First DIY - Sleeping bag to UQ!

**Lofty** · 06-09-2012, 07:25

Originally Posted by jbone357

Do the ends have a draw strings on them? I'm working on doing something similar and just looking for ideas. Looks good!

Yes the other side is looped through the same but instead of a knot it loops through one of those little spring toggled so you can adjust it.

having 2 suspensions to hold it seems redundant but the main shock runs the entire quilt and supports the UQ the second shock cord stretches out the quilt so it is touching your back.

**jbone357** · 06-09-2012, 09:17

Thanks for the help!.hopefully I can get something rigged up soon.

**petez** · 06-09-2012, 11:25

I keep seeing inexpensive ($40) new sleeping bags online that are rated to about 10 degrees. Typically not down but hollofil insulated, 35" wide. Would one of these be worth the cost to convert to an UQ maybe even enough for OQ? The ones I see in thrift stores do not specify the content or the degree rating.

**Lost_Biker** · 06-09-2012, 13:30

Excellent job Lofty!

petez - yes those cheap bags make pretty good underquilts - the only drawback is they are heavier. I cycle tour and don't care about a few extra pounds. A cheap underquilt is a good "starter" until you can afford to buy or make your own. I have made 3 of them for friends and family and a rated 30* (wally world rating - take it with a grain of salt) works to the 40's or so. For freezing conditions it's best to get a good down underquilt.
I hacked up a military bag (holofill) and it makes a good underquilt that I have used into the 20* range here in Indiana. It weighs 3.5 pounds but is warm.

**dimeotane** · 06-11-2012, 20:35

Lofty, what's the finished UQ weigh? Very inspiring stuff! Thanks for documenting your process. I must admit I've been a little reluctant to chop up my old sleeping bags to do this. But I'm pretty sure it's worth it to cut down the weight.

**Lofty** · 06-11-2012, 21:05

Originally Posted by dimeotane

Lofty, what's the finished UQ weigh? Very inspiring stuff! Thanks for documenting your process. I must admit I've been a little reluctant to chop up my old sleeping bags to do this. But I'm pretty sure it's worth it to cut down the weight.

Not sure of weight -don't have a scale yet feels around 1.5-2lbs (which it should be as it was a 4 lbs bag before I cut off about 50% of it)

it's a first quilt for my son - if he likes the hammock (which 1 night has gone well ) then he will be getting a proper down UQ in the future- I just needed to make something for our 3 day trip in July.