Nice job dad!
I'd check the sales... you can sometimes find a decent mummy cheap... they're almost TQ's already!
My local big-5 sporting goods has synthetic mummy bags for $30-$40. Cut out the zipper, cut off the hood... Done...
I found my down mummy (now a TQ) on e-bay for $45...
Your other option, Since they don't like the cold, is to make your own TQ: http://www.instructables.com/id/Mult...Camping-Quilt/
Some cheap ripstop, some fleece, and some insulation and you have a warm 40-or better quilt... so If I had to guess cost:
2.33 yds ripstop = $10
2.33 yds fleece = $10
2.33yds insul-brite or pellon insul-fleece = $16
$36, cheaper if you get multiple Joann's coupons and buy the stuff at 40% off over a couple of days... plus thread and a couple of hours... You might find the TQ warmer and lighter than a cheap coleman bag...
"Do or do not, there is no try." -- Yoda
Its not that they don't like cold, I just suspect the amount of time they'll actually spend camping at temps below 40 or so will be pretty limited.
Funny you mention the Camping Quilt instructable. I made one a while back from your instructions using just fleece and ripstop for the summer months and love it...forgot all about the possibility of adding additional insulation to it...will have to give that some serious thought.
My immediate concern is an underquilt for Ashley, our oldest, as she's uncomfortable on a wallyworld pad. Jenna, our youngest seems to handle the pad just fine. I'd really like to make a TQ/UQ set for each of them for Christmas (not going to be easy keeping that a surprise since I do most of my work on the kitchen table). Am I safe assuming if I made a full length UQ with fleexe/Insul-Brite combination it would likely still be fairly comfortable around 40? (yeah, I know, depends on the person) Even if they do end up camping out in colder weather occasionally we can always add some warm clothing to get them through.
Last edited by Steve D; 11-09-2011 at 11:35.
Holy Cow, somebody actually read that?!?
I sleep COLD... so... I use a 30-degree quilt and am happy at 40...
Have you considered the No-Sew Poncho liner option? Those work down into the 40's, add a layer of insul-brite, insul-fleece, IX, and you should be OK at 40-ish...
"Do or do not, there is no try." -- Yoda
Yeah, that possibility has been rattling around in my head too. I really like my Sew-Up PLUQ but sometimes I wish it was a little longer (its between 2/3 and 3/4 length). But...since I haven't had any real difficulties keeping my feet warm, except for one night when I was really pushing its limits anyway, thats a good option. Fairly inexpensive too...
Great idea and description on the sleeping bag TQ, Steve. Like your $$$-saving inclination, too. This has given me some ideas and incentive. Looking forward to seeing more of your DIY projects. Keep up the good work!
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