Underquilt for mobile sleepers?

**JDShearer** · 10-31-2010, 14:42

I've been trying a couple different designs for a DIY UQ, and my problem is that I want the insulation to cover me no matter which diagonal I lie on. It seems that if I make the UQ wider to do this that it ends up saggy and not sealing nicely, but if I make it narrower, than I have to shift the UQ when I change diagonals. For reference, I just made a fleece prototype about 50" wide x 72" long with darts. It worked about as well as anything, but I still have to shift it if I change sides. My thought is to maybe make it a bit wider and attach it to the hammock edges so it doesn't flop or sag. Any helpful thoughts? Is there anyone else out there who moves around as much as I do and has solved this problem?

**JCINMA** · 10-31-2010, 15:39

My only comment is that you would have to be careful how you attach the UQ to the sides of the hammock.

Last night I tried using binder clips to secure my UQ, and the UQ kept popping off.

**Law Dawg (ret)** · 10-31-2010, 16:58

One of Shug's videos shows two elastic lines attached to the ridgeline from both sides of the UQ (one a quick release, both near the shoulders). Seems to me in cold temps a bug net would be open or left off and you could just tug the UQ into place.

**JDShearer** · 10-31-2010, 17:40

you could just tug the UQ into place.

This is what I'm trying to avoid. I want the UQ to cover the hammock sufficiently so that I don't have to wake up and move it when I move around.

**oldgringo** · 10-31-2010, 18:01

Originally Posted by Law Dawg

One of Shug's videos shows two elastic lines attached to the ridgeline from both sides of the UQ (one a quick release, both near the shoulders). Seems to me in cold temps a bug net would be open or left off and you could just tug the UQ into place.

In cold weather, the bug net provides significant warmth (this is a clue to what it's doing in hot weather!

)

You're right, though, adjustable shock cords from the ridgeline to the quilt are very helpful. A second rl above and outside the net is one way to get around this.

**JDShearer** · 10-31-2010, 20:38

Maybe I should rephrase: I'm wondering if there's any UQ design that will allow me to sleep on both diagonals without having to move it around. I have no problems with the suspension.

**gargoyle** · 10-31-2010, 21:14

Try a wider quilt.
Try just a straight 50 or 55 wide quilt with shockcord channels on the head and foot ends, cinch it up as needed. Test, fit and snip as needed, an extra person works good here. Have them lay in the hammock, shift sides and pin any excess material , and trim accordingly.

To me, your darts are way to big. At 15 wide x 2 you've basically cut your width in half.
Maybe dart the foot end and leave the head at full width, with the cinch cords you can snug it up as needed.
If you want full coverage, make a full size uq.
HYOUQ.
We are all different, do what works for you. Think outside the box. Maybe you'll create something new?
Good luck.

**lori** · 10-31-2010, 21:20

I have no issues with my regular, rectangular, no darts, JRB quilt when in use on the hammock, regardless of how much I roll around at night.

**JDShearer** · 10-31-2010, 22:06

Ok...I haven't tried one with cinch cords at the end. From what I've seen elsewhere it seemed like darts were pretty important to get the seal right. I definitely like the idea of a rectangle better. Thanks, guys!