Camping and Backpacking GEAR thread

I still use a bag sometimes instead of a top quilt. Western Mountaineering bags tend to run wider than average. But my fave is Montbell. The spiral down hugger. O. M. G. It's shape is mummy. But the baffles are stitched with elastic. They stretch. Stays snug against you for warmth but moves with you because of the elastic. On really cold mornings, there's so much room in it, I can change clothes in the bag.

 

Oh yeah, you told me about that one, I had forgotten. Hmm.

 

Curious to know your thoughts if you end up purchasing.

I recently picked up the NEMO Fillo. It is super comfy, though ultralight backpackers may consider it a bit heavy at 9.2 oz. I can't sleep with those pillows that are 100% air filled so the additional weight is more than worth it to me.

 

Underquilts are really simple to make and cheap too. If you guys have a sewing machine or can borrow one, I suggest giving it a try before paying for one.

 

It's true. For summertime overnights in lower altitudes, I made one out of a military poncho liner and it works great down to about 45* nights. I've used it twice in those temps, once down to 40*, and I was surprised how much that thin layer of synthetic fill really kept in the warmth and blocked the wind.

 

With down fill? Not easy at all. Unless done right, your house will look like you exploded a chicken

 

It's a tough brute. I'm a knife freak, but I like a good value, too. I picked up the one with the micarta handle instead of wood and it's very grippy even with wet hands. Nice tough blade that holds an edge decently well even after batoning with it, and I'm not going to cry if I lose it our do damage to it. That knife, and my BK2 stay in the truck 24/7. The BK2 could chop down a tree or pry open a car door. Custom Kydex sheaths for both so I can scout carry them.

 

What's to say it doesn't already?

 

Hahaha so true. But, there's a way around that. Find a down quilt and stitch a new edge line to it and then cut the remainder off of it. Or, keep it full size and sew nylon loops to the edges where you can run shock cord through them so you can hang it as-is and get a good fit under the hammock.

I sure wouldn't want to try and make one from scratch, though!

 

Another good choice of a bargain blade, is the Shrade line up. Offered in a few lengths and scale options.

 

That's an interesting point. My grandma still has all her stuff and still makes bags, purses, etc. I could probably enlist her help.

 

Question, where does one purchase goose fill and taffeta/polyester/nylon?

 

Should be a pretty easy google search. I've seen lots of sites that sell those fabrics by the yard. Look to buy downtek waterproof-treated down though. And get at least 850 grade or higher (softer, lighter and more insulating as you go higher).

 

Looks like this is a pretty reputable source for down fill.

http://thru-hiker.com/materials/insulation.php

 

You can buy DIY kits for gear too. All materials included, you see it up.

 

Huh, neat.

 

For those that sleep in hammocks, do you use a single or double size? and also, does your sleeping bag go inside the hammock? or is that the purpose of the underquilt?

 

I wish I could be a hammock person but I'm a side sleeper!

 

Double allows for a more natural diagonal position. I have a pad and a sleeping bag inside the hammock with me when it's warm, and then add an outer bag that encloses the entire hammock for when the temps drop or it's windy. My outer bag is just an old sleeping bag with ties on each end.

 

Harder, but still a decent first "big" project. Make a few stuff sacks and you will have the skills needed for it. Down isn't the worse to work with. I haven't made a quilt but I'll be doing one soon. When I added down to an old comforter I used did it in the bathtub and it was easy to clean and easy to stuff.

I would just use climashield apex for insulation on the first one. Warm, light and compacts well. Doesn't compact as well as down but if you just want a warm season quilt it will still be small and cost significantly less.

For fabrics I have been using ripstopbytheroll.com and have no complaints. i don't know if it's the cheapest but I haven't had a complaint other than shipping.

I believe they have down as well but you'll have to look to be sure.