Using a down jacket/vest to lengthen a partial underquilt

**climbing.kevin** · 05-13-2015, 13:59

I was wondering if anyone has tried to attach a down jacket or down vest to partial underquilt to convert it into a full length/longer underquilt with success.

**aboyd** · 05-13-2015, 14:15

I have zipped my down jacket over the ridge line and foot end of my hammock before and slid it down to create a foot cover. Worked well.

**SilvrSurfr** · 05-13-2015, 14:22

Originally Posted by aboyd

I have zipped my down jacket over the ridge line and foot end of my hammock before and slid it down to create a foot cover. Worked well.

Shug does this in one of his videos. Works well for me too.

**mudsocks** · 05-13-2015, 14:22

I've not heard of anyone trying but there's this guy on HF named climbing.kevin who made a vest+underquilt so if anyone can do it you can.

**rais'n hammock** · 05-13-2015, 14:48

Originally Posted by octothorpesarus

I've not heard of anyone trying but there's this guy on HF named climbing.kevin who made a vest+underquilt so if anyone can do it you can.

I used 2 vests to make an down underquilt. I hadn't seen the one climbing.kevin did. I was inspired by the many JCP Puffer quilts.

Adding the vest for added length is very possible. Just start experimenting with the many different attachment methods. You could use Velcro, snaps, zippers... You will find one you like.

**tundracamper** · 05-13-2015, 19:46

Sounds like a good reason to buy a down jacket for winter camping! Saves weight by being multipurpose. I'd really like to know if it eliminates the need or a foot pad.

Did a search and found these. I would think any gap would be a problem...

https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/...=1#post1131574

https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/...=1#post1147758

**Two Tents** · 05-14-2015, 06:33

I have a Montbell down vest that I have rigged to snap into my summer under quilt if temps drop. It should be only a matter of snapping it upside down to increase the length. There should be enough overlap with the vest and the underquilt. I'll rig it and test it over the weekend and let you know how it goes. I typically don't get cold legs or feet but its a great idea to check out. Stay tuned!

WV · 05-14-2015, 07:00

climbing.kevin started the idea of using magnets to hold his vest to the underside of the quilt, for which I'm grateful. It takes some doing, because the magnets attached to the hammock need to be in channels so they can slide to adjust for movement. I'm still developing that idea for my insulated hammocks, and it works well. The latest development is to glue a magnet to a 2" circle of ccf so it doesn't need to be attached to the vest, parka, or underquilt. The magnet presses the insulating layer against the hammock, preventing air gaps but also creating a thin spot. The ccf compensates for the thin spot.

**climbing.kevin** · 05-14-2015, 07:14

octothorpesarus- HA! I got a good chuckle out of that.

So I found a down vest for $10 on craigslist. I'm thinking about using velcro to temporarily close off the arm close and attach the bottom of the vest to the 3/4 underquilt I have. I'll only have to put two lines for suspension on it (one on each side of the neck). Glad I could help you out WV.