2013, 17:53

I'd go with the Apex and get your other gear sorted out. 2-4 oz and a a bit of bulk will not be a big deal compared to getting a decent tarp. If you really feel like you need to change in a couple of years you can sell the Apex. You may never get to that point. ;-)

**stalker42** · 08-14-2013, 23:32

Noah imports sells sil for 3$ a yard but there is a10 yard minimum. But 30$ for ten yards is still a great deal. That's tons of projects.

**bhinson** · 08-15-2013, 04:02

If you can you should DIY
And save your $
Sewing is not my thing so I wouldn't
Even Try, but that's just me

**sargevining** · 08-15-2013, 07:35

Originally Posted by stalker42

Noah imports sells sil for 3$ a yard but there is a10 yard minimum. But 30$ for ten yards is still a great deal. That's tons of projects.

Do you have a link for that?

**stalker42** · 08-15-2013, 08:39

Sorry it's Noah Lamport Inc. you can't order on line you have to call but they are easy to deal with. The phone number is 323-582-7684. They have quite a few colors. I believe they are all seconds. The black I got had a thin line of silicon running the length. The other time I ordered blue and could not find what made it seconds.

**bruinfan** · 08-18-2013, 00:57

Originally Posted by stalker42

Sorry it's Noah Lamport Inc. 7020 Wilson Ave Los Angeles, CA 90001
(323) 582-7684. They have quite a few colors. I believe they are all seconds. The black I got had a thin line of silicon running the length. The other time I ordered blue and could not find what made it seconds.

just know what you want.
seconds silnylon.. shipping ask for it off roll.

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