UQ-should I use down or wool

**NM_Leo** · 09-17-2014, 14:02

I am working on becoming a hammock camper. I just listed my Kelty tent, and I'm going to use those funds to buy a WB DL hammock (either the BB or the traveler). I have ground mat that I plan to use in the DL, but I wanted to figure out an UQ. In the closet, I have both several quality wool blankets and a down comforter.

1. what do you think about the possibility of rigging up a wool blanket into an UQ? I was thinking about doubling it over and running channels to attach and across to snug it up (similar to a poncho liner type of construction)
2. what's a recommendation on a way to use the down comforter? do I need to build/buy an UQ shell and fill it up with the down? is there another way to use it?

Initially I will be more of a 3 season camper here in NM, and avoid severe cold weather (<20). I do not have a sewing machine. I plan on purchasing the materials and finding someone locally to help me.

**Mouseskowitz** · 09-17-2014, 14:25

It depends on what type of hanging you are planning on doing. Wool will work, but won't pack and weighs a lot. I have heard of people rigging up something with a comforter without modification. Your best result will be having down in an actual UQ. I guess it really comes down to a matter of money and resources. You will have to figure out what is best for you at the moment, any of the above options can be made to work.

**NM_Leo** · 09-17-2014, 16:05

I see your insulation approach is a DIY 20deg UG. how did you put this together?

**NM_Leo** · 09-17-2014, 16:23

I do want to put my gear in a pack, and go 10 mi back in the woods for some Peace and Quiet...so it will need to be light. I guess using the comforter would be my best route. I'm trying to make it a win, win, win. Get some unused stuff repurposed and save some $$. Especially with me trying this out for the first time.

**Mouseskowitz** · 09-18-2014, 17:14

Here is the write up I did with my down quilt. There are others out there that are better. I also use a PLUQ for temps from the mid 40's and up. The plan is to eventually make a set of 40° down quilts. I found quite a bit of My Luxe 800 fill stuff on eBay a while back that I use for my down source. The comforters you already have will work, although you might want to consider something better if they don't list a fill rating. If you don't have any sewing experience you might want to find a shell that you just need to fill and close. I can't remember off the top of my head who does that.

**Grinder** · 09-19-2014, 07:25

You are smart to ask up front.

When I started, I cobbled together a hammock setup and camped on the back porch for a few months. My gear was adequate.

Then, I got into backpacking. WOW!! My pack ended up huge. A synthetic 0 degree bag and a Poncho liner blanket left no room at all.

Slowly, I came to appreciate down for it's compressibility.
I still go back and forth between a down underquilt and pads. Mainly because my Gearskin type DIY pack (http://www.moonbowgear.com/1trailgea...rskinhome.html ) requires a sleeping pad for stiffness.

Good luck in your endeavors. I sure you'll do fine

**lobodelanoche** · 09-19-2014, 08:47

I to live in new Mexico and I rigged up a comforter for a while but truth be told I was warmer using a ccf pad. If the sweat bothers you buy a sleeping bag liner (they can cost as little as 10 or 15 bucks) and slide the pad in there. Its cheap, light , and warm.

**Datahiker** · 09-19-2014, 08:54

You aren't going to want to carry wool 10 miles. It's heavy and bulky. Go for the down, or like lobodelanoche said, see if a pad works for you.

**NM_Leo** · 09-22-2014, 10:04

thank you everyone for your help. I really appreciate it.

**Beckyinma** · 09-22-2014, 17:05

I repurposed a down sleeping bag that we weren't going to use, shook down as much as I could opposite where I was going to sew, and sewed across the lengths, both zippers, and across the head and foot to make a rectangle. Then cut across (outside) the new seams and hemmed the edges with ribbon to make channels for my elastic shock cord. Cost me next to nothing aside from a few hours pulling out half a zipper before getting frustrated and just sewing and cutting. IF you can find a decent used down bag on the bay or craigslist, it is worth it to make one if you are willing to sew your own.