I’ve been wanting a UQ for a while to see if I like it better than my current pad. Plus, all the cool kids here at HF have one. However, I have a couple of hurdles to consider. 1st, my wife and I feel cramped in our two bedroom condo to have multiple quilts for the seasons. My wife would certainly not understand the “need” for a summer, fall/spring, and winter UQ to store somewhere among all of my other hobbies. 2nd, $$$, we have had a couple of big expenditures in the recent past (car repairs on both of our cars, hot water heater need to be replaced, etc.) and we know that we will have some more in the near future. So, I needed to come up with a cheap and multi-functional solution. Enter the “TUCKuilt.”
I started out with a single layer of 70d coated ripstop 2nds from DIY Gear Supply. Next, I sewed channels along the length (62”) and width (50”) for the shock cord by folding over some of the fabric. Instead of sewing permanent insulation, I came up with the idea of sewing six buttons along the length evenly spread out on both sides and two more in the middle along the width on the “inside” of the quilt.
At this point is when the TUCKuilt becomes multifunctional. I went to a thrift store and found two cheap micro fleece blankets. I punched small holes in them along the edges at the same dimensions as the buttons. Next, I placed some of my wife’s elastic hair ties in a lark’s head fashion in the holes (I wonder how long it will take for her to notice that some of them are missing). I can attach the two blankets to the buttons for my insulation. I figure just one blanket will work ok for summer, especially here in Florida. I can add the other if it gets a little chilly. If it gets really cold, I figure that I can sandwich other blankets that I already have in between the two blankets that have the hair ties anchors.
Granted, the TUCKuilt's maiden voyage will be at FH4 this weekend. So, I’m not sure if my idea will actually work out in the woods. I’ll probably take the pad just in case since it might get down to the mid-30’s. If the system works ok, I might even invest in some IX or other lightweight insulation and hair ties for additional layers. I’ll post pictures and details after I test it out.
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