DIY, No-Sew, 2-layer, 2/3 Poncho Liner UQ

**Bumbler** · 10-14-2010, 08:27

I made a full-length PLUQ by just running shock cord through the short sides. I sewed a piece of Insul-Bright length-wise down the center for some extra insulation. Works good for me down to ~40 degrees.

**MikeN** · 10-14-2010, 14:16

Working on one of these, myself - had to use light bungee cords instead of shock cord, though - it was all they had at the PX.

More tweaking is in order, but I think it'll work. I had about 4" of airspace between my butt and the PLUQ, but it still seemed to work ok (indoor hang) - does that seem right, or does it need to be tighter?

**dejoha** · 10-14-2010, 14:40

Originally Posted by MikeN

More tweaking is in order, but I think it'll work. I had about 4" of airspace between my butt and the PLUQ, but it still seemed to work ok (indoor hang) - does that seem right, or does it need to be tighter?

I don't think the gap is too much of a problem, provided you have a good seal all the way around the sides. I think four inches is probably too much empty space to heat up and there is nothing there to really trap the warm air. I'd want to drop that down to an inch or two at the most. This is one reason I eventually moved to the sewn version of the PLUQ -- to eliminate the drafts and get a better seal. Adding a bit of insulation also helps.

**MikeN** · 10-14-2010, 14:50

dejoha -

Thanks for the reply - I figured 4" was a bit much, but wanted to double check. It seems to seal at the shoulder end pretty well and around the sides - the foot, not so much. It was gathered too tightly (I think) and didn't want to stay around the foot once I got on diagonal.

I'll try to tweak it up some in the morning once I'm off work - I need to re-run a couple of the gathering bungees and tighten up the suspension bungees and see how well it seals.

**tiger1dd** · 10-14-2010, 18:32

Well, I guess I'm going to be buying one or two poncho liners, I hope the Quantico PX has plenty in stock, since we'll be up there this weekend. I'll keep you guys posted on how the project unfolds.

**JohnSawyer** · 10-16-2010, 23:52

I got inspired at about 10pm last night.. .warmed up a paperclip and opened up the binding, added some shock cord and 2 cordlocks.

Hung on the back porch and didn't wake up until the birds were singing! (wish I had my BB gun handy... they wake up too darn early!)

Got down below 60 last night... expected it to be colder, but we broke dew point and it got foggy... Slept plenty warm...

Thanks big D!

**tiger1dd** · 10-17-2010, 18:35

The Quantico MCX didn't have any poncho liners.... **gasp!**

Looks like I'm going to have to turn to amazon. **another gasp!**

**gunner76** · 10-17-2010, 19:00

Check out the Military Clothing Store. Last time I was at Quanitco it was out at TBS. Most MCX's (Marine Corps Exchange) do not stock poncho liners except in Military Clothing Stores and you will have to be active duty to buy them, us old farts (retired military) are not authorized to buy them as they are considered "duce gear" which only active duty military can buy.

**tiger1dd** · 10-17-2010, 19:15

Ah. Our Col. was able to get us all passes to buy whatever we needed there, though. I don't think NJROTC quite counts as active duty. One day....

**Walking Dead** · 11-07-2010, 14:27

Went camping this weekend with the troop. Dejoha's poncho liner UQ with a 1/8 inch foam pad added inside it let me survive a 28 degree night last night. Yes, I was still in a sleeping bag but the bottom and sides stayed warm. Thanks Dejoha for the idea