noob question/sleeping bag UQ

[Truth Hurts]

So, seeing as how I have never hammocked in winter before. I have questions that can only be answered through experience. I would really like to either buy or DIY an UQ, but funds just don't allow either right now. Was thinking....why couldn't I use a 20* sleeping bag inside the hammock with a 0* sleeping bag on it that I would be in. I understand that you get better performance when you don't compress insulation, but this would give me 3 layers of sleeping bag underneath me. Plus I could always put my poncho liner in first for even more. Would this work for 20* weather? I would think so.

I was thinking about turning the 20* bag into an UQ, but it is only 36" wide. Was concerned with it not being wide enough. If I unzip it it is 72" wide but now it would only be one layer underneath me. Any suggestions?

[Bic]

I made a semi-DIY under quilt out of an old synthetic sleeping bag. I purchased some down blankets off Craigslist for fairly cheap and then pulled the old insulation out and replaced it with down. Then I sewed grosgrain channels on all the sides and ran shock cord through them as suspension....I've used it to 27* so far with no problems. Hope that helps.

[Grasshopper]

How long did it take you to make the DIY under quilt. Going this weekend but haven't gotten a under quilt yet. Was considering sleeping on a reflective pad inside of a mummy bag for now. Its a pain to get into I know but its what i can get my hands on at the moment. Just curious.... Why won't the synthetic insulation work for a UQ?

[Shug]

I say try it out on a trip and see the results.....best way.
Maybe toss a pad in if you have one.
I love Georgia....
Shug

[wwk10]

If you are car camping, then suspend the sleeping bag under the hammock like you would an UQ. There are various threads on how to do that. I like this method: http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...ad.php?t=41140 I attached each corner of the sleeping bag to the suspension with tiny C clamps (remember I was car camping).

I have also tied larksheads to each corner of the sleeping bag and then tied the lines to the tree. This method was not as good.

I would also take a pad. They do not weigh much and will add warmth if your plan A fails.

Finally, try to set up in the backyard first.

Good luck. If you come up with a clever idea let us know.

[Bic]

How long did it take you to make the DIY under quilt. Going this weekend but haven't gotten a under quilt yet. Was considering sleeping on a reflective pad inside of a mummy bag for now. Its a pain to get into I know but its what i can get my hands on at the moment. Just curious.... Why won't the synthetic insulation work for a UQ?

Was probably a few hours of work if you don't take into account the time to drive and pick up the comforters. The synthetic would work fine, but it's heavier and bulkier.

[Truth Hurts]

Came across two down comforters @ Goodwill the other day. Not sure of down quality but I got both of them for $10 all together. Just bought 5 yards of 66" 1.6 oz Ripstop Nylon to make my underquilt with. Thinking about just leaving the comforters together and covering them with the nylon. I am sure that this isn't ideal, but I don't think that I will have enough time to make baffles or that there is enough down in them to begin with. Would hate to tear them apart only to find out I am short on down. Will keep looking for more down in the meantime.

[Owl]

If you've got time and money to make the UQ...that would be awesome and hopefully serve you well.

Honestly, if you've got a 20* bag and a 0* bag...spend 10 bucks at Kmart or walmart and pick up a closed cell pad, and use one of those two sleeping bags, and/or your poncho liner in there as well.

Might not be as spiffy and comfy as a UQ...but your odds of success are a lot higher and it might give you some more time to make your UQ the way you want it.

Just a thought...nothing at all against UQs...just suggesting an alternate path you might not have thought of.