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  1. #1
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    Underquilts from down comforter?

    Hi... I'm new to this forum and to hammock camping. I actually just bought a HH Backpacker from one of the members here this week. We have a trip planned up in North Georgia in October and the whole under insulation has me concerned. I've read a little about DIY underquilts out of poncho liners and old sleeping bags but I haven't really seen anything about using a down comforter (made for a bed). I did a search on my local craigslist and see a few for sale for $20 or so. Can these be used or are they too heavy?
    Last edited by jclick; 08-03-2011 at 07:52.

  2. #2
    Senior Member raiffnuke's Avatar
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    Nice first post...good question, sorry I can't really help you with that one...Just wanted to say welcome to HF from Mass.

  3. #3
    Dutch's Avatar
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    Too heavy is relative. They typically don't put the best lightweight down on a comforter. They are also often too big. However it is a good way to get the feel for a good UQ.
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  4. #4
    Senior Member Lonely Raven's Avatar
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    *any* insulation could be used for an underquilt as long as you feel like humping it out to your location and can suspend it property to your hammock.

    By suspending properly, I mean: no gaps - even coverage

    Typically down comforters are mostly feathers, in a tightly woven natural fiber fabric. Works fine for a top quilt, but could be too heavy to suspend tightly under your hammock, and too big/heavy to want to hump out to a site.

    You've got a couple months till your event. Keep an eye out in the forums for a good, used underquilt. Then if you feel hammock camping and down underquilts aren't for you, just resell it back to the forums.

    Honestly, the guys here take great care of expensive gear like quilts. Anything you get is likely to be in excellent condition and worth every penny, and will resell easily.

  5. #5
    Senior Member Mancat's Avatar
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    A lot of the down blankets use a combination of feathers(there are different types of down)and not necessarily all down feathers. I would check them out if they compress well and are not too heavy I say go for it.
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  6. #6
    Senior Member dragon360's Avatar
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    Welcome to the Forums from Canada! Depending on the comforter (i have a small single that's pretty light) you can modify it and it'll do its job. However, they are heavier and bulkier than nearly all dedicated UQ's. A lot of people have had some success with using down sleeping bags from Craiglist etc that they turn into UQ's. Already built somewhat lighter with outdoor materials, it will help the project along.
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  7. #7
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    You could try a couple of the down throws from Sports Authority or something similar. They aren't too heavy & they aren't real expensive. I have two, so I double up if it's going to be real cold.

    For cheap & easy you can use a pad.

  8. #8
    Senior Member Lonely Raven's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by jred View Post
    You could try a couple of the down throws from Sports Authority or something similar. They aren't too heavy & they aren't real expensive. I have two, so I double up if it's going to be real cold.

    For cheap & easy you can use a pad.
    I use one of these as a pillow or for added layer if it gets colder than I expected.

    These are great for the money...I'm thinking about picking up a second one and sewing them together to make a larger top quilt.

  9. #9
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    so what's the disadvantage in using a cheap pad from Wally World?

  10. #10
    Senior Member raiffnuke's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by jclick View Post
    so what's the disadvantage in using a cheap pad from Wally World?
    Comfort. IMHO UQs are more comfortable. Pads work, I have used many of them, and for now if it is cold, I still suppliment my DIY UQ with a pad.

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