DIY Hammock Down Underquilt

[@joepublic573]

only taken me 6 years since you posted this for me to give it a go. have tried something similar yet different - still working on it. thank you for the inspiration to try doing one myself ... only need to get some filling now, in order to finish it off :)

[@sammiethebull5]

Great job. I love the design.

[@naturecallsoutdoors]

+Sam Miller Thanks Sam. This is now my go to design. I have made a few now and this does the trick perfectly and can be scaled nicely. Trying some fun ideas on a top quilt right now....fingers crossed.

[@SUFFICIENTSURVIVAL]

Your a jack of all trades Bruce! Very good diy video, thanks for sharing!!

[@naturecallsoutdoors]

+SUFFICIENT SURVIVAL Thanks Chad. I do a lot of DIY as you probably do. The cost of all this equipment is prohibitive. Especially with supplying for the family.

[@alantaylor6691]

It's a really nice quilt. What I was thinking about those tabs, perhaps instead of attaching the line from the tab to the ridgeline, you could attach a line from the tab to the long cord section that's travelling up towards the end of the hammock, and do that with a prusic knot so you could then pull it up and down by hand. I don't know if that would work or not, but just something I thought of. It might be less in the way and easier to adjust than going up to the ridgeline.

[@naturecallsoutdoors]

I put the tabs on so i could have another way to pull the UQ upwards. Once I set the position it rarely ever moves backward or forward. I find that I like to have the quilt well up around my outside shoulder, then opposite at the foot end, asymmetrical. But I have never played with them on that quilt. I did do it on another quilt and the jury is still out. I could just tighten the longitudinals tighter and just reposition during the night, but I usually fall asleep and done deal.

[@savedpurplecat]

You really put some thought and effort/skill into these designs Bruce. Great idea with the second hand down too. I have never really tried hammocking, they say its really comfy, I can imagine tossing and turning all night lol. Super Job if you ever get into the business of making them for others, put me on your list :) Tim

[@naturecallsoutdoors]

+savedpurplecat Thanks Tim. I guess I love to understand the whys and the physics of the different types of gear. I think it helps me use it to the fullest usage. I have been real lucky to have a mentor that used to design for companies like The North Face, Eddie Bauer and the military. So much study has been done on insulation and fabrics already, and if we just use them right they perform incredible. Hope to continue my education by making and sharing, but like most items I can't make them personally cheap enough to be profitable. Making for friends though I do love to do. Maybe this summer I can get you and Mandy to try it out at least lounging in the day. Overnight is a little more difficult, but laying in a hammock just to relax is wonderful.

[@RoguePreparedness]

That hammock came out so good! Great video!

[@windhamcabin]

wow, really well done Bruce! I haven't watched many other Diy hammock/bugnet/under quilt videos. So watching yours I am just blown away. I can't see how any of these designs could be improved! And your craftsmanship with these materials has really gone to top notch pro level!

[@naturecallsoutdoors]

+Windham Woodcraft Thanks Chris. I see a lot of projects in your future too. Nothing like an active family to make you look into stretching the dollar. I need to get you your bugnets. Will get them done this week.

[@WildernessRocks]

Love the extra baffle space. Makes a lot of sense! Still mind boggling. Not as easy as my camper curtains :D

[@naturecallsoutdoors]

+Wilderness Rocks Gotta love all we do with a sewing machine. I have made everything from altering the daughters dress to boat cushions with my machine.

[@Sleeves]

Well thought out. You are very creative. Well said: one never learns unless you try things. You are exactly right. Excellent DIY underquilt. I like the full length rather than the 3/4. Great job. Thanks for sharing your design. Take care.

[@naturecallsoutdoors]

+Sleeves Thanks, my first one turned out 3/4 and though it is workable I would rather not have to deal with the extra things you need to do to stay warm. Hope to get it out in the next couple weeks

[@acoupleofpreppers]

Very cool. It's always so nice to make your own camping gear. Thanks for sharing how you did that

[@naturecallsoutdoors]

+acoupleofpreppers Thanks for watching. Like everything it all starts with the do it yourselfer. like your plant series which I am enjoying very much. I also live where there is a lot of the big names and have been able to talk with a lot of them. They are really a bunch of people that enjoy the outdoors and wanted to make it better. I have access to Hilleberg, Outdoor Research, MSR, Thermarest and others and really they are all someone you could share a fire with.

[@acoupleofpreppers]

Thank you very much. That's very kind of you. Those connections must be helpful. That's one thing we have enjoyed about starting this channel over anything; meeting all the other people who are genuine "handymen" if you want to call it that. All very down to earth, kind, "real" people.

[@scoutingfreegermany]

Awesome job Bruce! Maybe you should make some vertical sewing to avoid the down-feather to slip in the middle? Just a thought, I have no clue if they do slip to the middle, lol. Cheers, Marc

[@naturecallsoutdoors]

+Scouting Free Thanks Marc. The verticals are next on my skill aquisition. I think if I put a few more feathers in it shouldn't move to much being on the bottom, but I would like to make a top quilt and the extra baffling would be vital.

[@LeeRalph100]

Really Great work Bruce!!! I would have a hard time believing this was a DIY if I had not seen you making it! IT is getting to that season....Timely video. Thanks for sharing

[@naturecallsoutdoors]

+Lee Ralph (Pathway to Self Reliance) Thanks Lee. I try and do more difficult sewing each time. Learning along the way.

[@TurtleBushcraft]

That was a great DIY video Bruce thanks for sharing atb John

[@naturecallsoutdoors]

+Turtle Bushcraft Thanks Don. I love sharing as we all do. Been out to your camp lately?

[@TurtleBushcraft]

Been a wile going to try and get out there for a coffee had hip and knee problems kept me out of doing stuff for a wile look forward to getting back out again.

[@nwroadrat]

That's awesome. Hearing the background traffic noise, I see why you get out in the wood so much.

[@naturecallsoutdoors]

+nwroadrat Thanks. Yep I live right next to I-90, right next to it. I could high five the drivers. You are right though, get away as much as I can.

[@EatCarbs]

Wow.. that's great Bruce! Nice job! Thanks for the video

[@naturecallsoutdoors]

+Eat Carbs Thanks, It came out better than I thought it would. a few more feathers and it will be a very good all around UQ

[@muddytigeroutdoors4790]

Wow! Such a process. That turned out great! -Jacko

[@Kenneljagtlivet]

Made my own UQ after your instruction. It went well. Thanks.

[@naturecallsoutdoors]

+M Baymann That is awesome. I get a great feeling of accomplishment when doing this, so I gather you did too. Hope you spend some awesome nights hanging with it. Can't wait to see some photos or videos of it. Take care. Working on a new hammock right now myself. Bruce

[@Kenneljagtlivet]

+Nature Calls - Thanks again. I will be hanging out this coming weekend. We suspect - 5 degrees celsius, so the UQ will show if it is hot! I will be making af review video soon, but I do not now, if i will do it in english! - you will see! My next project will be a top guilt.

[@fireballmalone1]

That is pretty awesome. I wish I was a bit more hands on with stuff like this. Recycling at its best.

[@naturecallsoutdoors]

+fireballmalone1 Thanks Mike. You are more concerned with much bigger things getting your new place together. First winter in the new home, pretty exciting?

[@fireballmalone1]

+Nature Calls so far so good! Getting ready for a wood burning stove. Looking forward to a winter camp on the land. Thanks Bruce

[@LarsLondian]

Very Awesome job Bruce, I really need to get/make one of these. I am always getting cold in my Hammock & it is the number one reason I do not use it as much as I would like to. Take Care.

[@naturecallsoutdoors]

+Lars Londian Thanks Lars. I have a few ideas now after making this one but I like the design overall and looked at the others and don't see where a variation would make a big difference. I am going to add another 8oz of down though and make it go even colder. It handled 50 degrees easily but I would like to get it to the teens. The top quilt is next.

[@LarsLondian]

Awesome I look forward to seeing it.

[@DonMilligan]

liked this video Bruce, thinking this design will work plenty well for you. have you thought of sewing the quilt right to the hammock so that only the area where you lay will be covered with down, and with no bungee straps might be lighter also. great work on this. atb Don

[@naturecallsoutdoors]

+Don Milligan I did try to do that with synthetic and found the under part needs to have a dynamic movement if that makes sense. I haven't tried the down though, but great idea. I will need to ponder how to do that. Thanks for the encouragement Don, now I need to find some more sacrificial sleeping bags.

[@bryanr.3241]

Great job 👍 I was on the Montbell website looking for a good down coat and they have a new plasma 1000 down fill coat that is sewn in what they claim to be a better loft. I don't know a thing about under quilts for hammocks but I want to try hammocking. I'm claustrophobic so I need more room in a hammock. I also have back issues with rods and screws in my low back. So I'm asking a lot of questions about the flat style hammocks. I'd hate to spend the money to find out a hammock is not ideal for me. I always check your channel since you are a big fan of hammock set ups. Thanks Peace

[@naturecallsoutdoors]

+Bryan Resch Cool Bryan, I have a metal neck. Can't keep us down though. Wow a 1000 fill, that would be incredible to see. I have a friend who did all the early development for companies like North Face and worked with all the materials and did all the research and just yesterday he was explaining that it is the dead air that is created, so fit means more than loft really. So if you do get the Montbell you may really want make sure the fit is well formed to get the most benefit. He was checking out my new underquilt and had tons to say and design issues that I will be working on. I just ordered a bridge hammock which might solve your claustrophobia that I hope I get real soon and can show. It is thinner in width so it won't squeeze so much like some of the other bridges. I suggest picking up a cheap hammock. The Grand Trunk Skeeter Beeter Pro is usually on sale and is a great hammock in the gathered end catagory. I have a video on it. If you get the sag right you will find it super comfortable on the back and very open. Or I may be coerced into making one. I love my latest one it is so soft and comfortable. Any questions please ask. If you get the Montbell I would love to hear about it. Tons of the long distance hiker use them. Take care Bruce

[@MITimberwookie]

Excellent fabrication. Looks like it would really cut down on the breeze chill.

[@naturecallsoutdoors]

+MI Timberwookie Thanks. I hope it does the trick. Was messing around with it yesterday and me have to add a couple more tabs to make sure there is not gap but that shouldn't take too much.

[@johnlord8337]

Using a double insulate bubble wrap with thermal mylar, is ultralight, maybe a little crinkly, and somewhat big on volume (hung under a pack, or across the top, but you have an intense pad. Even popping some of the bubble wrap (deliberately, or through extended use), makes the product more workable, quieter, and less voluminous.

[@naturecallsoutdoors]

+John Lord Thanks John. Are you talking about something along the lines of Reflectix? It sounds like what you are talking about. I have that and use it for my winter ground camping and do plan on having it on hand for winter hammocking but have never tried it in that configuration yet. How cold do you go to with it and do you use it in a gathered end style hammock? Thanks Bruce

[@johnlord8337]

+Nature Calls Yes. www.homedepot.com/p/Reflectix-48-in-x-25-ft-Double-Reflective-Insulation-BP48025/100052556 www.homedepot.com/p/TYVEK-HomeWrap-9-ft-x-150-ft-Roll-Housewrap-D13499991/100422450 Other products have a single bubble and mylar face. Using Mitch's (Native Survival) wool blanket concept with foot and side velcro strip, you can make a wool blanket sleeping bag, open or velcro closed. I took this to a tyvek tarp/mylar and bivvy product with velco stripping. The big version can be outside any sleeping bag or wool blanket sleeping bag. The smaller version can be your mattress pad design, as the tarp/mylar becomes the double mylar layers with the inside fill. Using my design (your nylon fabric, my lighter and stronger tyvek) you can make the mattress padding bivvy with easy-in/-out velcro, for drying out interior padding in the daytime. You then have a fabric tarp and padding with other multipurposes in the daytime. The single or double mylar keeps the bubble air quite insulative. As your are making an "under quilt" I can't say what temperature it will handle. But making a cover with sewn edges and velcro is easier than making a stuff sack (and baffles) for an underquilt. With my designs of a multipurpose designed 9 ft x 9 ft tyvek/mylar tarp, with a sprayed on glue reflective mylar, the climate control is far greater. This is not the same recent tyvek/mylar SOL or 2GO emergency tarps or bivvies. They use tyvek 1046 (?) with woven fabric (warp and woof) that is lesser cost, and potentially easier puncture ripping than original fiberweave. Tyvek housewrap is 60# burst weight/inch. I can't finger punch, even tried a no-holds-barred punching a fist through fabric - almost broke my hand! Yet, edge is paper thin and can tear like paper. Easier to sew. Olefin fibers (all these products) solar UV and rot/mold/mildew resistance is greater than nylon. If you want to camou spray paint seasonal colors (Real Tree etc) the outside tyvek surface, then it is possible. Tyvek is moisture barrier inwards (same glued on side mylar), breathable outwards (like GoreTex). Use tarp mylar outside in summer keeping sunlight/heat from cool interior. Winter time, mylar inward, heat in, cold out. Perfect weather/wind/ rain/snow/blizzard/ -bugs! protective. Can keep open in daytime (air out), and campfire radiating heat into tarp/tent. Close up at night, campfire still heating long side for additional warmth. Same summer and winter options. With my special design tarp/mylar product, it is a multiple pup tent, hammock, hammock cot, hammock bed, hanging hammock, hanging trough, or a hammock pouch (butterfly chrysalis shape), ... all have overlapping coverall for total cocoon enclosure. This design gets you down to -40 F with my tiny fiber fill sleeping bag, or a queen wool blanket sleeping bag (my comments on wool cocoon hammock Dave Canterbury video). Doing the hammock design, and installing your underquilt as a full "wrap around" quilt, this is -40F easy. If you have mattress pad slippage in the night with your nylon quilt or my tyvek, a few velcro dots sewn on the hammock and your mattress pad, and no further movement! www.packitgourmet.com/CookIn-Bags.html And for having other options, as additional heat warmers, boilable/boil in bags (w ziplocks) made in various gallon sizes (1, 2, 5 water cistern) inside a tyvek carry bag). Keep these nearby campfire, and have snow melt water, daily hot morning drinking, cooking, dish water, personal hygiene, laundry water. They are said to be tough enough to be in my JetBoil, and therefore water boil sterilization! So having a few small ones, they are your wilderness hot water bottles in the hammock at night, or the larger squatty-sitting 5G water cistern becomes a huge tent hot water bottle through the night! Other great uses for these bags as well. So much other bushie and preppies outback equipment can be left at home. I attempt light or ultralight bushie, preppie, hiking, camping, hunting, and fishing, so these are some of my paths that I have mentioned to others in the bushie and preppie vids.

[@OutdoorRon684life]

Good job! I don't have a sewing machine so i'm hoping you make one of those for a ridge runner hammock and send it my way to try it out forever Thanks

[@naturecallsoutdoors]

+OutdoorRon 68 I did go and look at your hammock. Not familiar with bridge hammocks, I just ordered one a few days ago. Once I get it I will of course have to come up with some ideas. Do you do the sleeping pad in yours?

[@OutdoorRon684life]

Yes a therm -a- Rest air pad , the hammock i'm so happy with is made by Warbonnet , it has a second layer on the bottom for a pad .

[@sinfonianbarelytone9191]

Great idea and tutorial. How did it turn out? 30 degree? Very well done.

[@naturecallsoutdoors]

Worked out great and easily goes to 30 degrees. I used some real low grade feathers after this video, won't do that on future UQs. Worth just getting the right stuff really. The feathers out of coats and old sleeping bags were fine, but the bed quilts and pillows were much lower grade and it shows. I like this design too. Fairly easy and works. I need to make a bunch more now for the year and the rest of the family. Thanks for watching. Noticed you are in the same area. Hope to see you on the trail.

[@Waldwaerts]

Wow, great job on that underquilt and nice color too! I am looking to build me one myself. Wouldn't it actually make sense (in your case) to make the underquilt asymmetrically, since you're sleeping diagonally in your hammock? Thanks for showing and all the best, Bernhard

[@naturecallsoutdoors]

+Waldwärts Thanks, I have been thinking about the whole asym idea and should probably put some effort into as I have heard that a few times. Personally I change sides and move a lot, and I am not the only user. But now you have me thinking and will need to work on it so we know the answer.

[@PeterHartman1]

Great video. So how many times have you had this out and what temperatures have you had it in?

[@naturecallsoutdoors]

+Peter Hartman I have had it out 4 times since making this one. I made an Argon67 also. I have had this one to 20degrees, But was after adding about 6 oz more down than what shows in this video. Now all the channels are able to fluff up nicely. Apx 15oz down total. With a zero degree Big Agnes on Top. Merino Buff and Merino watch cap. I had on wool socks Capilene 3 top and bottom, Fleece Long Top. I had a puffy, but got too warm. I would take it to zero with a puffy, maybe a hot water bottle and a tight tarp no problem. I slept great. Working on a bivy type of thing, kind of a Top Quilt designed Tyvek to create a barrier from mouth breath. Have yet to finish it. My Argon one is fine to 30degrees and is sewn though, there is a video on it. A lot simpler, but I love this way better. Hope this helps and you probably know how to set up the clothing, but personally I think we need to be real honest with all this. I loaned this to a guy on a snow hike and even though he had this UQ, the rest of his setup was way off and he ended up in my tent vestibule.

[@PeterHartman1]

+Nature Calls Thanks for the update. I will be tackling this soon.

[@naturecallsoutdoors]

Awesome. Hope to see you out on an adventure with it

[@RootsLion]

ripped corner tab off unqwilt last week.. local sewing service took one look.. saddown n fixed it in two min flat for me there n then.. wouldnt even take aenuh for a drink for it bless her .. do NOT PUT STATIC LINES TO CORNERS LOL

[@TomsBackwoods]

Great job man!

[@naturecallsoutdoors]

+TomsBackwoods Thanks Tom. I am happy with it. I don't know if I have the patience to go with all the baffleing but maybe next time.

[@alanhoytakabudgetbushcraft2280]

Subbed, Hmm i might have to give that a shot vary nice ATB Alan

[@naturecallsoutdoors]

+Alan Hoyt Thanks Alan, I appreciate it. I would do this design again easily. I keeps the loft perfect. I am thinking maybe a air block tube at either end to really stop the wind from moving altogether. Let me know if you make something.

[@tristanharper2168]

hello Bruce your videos have been an inspiration, I carefully watched your 3 x 3 tarp project and did as you did, I now have a 3 x 3 sil nylon 0.9oz tarp with 12 tie out points.this hammock under quilt video is the best example in my opinion, I too have a old down bag with 900g of 650fp, I have a war bonnet blackbird and my friend carried it back from the states for me, a very good friend indeed, I I live in Plymouth uk, cant find anything like this in the uk. only sewn through chanel quilts, and not as good as your productplease please can you make me one of these under quilts and I can fill it my end, this way it will be very light to ship.please consider itgreat piece of kit , you are fast becoming a true crafts mantristan

[@naturecallsoutdoors]

Thanks Tristan. You are compiling a great set up. Let me think on the shell idea. I will email you. We could have some fun for sure working on it. Love to hear your ideas. I will need to get a warbonnet now.

[@tristanharper2168]

thanks bruce have just watched your top quilt with a bonded baffle . looks interesting. and from the look of the final finished product, good and strong, if used as intended, great idea. is that tape designed purposely for ultra light fabrics, ? and thank you for considering a shell, I would be over the moon if it were to happen, all we got in uk is heavy nylon quilts that uk hammock make, although they have just introduced argon 90 quilts. they must buy in bulk, cant find argon anywhere apart from dutch and ripstop by the roll, any how , I'm so happy with you even considering this shell, I have learnt everything from you guys, shug and yourself,thanks bruce please e mail me when you get a chancemuch respecttristan

[@BRACLLC]

J was here.

[@emilonaplane6553]

Couldn't you skip a few steps and just cut up and use the sleeping bag itself as an underquilt?

[@naturecallsoutdoors]

That is probably how most of these types of items first started. I know I did all kinds of different ways, strapping, clipping and cutting sleeping bags, blankets, gosh anything. When it comes to Underquilts, especially if you go out in the really cold, it is nice to get the benefit of constructing something that is for the use. To get the ability to have 3-4 inch baffles like this quilt, and the one I am building right now, you would have to cut up a sleeping bag that would cost around $800 or more. The sleeping bags, bed quilts and down coats I scavenge from by themselves would barely be able to hit 30 degrees. Then by design, sleeping diagonally, just cutting up a sleeping bag doesn't work very well. This way I can get complete warmth and comfort and custom fit all for about $100. I did learn a lot though making gear with already made products though.

[@emilonaplane6553]

Nature Calls Backpacking that makes sense, thanks for your reply. Nice video!