I have been researching UQ suspension a bit since I am looking to DIY an IX underquilt soon. In one of Shugs videos he mentions that some people have a problem with the UQ not staying in place at the feet because the feet are kind of sticking way out there (on a full length UQ I assume). I have definitely had this problem. The solution he gives is to make sure to cinch the suspension up real tight on the foot side and to leave the other foot-end corner a bit looser. It occurs to me that this would only work with a suspension attached at each corner. But I really like the idea of easy adjustability and a good seal that a through channel suspension gives. I also read about the latest LeighLo suspension and that fixes the sealing but I would still like some adjustability. I don't like how it ties off to the UQ. So here's what I thought up. Please tell me if this has been done and what your thoughts are on this.
Attach a couple of cord locks to a through channel style UQ, one at each of 2 opposite corners (head-side/head-end and foot-side/foot-end), using a loop of non-shock cord. The cord loop should pass through the center hole of the cord lock. Now string the shock cord suspension through the channels like normal and also through the cord locks. What you should have now is a normal through channel style UQ that hold its position unless you release the cord locks. It won't be as easily adjustable as a standard through channel suspension but it's not permanently fixed in place at least. Plus I think it might fix some of the problems inherent to the through channel design.
In my head at least, this should give you the ability to cinch up the cord lock ends tight without tightening the whole suspension and compressing the UQ. It should also help with the problem of your feet or shoulder not being covered well. Also, it might help if you have issues with the UQ sagging/bunching up to the middle.
Edit: See attached diagram
Another idea to help give an asymmetric flair to the UQ is to tie it off to different points along the ridgeline. Use a triangle thingy but bring the 2 tie off points together and attach the foot-side/footend to that point. (this would only work with an exposed ridge line)Then connect the non-foot-side/foot-end a little further away, maybe where the triangle thingy connects to the hammock or where the hammock suspension connects to the hammock. Then use the same concept for the head end.
Thoughts anyone? Has any of this been tried? Am I overlooking some major flaw? Have I described everything well?
--Nick
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