Fleece TQ for spring, summer, and fall????

**c0wb0y_hubs** · 01-23-2013, 14:46

I'm trying to figure out how to stay warm in the hammock without forking over lots of $$ for a manufactured TQ.( If I can make it for cheap or with what is already in the garage, that's what I lean towards.)
I live in southern NM, so the temps don't stay cold for too long before it's time to break out the short sleeves again. For example today 1/23/2013 as I type this (noon time) it's 63 deg outside and absolutely gorgeous

After my recent gear testing trip, I realized that I need to either find a tree that grows more money than my current one, or adopt the mindset that I'll have an off-season for gear R&D.

So if I'm only planning on hammocking in the warm months....

Would it work to create a double layered fleece top quilt without baffles and insulation, with a foot box? Also, would it bulky?

**Meerkat** · 01-23-2013, 15:21

Great minds thinking alike. I live in Oklahoma and am laying out a fleece TQ for the warm months. The hot months might just use a sheet. It will be bulky and heavy compared to the lightweight options, but since it's for the warm times you won't be using as much fabric. Remember those Coleman fleece sleeping bag liners? That should be the top end size wise. Good luck and comfortable hanging

**anvil440** · 01-23-2013, 15:29

I've been using a fleece blanket that i fold in half and tuck under my feet. It's been working fine for me here in Texas down to low 50's high 40's.

It is a little bulky. When the wind is a little fierce, it gets cold.

I've been thinking about a fleece/nylon blanket like a picnic blanket might work a little better for warmer weather. Therm-a-rest has something called the Tech Blanket that might be perfect for warm weather hanging.

**sargevining** · 01-23-2013, 15:43

I use a Swiss Army sleeping bag liner as either a TQ as you would with a down mummy bag or tied to a prusic on the ridgeline and used like a regular sleeping bag:

They used to be cheaper than this:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Swiss-Fleece...item4abafa82a3

But they must be getting scarce.

They are rather bulky and don't pack as well as synthetic quilts or sleeping bags. YMMV

**c0wb0y_hubs** · 01-23-2013, 15:56

Originally Posted by anvil440

I've been using a fleece blanket that i fold in half and tuck under my feet. It's been working fine for me here in Texas down to low 50's high 40's.

It is a little bulky. When the wind is a little fierce, it gets cold.

I've been thinking about a fleece/nylon blanket like a picnic blanket might work a little better for warmer weather. Therm-a-rest has something called the Tech Blanket that might be perfect for warm weather hanging.

I looked at the Tech Blanket, and that's exactly what I want except I'd like a footbox and for the price to be a bit lower than $70. That's why I'm looking into making something myself. There's a DIY bug in me, and I can't seem to keep it at bay.

**anvil440** · 01-23-2013, 16:08

Yeah, that's alot for a blanket. That's why I'm still using a fleece blanket.

**c0wb0y_hubs** · 01-23-2013, 16:29

Is there a special pattern or trick to cutting out the material so the sides/walls of the footbox are integral to the rest of the cloth? I guess with all custom products, there's a little trial and error. I may just need to buy the fabric and have my 5 yr old thread injecting assistant help assemble things as we go.

**FLRider** · 01-23-2013, 16:42

As to the material choice: fleece is not going to be warmer by weight than high-grade synthetic fill or down with a lightweight nylon cover, nor will it be less bulky. However, it may very well be cheaper.

If you want a ~45* F top quilt, ready-made, for less than $40, look into getting a poncho liner. It'll weigh a little less than a fleece quilt of the same size, and it'll pack down better. I've used one for the last year down here in FL without issue.

Now, if you really have the DIY bug and want to make your own, the easy way to make a foot box is to run a cord through a rolled hem at the foot end (look at popular manufacturers' top quilts for sizing for your body type and add 5%--trust me on this one, I found out the hard way that that 5% will disappear in manufacture) and add a cordlock.

If you're looking for a sewn foot box, then a good way to go about it is to cut your fabric so that the circumference of the foot end is equal to a round panel that you then sew to that end. Then sew up the bottom edges.

There are multiple threads here on this, and I'm short for time before I leave for work. If you want, I can pull up examples when I get home tonight.

Hope it helps!

**flatline** · 01-23-2013, 16:47

here's a thread from a while back that maybe helpful.

i use my fleece TQ (opened flat) as a throw for my recliner in the winter.

**dkurfiss** · 01-23-2013, 16:54

I have a blanket/throw (smaller than twin sized) that was made for me. It is nylon on one side and fleece on the other. I use it tent camping in the summer and see no reason not to use it in the hammock. I have a PLUQ that will also be for summer use.

I motorcycle camp so bulk is not the issue it is for backpackers.