Any recommendations on how much insulation?

[nyanderson]

Hi All,

Now that I have my first hammock (HH Explorer) and I've actually crawled inside, I'm thinking about making a DIY UQ. Because I live in upstate NY and will be camping with the scouts from now until June, I'm expecting some cold nights - maybe down to 10*F in the dead of winter.

I'm guessing there is no 'perfect' UQ or answer for my situation, but knowing that it's gonna get cold, I'm thinking of using two layers of Climashield, either the 5oz XP or the CS Combat. Is it reasonable to think that such and UQ combined with wearing clothes to bed and maybe layering something between the UQ and the hammock is workable? I'm hoping someone with some real world experience has some guidance...

Thanks,
Mike

[Cannibal]

For a synthetic quilt on a HH, the KAQ are pretty nice.

[Ramblinrev]

Oh.. let's get it out of the way quickly.. For the HH the most cost effective commercial item is the Super Shelter. Most bang for the buck IMO. The other options are good. But for the budget... the Super Shelter is hard to beat.

[nyanderson]

Thanks guys, but I'm not sure I'm looking for something commercially available. I have read that the KAQ and the SS are nice for what you get, but I'm thinking of something more 'custom' - something that will keep me from freezing during January in upstate NY.

I have concerns about the SS being effective at the temps I'll be seeing. I've been reading the SS is only effective as purchased down to the 30s or 40s. And the standard KAQ is probably somewhere near that. If I'm wrong, please let me know!!!

[Ramblinrev]

You are wanting the Mt. Washington then. I'll still take the SS for the price and it has been augmented with clothing down to -26* F. BUT.... In your shoes... err mukkluks... I wouldn't even bother making something when the JRB Mt. Washington is so readily available. Yeah it carries a price tag but so does that much down to DIY.

[Dutch]

I think there is a KAQ tutorial somewhere. I looked at it once and thought it looks pretty tough though, but as with everything in life it is just following directions.

[Dutch]

Ok I didn't have to look far. Here is the tutorial

[Ramblinrev]

The KAQ is really not difficult. I have done it several times... modified slightly for size using old sleeping bags.

[nyanderson]

The KAQ is really not difficult.

That's what I thought when I first saw the DIY directions. I've made boat covers out of canvas before, but have never used anything as light as ripstop nylon. I think I'll give it a try. I've already got some ripstop, so it shouldn't cost too much and who knows, it might just work!

[nacra533]

I have a reasonable amount of experience with boat covers. That caused a lot of initial frustration when I started sewing ripstop. Ripstop sews totally different and pretty much opposite of everything you do with canvas. It is no harder, just a different setup and thought process when things aren't quite right.

-Light thread. V46 at the largest, V30 is better. Metrosene Plus and Guttermans are around V46 if you are purchasing a sewing store. These are the pretty good. Bonded Polyester is a little better, but limited colors.
-Smaller needles to match the thread and fabric weight. Go with the smallest size for the thread. Start with a 9 or 11 for V30 and a 12 of 14 for the V46.
-Way lighter tension on the presser foot.
-Find a good balance on stitch length. Too small of a stitch length and it puckers from poking it too much. Too long of a stitch length and it puckers from thread tension. 3.0 mm/8 stich per inch a good starting point.
-May have to keep tension on the fabric on both sides of the needle. Pull it towards back with one hand and pull it towards the front with the other. Don't stretch it, just keep it taught while going through the needle.

Great info from Kite Sewing 101. http://www.geocities.com/gengvall/sew/sew.html

Good luck.