Cheap, light, slim, and warm DIY undercover idea

Hey, guys I am about to make an underquilt/cover for my GTUL.

I'm going to be using a poncho, an emergency blanket, and a thin fleece blanket.

I'm looking to add 1 more thin, cheap, and insulating layer that is common (so I do not have to order it; Something that can be bought from the dollar store, target, or sears).

Everything has been free so far because I received everything as a gift or free. For reference if anyone wants to make something similar, the fleece blanket is about 10-12 dollars, the poncho was about 4 dollars, and the emergency blanket can be anywhere from 5-15 dollars.

I don't have shock cord. I will try to find some but if I cannot find any does anyone know of some knots between 2 sections of cords that lengthen when tension is applied?

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Originally Posted by Peanutdude

I don't have shock cord. I will try to find some but if I cannot find any does anyone know of some knots between 2 sections of cords that lengthen when tension is applied?

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Double Fisherman's Bend can be used as a sliding knot to have an adjustable loop, like a necklace, it works well in 550 cord as well.

Nice site for knots Thanks

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Peanutdude

Hey, guys I am about to make an underquilt/cover for my GTUL.

I'm going to be using a poncho, an emergency blanket, and a thin fleece blanket.

I'm looking to add 1 more thin, cheap, and insulating layer that is common (so I do not have to order it; Something that can be bought from the dollar store, target, or sears).

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You could use Insul-bright which is the same thichness as fleece. It has VB properties,but is still beathable and is a decent insulator.

What is your layering plan? I'm sure the poncho is the outer layer just wondering what your plans beyond that.

I see you already have one, but: Big Lots usually has a fleece blanket (5' x 4') for about $5.00. To add to what you have, maybe "Flocking" or "Batting" (not sure of terminology, sorry) from a fabric store, or Target (Maybe Sears), its used to stuff what I call "show quilts" not very thick, & I would maybe double layer it & sew it between something* (with the space blanked in between?) to hold it together & protect it. But it will do the job I think. We used 4 bags + a space blanket on Firewalkers first UQ & it was nearly too warm at 6 degrees (about 4" loft). I think it was around $4.80 a bag here. Come to think of it, I may just do that today, just because.

*2 Neat sheets with the weights removed?

If normally you can get down to lets say 70 degrees w nothing under you, a "flock quilt" will get you to about 55 easily! With what you are planning, I could do at least 40 & be very warm. I think I would go:

HAMMOCK
FLEECE
FLOCK QUILT
space blanket if not in "quilt"
PONCHO

Walmart also has thin fleece blankets for $4.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Peanutdude

Hey, guys I am about to make an underquilt/cover for my GTUL.

I'm going to be using a poncho, an emergency blanket, and a thin fleece blanket.

I'm looking to add 1 more thin, cheap, and insulating layer that is common (so I do not have to order it; Something that can be bought from the dollar store, target, or sears).

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It looks like you've got most of the stuff already to make a Garlington Insulator. Just add in some plastic garbage bags filled with air or leaves and you should be good to go.

Cheers

Brian

As part of a garlington insulator, has anybody tried one of those inexpensive inflatable air mattresses instead of plastic bags?

they weigh a bunch of ounces... have to be sturdy to stand up to kids at the pool...

How about a quilted mattress pad or a baby blanket for a 3/4 blanket?