View Full Version : Hammock Underblankets DIY?
I'm a recent hammock convert, but see the benefit of an underblanket over a slip-sliding thermarest. They are flipping expensive though (even the group-buy ones), so I thought of making one.
I thought of opening out a cheap 3-season sleeping bag and adding elastic loops. Since it's only really your 'core' that needs the extra insulation, I was going to chop off the leg section to save weight.
Has anyone tried this?
Any thoughts before I risk wasting my time?
There's a couple of tips here: http://www.bushcraftuk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=21631
This is a very interesting site aswell http://www.tothewoods.net/HomemadeGear.html
wentworth
08-06-2007, 03:31
check out www.kickassquilts.com
Patrick is a really great guy, also a member, and will offer any help with DIY that he can. All instructions are on the site. You could easily turn an old sleeping bag into an underquilt. That's how KAQ started.
Theres also www.hammockforums.net which has a DIY forum. Very friendy guys.
Also check out www.imrisk.com under "warmhammock" which is a hammock with built in underquilt. I have also made my own, see my gallery.
That's great thanks. I think I must be incapable of using the search function properly!
Kickass is a great site, exactly the ticket. With second hand bags on ebay for £10 and his instructions I think I'm away.
wentworth
08-06-2007, 10:44
Great! The catch is that you have to show us pictures and a review of the finished product. Good luck.
I will probably miss the point but what about a US poncho liner? These are cheap, isolate well and can be easily used by laying on them in the hammock or can be easily modified to be hung/attached under the hammock.
w00dsmoke
08-06-2007, 19:46
I will probably miss the point but what about a US poncho liner? These are cheap, isolate well and can be easily used by laying on them in the hammock or can be easily modified to be hung/attached under the hammock.
. They are not cheap- £20-30
. They are absolutley total crap for that price but they look cool :D
. They are not nearly insulative enough for any kind of hammock use either in or under
The best homemade option that I have come up with is fibre pile material that i placed inside the hammock, it worked really good esp with a therma rest too!
Ogri the trog
08-06-2007, 22:48
I have one partly made from a double duvet, along the same lines as my Ogripod (try a search on that). If you chop a piece off one side and sew it onto the end, it matches the dimensions for most underquilts on the web. Next steps will be to add a cover (so its not white) and some tunnels/loops for the cords and it'll be ready for trials.
ATB
Ogri the trog
Right, I'm thinking of making my own underblanket (a cunning design which allows for the Tog rating to be changed ;) ). Anyway the guy who sits next to me at work is an ex-sniper and he says that a bivi bag would be a better bet in a hammock rather than an underblanket (packs smallerm wind-proof, water-proof, multi functional, etc, etc).
So what are your thoughts? Would it? Or shall I carry on mating a single duvet with a Nikwaxed bed sheet and shock cords? (oops, told you my plans now!)
Chris
My bivvi bag doesn't offer that much insulation.
I made an underblanket from a 2nd hand Snugpak softie 9 with an extra layer of silnylon on the outside. It's windproof and warm. I think pack-size will always be a trade-off for warmth, so I'd stick with your plans for th warmest option, but consider a windproof outer layer.
Ogri the trog
31-10-2007, 16:47
Right, I'm thinking of making my own underblanket (a cunning design which allows for the Tog rating to be changed ;) ). Anyway the guy who sits next to me at work is an ex-sniper and he says that a bivi bag would be a better bet in a hammock rather than an underblanket (packs smallerm wind-proof, water-proof, multi functional, etc, etc).
So what are your thoughts? Would it? Or shall I carry on mating a single duvet with a Nikwaxed bed sheet and shock cords? (oops, told you my plans now!)
Chris
Chris,
I'm eagerly awaiting your tog adjustable design - really looking forward to seeing/discussing your ideas.
As to your workmate - I've no doubt that in his experience he had to "endure" rather than "enjoy" his hammock camping trips. A bivy bag inside a hammock would be IMHO, nothing short of uncomfortable. Outside, it would be little more than an inadequate Garlington Insulator.
Shep is right, you'll always have to trade size and weight for effective insulation unless you go the very expensive "All Down" route. My Ogripod is collosal - probably the size of a full 120 liter bergan! But it works brilliantly, it was too warm back in febuary's west Wales meet. My latest idea, if I can find one cheap enough is to cannibalise a feather and down duvet as they seem to pack smaller than man-made-filling jobs.
I'm also guessing that you're using the "Nikwaxed bed sheet" as a windproof outer layer - have a look at the "Hammock Sock" ideas on some of the american hammock webforums.
ATB
Ogri the trog
My first underblanket was a poncho liner tied to an old poncho and fitted under the hammock.
I got the idea from this:
http://www.hammockcamping.com/Garlington%20Insulator/GIversion2.htm
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a273/Supercorsa/Hammock/3009.07007.jpg
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a273/Supercorsa/Hammock/3009.07018.jpg
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a273/Supercorsa/Bushcraft/239.07009.jpg
So all one needs is a square piece of nylon with loops at the corners and a tunnel at each short side.
Then you take whatever sleeping bag is lying around and sort of fix it (removable) to the long sides
Or you take two leightweight and cheap hammocks and fit them close to each other and throw whatever is insulating inside the loweer one:
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a273/Supercorsa/Hammock/99.07020.jpg
Ogri, here's the plan; (you may want a pen and paper to sketch this as you read)
Part 1:
1) 1x single duvet (circa 1350mm x 2000mm) trimmed down to 1000mm x 2000mm.
2) Lie it out flat on the floor and measure along one short side from the corner marking it with a pen at 200mm, 300mm, 700mm, & 800mm.
3) Do the same at the opposite end of the duvet.
4) Measure along one long side from the corner marking it with a pen at 400mm, 600mm, 1400mm & 1600mm.
5) Do the same on the opposite side.
6) You should now have duvet with markings on all four sides.
7) Using a pen and straight edge do a "dot-to-dot" job between these points;
i) Short side 300mm mark to adjacent long side 400mm mark.
ii) Short side 200mm mark to adjacent long side 600mm mark.
8) Now cut along these lines, chopping the corner of the duvet off.
9) Ok, so you've roughly rounded off the corner of the duvet. Now do the same for the other corners. Using a sewing machine you will need to seal the cut edges.
Part2:
1) 1x 2250mm x 2250mm square of tight woven cotton.
2) Lie it out flat, then find the mid point on the top and bottom edge and measure 550mm to the left and right away from these points, marking the points with a pen.
3) Now fold the sheet between these marked points, giving you an overlapping “envelope”.
4) Using a sewing machine, sew a seam 25mm in from, and parallel to the folds top to bottom.
5) Again using the sewing machine, hem the two short ends (about 10-15mm should do it), then fold these in on themselves (effectively reducing the sheets length) and sew this at the edge effectively making a tube with sealed ends. Repeat for the other end.
6) Cut one of the sealed ends of each tube (at the corner of the sheet), and shove 1050mm of shock cord up the tube. You’ll need to force it though the stitching of the first (lengthwise) set of tubes you made. Again repeat for the other end.
7) Using the sewing machine, sew over the end of the shock cord (only the last 10-15mm) at the sealed end of the short length tube so that it can’t come out again.
8) Now add one of those plastic spring toggle things on the loose end of each shock cord.
9) Ok, so now turn the whole thing over so you are looking at the other (back) side of the cloth.
10) Now to fit the shock cords to the long sides of the envelope.
11) Cut a small hole at each end of the original cloth tubes (long lengths), just inward of the width wise tube seam, and push a 2500mm length of shock cord right through the tube and out through a corresponding hole at the other end of the tube.
12) Repeat for the other side and attach more of those plastic spring toggle things on the loose end of each shock cord.
All that’s left to do now is dye the cloth of you want to, then waterproof it with Nickwax. When it’s dry, fit the trimmed duvet into the envelope and hang it under your hammock. My only concerns are that a bed sheet may not have a tight enough weave, so you may want to use artists painting canvas, or something similar.
If you want to change the tog rating, fettle a different duvet to shape. Simple!
Chris
Ogri the trog
31-10-2007, 23:41
Chris,
sounds like its all planned out, I can't see why it shouldn't work. From experience, sewing through several layers of fresh cut duvet can get a bit ummm, exciting, good luck with it, I hope you'll post some photos.
My idea with the feather duvet is to use a double size, as the diagonal measurement is almost exactly the same length as the group buy hammocks. I'll choose which opposite corners will be on the sides (and hence surplus to requirements) unpick the stitching without actually opening the case - this should then allow me to shake the feathers into adjacent compartments before cutting off the spare material. Cunning eh! then after trimming to shape, I'll do the same tunnel sewing as you and hopefully have a smaller pack size underblanket than I have at the moment.
ATB
Ogri the trog
commandocal
01-11-2007, 01:24
there is actually therma mats that are only up yo yout shoulder to your knees height for sale, idea is you use your bergen as a pillow and your core is protected so your legs are not cold ( haha )
Matt did a good thread with pics here (http://www.bushcraftuk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=25207)
To be honest, it was Matts idea that I adapted.:o
Chris
Matt Weir
01-11-2007, 10:12
Will you have it ready for Middlewood Chris? I'd love to do a comparison with mine.
:lmao: ..if you'll show me yours.
Commandocal has a point. If your main aim is to remove the cold-spots under you and you're happy to use a sleeping bag on top, your underblanket doesn't need to be so big.
I've used a 3/4 thermarest for ages so made my underblanket 3/4 length. It's enough to insulate the bits of me that compress the loft of the sleeping bag. ie. shoulders and **** (or 'core' as commandocal more politely puts it).
It saves a lot of bulk/weight and would especially if you're not using 'lightweight' materials in the first place. Your plan sounds great, just thought this was worth suggesting.:)
All suggestions welcome, but one thing I 110% hate is having cold joints; specifically my knees as they become really painful. So, if it's going to go to my calfs, it may as well go a bit further as well. :)
Anyway, I think it should all fit into a medium size compression sack when it's done.
Matt - It won't be ready for Middlewood if SWMBO has anything to do with it!
Chris
Nearly fininshed.... :)
Total cost so far;
Tescos 13.5 Tog single duvet = £7.00
King size flat bed sheet = £7.00
2 hours of my time using the scissors and sewing machine.
Chris
Can anyone see those pictures, or do you just get the red X like I do?
Chris
Chainsaw
08-11-2007, 11:34
don't even get the red X, just void :D
Make sure your photo hosting doesn't have a special way of linking back, I know flickr does. It's sometimes easier putting smaller shots in the BCUK gallery.
looking forward to seeing the results
Cheers,
Alan
Ha Ha! Found them - if you close the thread you'll see a paperclip icon to the right of the thread title.
I've also added them to the gallery. Lets see if this works...
http://www.bushcraftuk.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=2518&limit=recent
http://www.bushcraftuk.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=2517&limit=recent
http://www.bushcraftuk.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=2519&limit=recent
And this one is how to make it..
http://www.bushcraftuk.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=2520&limit=recent
All that I need to do now is dye it olive green (Dylon washing machine dye), water/wind proof it (Nicwax, etc), and add the fixing cords so that I can sling it under my hammock. :)
Chris
I have often thought about using a lilo inside the hamock. One of the dearer rubberised fabric ones with 4 of 5 parallel tubes, but have never got round to trying it. Has anybody tried that?
Z
Matt Weir
10-11-2007, 08:40
Chris,
Does the underblanket rise up the sides of your hammock? From the pics it's hard to tell.
Matt,
Been off line for 3 days and just had to read through 185 threads (!!) so s0rry for the late reply.
Er.. I've no idea yet, but I seriously hope so as it's designed that way! It's 800mm wide so in theory it should just about come up to the level of my stomach on both sides, thereby replicating any sleeping bag that is squashed underneath me.
Fingers crossed I'll get a chance to finish it soon - been rather distracted by having to rebuild the suspension/steering on my wifes car as it failed the MOT (second year running - bl##dy French cars) on Saturday. Then it's off to centreparcs for a week and yes I'm taking it with me :) (lots of trees to play with).
Chris
Right. 1 hour of sewing last night, and the hammock and under blanket went up in the kitchen at 11pm. (SWMBO is now looking up the phone number for the nice men in white coats!!).
Pictures attached show the 2m long under blanket under a DD hammock (camping version) which was stuffed full of cushions to give it some bulk.
http://www.bushcraftuk.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=2539
http://www.bushcraftuk.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=2540
http://www.bushcraftuk.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=2541
The only change I need to make now is to add a loop of shock cord between the lengthwise cords (that tie to the end of the hammock) and the corresponding side-to-side cords (that tighten up the ends to a point). Have a look at the third photo (2541) - shockcord to go where my fingers are.
All that's left now is to dye it and waterproof it.
Chris
Matt Weir
14-11-2007, 10:43
Looks good Chris :D
Ogri the trog
14-11-2007, 10:49
Looks good Chris, nice one,
have a great time a Centreparks and let us know how it performs when you get back.
ATB
Ogri the trog
Looks fantastic - love looking through home-build projects like this..
Am in the process of making my own underquilt - it's the mutant-off spring of the KAQ and the Ogri-pod. Unfortunately didn't think to take any pics at the start of build for a step-by-step, hehe that and my sewing sucks, but if it works OK then I'll post a pic or two.
Right. Just got back from Cenreparcs and tested out my new underblanket. Can I just say that hammocks rock! And so does my underblanket!!
My 3yo daughter and I sat out for 2 hours watching our breath float away through the trees while we listened to woodpeckers, and watched mole activity, stoats, rabbits, pigeons, swans, ducks, moorhens, etc, etc, etc, all just 15 feet from the back door!
Anyway, it was cold enough (say 6 deg C) and the underblanket was toasty warm. Well it is made from a 13.5tog duvet!
Anyway, I've a couple of design changes to make, other than which it's perfect!!
1) change the lengthwise cords to a single piece of shockcord (in at one end, along that side, out and back into the other side at the same end, then tied together using one of those plastic spring things). Paracord is just a bit too tight and unforgiving round your shoulders.
2) change the long tapes that come with the DD hammock to be loops made from 18 inch long bits of the original tapes. These will then go to carabiners held onto a seperate taught ridge line using prussic knots.
Oh, and here are some photos of the set up.
http://www.bushcraftuk.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=2582
http://www.bushcraftuk.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=2581
Chris
Ogri the trog
23-11-2007, 23:43
Fantastic Chris,
Looks the business!
ATB
Ogri the trog
Right. I used the under blanket at Middlemud last weekend and I've some recommendations for anyone who wants to use my design.
Firstly, the side cords do need to be made from shock cord as it is nice and comfy. Next, rather than making the duvet 800mm wide, make it 1000mm wide. The reason being that if you sleep on your side, your sleeping bag will move inside the hammock, but the underblanket will stay in place relative to the outside of the hammock leaving you with a cold strip down you spine due to your point of ballance. And finally, I found that I really needed something to cover my toes as when I was lying flat they stuck above the top level of the hammock material. So a "toe sock" is on the cards to be made from the remaining strip of duvet material.
Apart from that I'd give it 10/10. I may even make a MKII as it only cost £7 for the duvet, £7 for the bed sheet and a couple of quid for the shock cord.....
Chris
Fantastic Chris. Really well done.
The big question for me is how well it packs down & it's weight.
I presume it's a polyester filling so more bulky than it's equivalent in down (but also cheaper)
Stew, the 800mm version packs into a regular sized supermarket carrier bag and would probably (with a bit of persuasion) fit into a stuff sack if that helps. As for weight, I've not weighed it yet but I guess it's probably in the 1kg-1.5kg range.
Chris
>>I have often thought about using a lilo inside the hamock. One of the dearer rubberised fabric ones with 4 of 5 parallel tubes, but have never got round to trying it. Has anybody tried that?
I've kipped in the afternoon like that but not overnight. It was actually pretty comfortable, but you have to maintain your balance otherwise the lilo can slip from under you a bit.I had the idea of using mini lilos; they're square and used for seat pads, but they're made of the same thick material (Why are they always dark blue??). I thought I might sew pockets into the inside of the hammock and stuff them into there to prevent movement. Or maybe sew the pockets on the outside and fill them with down. Or down-filled bags. Or leaf filled bags depending on budget.