Underquilt for shorty.

[RockStar]

I am 5'2" and want to buy an underquilt BUT I am looking for a little weight savings if possible. *spare me the UL is for dummies lecture por favor;) * Is there any place you wonderful Hangers know of that would make one shorter or that sells a shorter UQ? Also...My 20degree rated synthetic bag is a bit BULKY. I want to switch to down or get an overquilt. Has anyone found a less expensive less bulky alternative to the mummy bag? Or is Down the way to go...and IF down is the way to go...what rating would be sufficiant with a decent UQ? BTW: My marmot probably is rated more towards the 30 degree end of the rating spectrum. I heard that is not unusual and pretty standard for marmots rating system.

I thought about buying a campmor 20 degree down bag. Great reviews on WB as far as weight/warmth/value.

Thanks!

[Cannibal]

How about the "you should make your own gear" lecture?

I'm playing with a standard sized bag right now that I'm converting into a UQ. The most length I can get is 70" which is what I'm gonna call 3/4 length. I like the idea of having my torso covered and dealing with the feet/legs by using some form of support, like a pack that I'm carrying anyhow. Should save quite a few ounces and could be done with down too; I'm just not that talented..........yet. ;)

[Hooch]

I don't know if BlackBishop is still making Potomacs, but he had a short version of the Potomac that he made. You may want to contact him to see if he is still sewing them.

[RockStar]

How about the "you should make your own gear" lecture?

I'm playing with a standard sized bag right now that I'm converting into a UQ. The most length I can get is 70" which is what I'm gonna call 3/4 length. I like the idea of having my torso covered and dealing with the feet/legs by using some form of support, like a pack that I'm carrying anyhow. Should save quite a few ounces and could be done with down too; I'm just not that talented..........yet. ;)


I tried the sewing...I will stick to stuff sacks for now. PLUS I really have no time to take on a sewing project. I do stained glass for myself and this season is the second busiest to Spring/Summer. :) Converting bags into underquilts sounds a bit easier than sewing an underquilt. Something to think about.


I don't know if BlackBishop is still making Potomacs, but he had a short version of the Potomac that he made. You may want to contact him to see if he is still sewing them.

Thanks!

[Hooch]

Thanks!
No sweat, you're welcome. :D

[Nest]

I would think that BlackBishop, Jacks R Better, and Ed Speer could make a shorter one. They are so involved with hammocks and their customers I think they would do it. Really, all they need to do is make the middle shorter. The end measurements and angles should be the same, so it wouldn't require any new designing on thier part.

[schrochem]

you could buy a standard one and sew through at the size you want.
Sew on both sides, cut down the middle, and you have a small UQ, and down mini skirt or scarf left over :D

[smartcarpie]

Who says UL is for dummies? Nothing wrong with being sub 10lb or less and still being more comfortable than most in the outdoors...just a thought.

Christian

[RockStar]

I would think that BlackBishop, Jacks R Better, and Ed Speer could make a shorter one. They are so involved with hammocks and their customers I think they would do it. Really, all they need to do is make the middle shorter. The end measurements and angles should be the same, so it wouldn't require any new designing on thier part.

Hrmmm sounds reasonable.


you could buy a standard one and sew through at the size you want.
Sew on both sides, cut down the middle, and you have a small UQ, and down mini skirt or scarf left over :D

:eek: No way! Me Sew unnecessarily on an expensive piece of gear. :eek: murder!


Who says UL is for dummies? Nothing wrong with being sub 10lb or less and still being more comfortable than most in the outdoors...just a thought.

Christian

I don't think I'll be THAT UL. I am however cutting weight where I can. I have my winter pack around 25 with food and water. Im shooting for around 20. Will take a little time but, it's a project. :D

[Take-a-knee]

Dude, you'll have to make it yourself. I have one of the original Potomac "small" underquilts that Patrick made. I'm 5'8" and it fits me okay, but it is hugely oversized for my 5'3' daughter.

Here's my recipe:

First make yourself a top quilt from one of Ray Jardine's kits, order the regular, not the thick alpine version. You'll gain valuable experience with this. $60-70

Then make your underquilt based on the Potomac/KAQ plan.

When you can afford it, buy a Feathered Friends Rock Wren bag, they will make a small that will fit a 5'4' person. It'll be about $300 and worth every dollar. This is IMO the ultimate hammock bag. OR if you only need a summer bag, the Exped Wallcreeper looks like a winner. Mine keeps me toasty to mid 40's (haven't had a chance to test lower yet). I picked this bag up on sale for $100 or so, Altrec I think.

[dixicritter]

Rockstar, I'm 5'3" and I have the JRB No Sniveler and it works just fine for me as an underquilt. I weighed mine at 21.48 ozs, not a bad weight in my book either considering I need to keep my pack weight as low as possible. Just something I thought I'd throw out there for ya. :)

[RockStar]

Rockstar, I'm 5'3" and I have the JRB No Sniveler and it works just fine for me as an underquilt. I weighed mine at 21.48 ozs, not a bad weight in my book either considering I need to keep my pack weight as low as possible. Just something I thought I'd throw out there for ya. :)

I was looking at that or the Nest. I couldn't remember which was lighter. I look at so much hiking gear I lose track of what weighs what. :p Good to know. If I have the funds, I will just buy one of the JRB's if nothing else. Thanks Dixie!

[RockStar]

Dude, you'll have to make it yourself. I have one of the original Potomac "small" underquilts that Patrick made. I'm 5'8" and it fits me okay, but it is hugely oversized for my 5'3' daughter.

Here's my recipe:

First make yourself a top quilt from one of Ray Jardine's kits, order the regular, not the thick alpine version. You'll gain valuable experience with this. $60-70

Then make your underquilt based on the Potomac/KAQ plan.

When you can afford it, buy a Feathered Friends Rock Wren bag, they will make a small that will fit a 5'4' person. It'll be about $300 and worth every dollar. This is IMO the ultimate hammock bag. OR if you only need a summer bag, the Exped Wallcreeper looks like a winner. Mine keeps me toasty to mid 40's (haven't had a chance to test lower yet). I picked this bag up on sale for $100 or so, Altrec I think.


I hate when I click unread and it skips the last post on the previous page. :confused: Ray Jardine kit...looking into it now...

[Cannibal]

I got to hold one of those Jardine quilts last week. They really are kind of nice for the money. The guy that was showing it to me said it was his second sewing project and found it fairly easy, just a little time consuming. Would be a very good option.

[Peter_pan]

I was looking at that or the Nest. I couldn't remember which was lighter. I look at so much hiking gear I lose track of what weighs what. :p Good to know. If I have the funds, I will just buy one of the JRB's if nothing else. Thanks Dixie!

FWIW, the Hudson River quilt at 19 oz is actually the lightest of the three season models.... the No Sniveller is the lightest answer if you further reduce that "extra layer of insulation" that folks tend to carry "just in case" since it is wearable.

Pan

[dixicritter]

I was looking at that or the Nest. I couldn't remember which was lighter. I look at so much hiking gear I lose track of what weighs what. :p Good to know. If I have the funds, I will just buy one of the JRB's if nothing else. Thanks Dixie!

I like the multi-functionality of the No Sniveller personally, since I need to carry both a top quilt and under quilt to be sure I stay warm (even if I never use the under quilt on a particular trip).

And you're welcome! :)

[RockStar]

Hrmmmm lots to think about.