DIY Full Length Climashield APEX UQ for Ridgeruner

[tramos55]

This is my first UQ attempt. I love my Jarbidges and the Ridge Creek looks good, but I really wanted full length. Got lots of cues from the Lynx regarding the cat cuts and suspension. Took a few prototypes and "proofs of concepts" but I finally have it fitting nicely with enough of reverse cat cut on the short ends (I like my ankles to rest just over the ridge) to provide extreme coverage.

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2 layers of 5 oz/yd. Climashield APEX
M90 for the shell.

Dimensions are:

total length 78"
-length from corner to corner 70"
Head end width 40"
Foot end width 38" - this is key to getting the tight fit
Cat cuts are 6"

Outer shell is a 4" differential cut

I did have to tie some quilting threads at key locations to keep the insulation from sliding down.

Weighs 23.8 oz

Cost of materials (thruhiker.com) about $125

Had it down to 16 so far with no problems. Not hot at all either when i use it indoors.

[boulderv7]

Nice looking quilt. How was the M90 to work with? I've been throwing around the idea of ordering one of the jacket kits from thru-hiker.

[tramos55]

Nice looking quilt. How was the M90 to work with? I've been throwing around the idea of ordering one of the jacket kits from thru-hiker.

I found the M90 very easy to work with. Didn't have any issues.

[TN Cereal Killa]

How small does it stuff down too?

[tramos55]

How small does it stuff down too?

It's really not that bad. I carry an Ohm 2 and this along with a HG burrow 20 +2oz fills just under half the main compartment without too much cramming (I don't use stuff sacks although it fits in the burrow stuff sack just fine). I plan to pulk my gear during the winter so bulk not really an issue for me.

I will probably make a single layer version in the spring as that should stuff smaller than a Jarbidge.

BTW hung last night with the DIY and BOTH jarbidges under me - just because. Man, was that ever comfy!

[hikenbike]

Excellent work. The weight is surprisingly light. Great job.

[tramos55]

Excellent work. The weight is surprisingly light. Great job.

Thanks. I was surprised by the weight too. I expected it to be well over 30 oz., but i guess the cat cuts really eat into the overall area. I think the fact that it has no shock cord for the suspension made a difference in the weight as well.