How To Make A Poncho Liner Under Quilt or "PLUQ" for Hammock Camping

Step by step instructions on how to make a DIY No Sew Poncho Liner Under Quilt for under $45.00 in about an hour or less. I show how it works and how easy it is to make a nice comfy under quilt that is good down to 45 degrees. More insulation such as reflectix or a space blanket can be added in the fold for colder weather. I added some additional mods such as more cord locks and a secondary suspension for more adjustability.
To make the PLUQ into a 3 season underquilt try adding in some insulation like Climashield. Just click on this video link for my step by step insturction on added that extra insulation and sewing the PLUQ closed. • How to add insulation ...
Affordable/Common Man's Under Quilt for Newbees...
Are you new to Hammock Camping and considering switching out your camp pad/air mattress for an under quilt? Have a limited budget for camping gear and want to try out a camping hammock underquilt to see why everyone says they are so comfy and warm? Then check out this quick DIY NO SEW Poncho Liner Under Quilt made from a US Military Poncho Liner.
Check out this link for the instructions:
theultimatehang.com/2013/01/di...
Materials I Used (I already had some of the shock cord and cord locks so my cost was around $45):
1 - Poncho Liner $20-$36 (Purchased mine on EBay for $36) New US Military for durability
2 - Cord Locks $2-$4 (I used 3 more than what the instructions required to add more adjustability)
230 inches of 1/8" Shock Cord - $3-$4 (Got mine on Amazon.com) I used less than recommended
84 inches of 3/32" Shock Cord - $4 (Purchased at Cabela's in a package of 45 feet)
Optional 120 inches of 3/32" Shock Cord for Secondary Suspension
2 - Plastic Nite Ize S-Biners $3-$4 (any small carabineers will work...these have a 10 lbs. limit)
Tools Used:
Scissors, lighter, small Allen Wrench
Optional - wire or coat hanger and pliers to feed cord through the channels on the poncho liner
Since I'm relatively new to the whole hammock camping scene I'm still collecting the gear I need to be comfortable, safe and warm. I did purchase a Winter 20 degree under quilt from HammockGear.com but still needed an affordable warm weather under quilt. After weighing my options and my budget (spent too much on the winter underquilt) I settled on a DIY no sew solution that was easy, quick and cheap for a warm weather option. Most of the materials for the PLUQ can be purchased locally and assembled in under 1 hour.
A resource I found very helpful was theultimatehang.com/ Almost everything you need to know about hammock camping can be found at this site and they do also have a book. This is where I found the instructions to build my PLUQ...with a few mods of my own.
Also check out hammockforums.net to answer ANY questions you might have on hammock camping. These guys are awesome, friendly and very knowledgeable. They have a TON of information on the PLUQ from people who have built their own and used them for years.
And...Check out / shugemery Mr. Shug Shugedy shug shug for some awesome, entertaining and educational hammock camping videos. He's also a big hammockforums.net member. No really. Check out his KZbin channel. You'll love it. He's an entertainer, juggler, unicycler and all around fun guy to watch.
As always...Thank you very much for watching. Please Like, Comment and Subscribe!
This is KdawgCrazy... See you on the trail!
Music by:
Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) - Exhilarate, Take the Lead, Hyperfun
KZbin Music - Epiclogue

[@dannyh9010]

If you have one, a soldering iron makes nice round holes in the edge fabric, and seals them at the same time.

[@FlashGeiger]

Cool. There are bigger stopper knots, but the easiest way to deal with that may just to use a bead of some kind between your stop knot and cord lock. Jack's R Better offer an underquilt protector made from a poncho, so maybe you could use your military poncho for that to make it warmer (blocking wind) and cleaner if the rain is splashing mud up from the ground.

[@KdawgCrazyOutdoors]

FlashGeiger Thanks for watching. The poncho actually does make a good under quilt protector. I just have a problem gathering the ends. But the poncho it's self can be easily clipped on lengthwise with carabiners and a little shock cord. I'll look into trying a bead in place of the stopper knot. Thanks.

[@naturecallsoutdoors]

Great idea and a very viable underquilt. This industry grew so fast that the expensive underquilt is seen as normal. The root of the issue is creating an insulation layer that is not compressed. That can be done many ways and I love this option. Great DIY

[@KdawgCrazyOutdoors]

Northwest Nature Calls Thanks. I love the fact that it only cost $0 to $45 to make one. I'm sure a lot of people already have everything they need to make one...just sitting in their gear room waiting to be assembled. LOL. Something with a similar temp. rating could easily cost $160 to $200 to buy online. I mean you do get what you pay for but you are correct that it's more important that you are creating that insulation layer that's not compressed and staying warm. A lot of people say that the PLUQ does that very well down to 50 and 45 degrees.

[@jamesperkins5468]

I appreciate the tutorial. I can't bring myself to cut holes in a woobie though. lol. I'm going to try similar but run the cord through the ties. I have some little fabric clips that I'll try with some shock cord to sinch the ends closed.

[@ciborg86]

Great video. Thanks for taking the time! I made mine yesterday and slept in it at 57 degrees last night with a light wal mart sleeping bag and a SOL bivey for top layers. Nice and warm! That is so much better than trying to wiggle into a few layers of bags while in the hammock.

[@KdawgCrazyOutdoors]

And it's a good way to repurpose old gear too. I think it would do well in the winter too with a wool blanket inserted between he layers.

[@ElggNamba]

Awesome Video. Really appreciate it. Thanks!

[@Grayword]

Thanks! This is exactly what I was looking for!

[@Kaby629]

Great DIY video! Just getting back into hammock camping after a 20+ year hiatus, wow things have REALLY changed from the hammock camping I did in HS!

[@KdawgCrazyOutdoors]

Hammock camping is really taking off now. It's more popular than ever. Lots of good thing coming down the road for camping/backpacking.

[@Kaby629]

KdawgCrazy It certainly is! When I tried hammock camping with my husband 20 years ago, Doritos were spilled under his hammock. Even though we tried sweeping Doritos out of our camp site, we still ended up with a 2am raccoon fight under his hammock. They were bumping against him and he had to beat them off with a Mag light! Needless to say, he needed time to recuperate from the trauma of being suspended in a cheap woven hammock, with wild animals brawling it out below. Nowadays, he's a bit more motivated to hike well away from tent/car campers, lol. :)

[@tranquilslogan]

Very helpful and informative video. This is the only step by step underquilt video that I could follow and complete. Thanks for posting it!

[@KdawgCrazyOutdoors]

Your very welcome. Thanks for watching the video. I hope the underquilt works well for you. For the money, it's the best DIY underquilt out there and much more comfy than an air matt.

[@SamTheHikingMan]

Nice! I'll have to try this! Thanks!

[@bryanzen300]

thank you so much, im new to hammock camping and this really helped

[@karlo8093]

thanks for the tip. new to hammock camping and have been thinking of ways to make a poncho liner work as an uderquilt. you helped me a lot!! thanks again!

[@KdawgCrazyOutdoors]

+Karl Olewine your welcome. Good luck.

[@GrottoGroveGroves]

genius ! and actually better than commercial under quilts. thank you.

[@KdawgCrazyOutdoors]

+Ta Price thanks. Let me know how it does. Some people have said its good down to high 50's F.

[@MaffTUK]

Got to update you on this one Kdawg, I made it and used it 5 times now the only difference is I put a space blanket in the middle I have been down to 0 degrees C with it and was warm as toast all night A truly great way to utilise the woobie that was gathering dust at home Brilliant and cheers mate

[@KdawgCrazyOutdoors]

That is awesome brother. Thanks for the update. It's great to see that huge of a temp range. I haven't been brave enough to go that low yet but I think I'll try it now. Thanks.

[@BackpackingAdventures]

Very nicely done. Thanks KDawg

[@KdawgCrazyOutdoors]

BackpackingAdventures Thank you sir.

[@MaffTUK]

Yep! going to try that, good clear instructions and good vid thanks

[@KdawgCrazyOutdoors]

You're welcome. Thanks for watching. I think you'll be very happy with it.

[@derbybushcraftandoutdoors3176]

Great video homie and a great cheaper alternative for the guys like me starting out in the hammock world. Definitely gonna give it a shot.

[@KdawgCrazyOutdoors]

Thanks Neil. I'm all about DIY and repurposing old gear.

[@EatCarbs]

Wow! That's very cool! Thanks for the video.

[@KdawgCrazyOutdoors]

Your welcome. Thanks for watching. I'm thinking of getting another poncho liner to use as an over quilt too.

[@denniskuenze659]

Great video. I'm going to give this a try!

[@gards4761]

Thanks for the info Kdawg, very informative.

[@KdawgCrazyOutdoors]

Gards Your very welcome. Thanks for watching.

[@redennis3]

Great tutorial and easy to follow, I'll be making 2 of these.

[@KdawgCrazyOutdoors]

Thanks. Good luck. I also have a video on adding extra insulation to it on my channel.

[@chrislrob]

Just finished mine. This really was a great tutorial. Thanks! I'll try it out Sunday.

[@KdawgCrazyOutdoors]

Awesome. Thank Chris. Let me know how it works for you.

[@PaulBissekerBushcraft]

Great video, with full explanation of how to do it. I ordered my M65 poncho liner today! Thanks for the vid.

[@KdawgCrazyOutdoors]

Your welcome. Thanks for watching bro. Let me know how it works out for you. I also did a video on adding insulation to it and sewing it closed. The link to that video should be in this videos description text.

[@CamoEffectiveness]

I made one of these today. It's my first underquilt. Surprisingly lights and packs down quite small. Now I need to get out and go camping with it.

[@choebee]

weight?

[@KdawgCrazyOutdoors]

Should be about 26 to 28 oz. depending on suspension used and the poncho liner you buy.

[@MotoRickyRicardo]

Great video, I've got a spare woobie that I plan on using as my underquilt. Very informative, I cant wait to try this out.

[@KdawgCrazyOutdoors]

Thanks. It’s a great way to see if you prefer an underquilt to a sleep pad. There is also a sewing version on the ultimate hangs website or at least there used to be. It should still be there.

[@waywardone4]

Doing God's work my man!

[@RiverBendSurvival]

Love it! The exact answer that I have been looking for. Thanks!

[@KdawgCrazyOutdoors]

RiverBendSurvival Your very welcome. I'm hoping that this video helps a lot of people who need an affordable quick solution to bottom insulation on a hammock. Some of the other options are too expensive or aren't as comfortable. The poncho liner under quilt is perfect. I wish I could thank the guy that thought of the idea first. LOL.

[@RiverBendSurvival]

To be honest, I live in an area where the "dead of winter" does not get down to freezing. So this under-quilt is perfect. The others have been designed for way colder than it gets here. Thanks again!

[@benterwellen]

nice setup Kdawg, ty for sharing

[@KdawgCrazyOutdoors]

ben terwellen Your welcome Ben. Thanks for watching.

[@Darth_DMack]

Great video. I am new to hammock camping, and this really helped me out. Keep doing what you do!! (subscribed!)

[@KennethKramm]

Great video. I always like DIY and a poncho liner unquilt is just what I may need when camping in places colder than east Texas.

[@KdawgCrazyOutdoors]

KennethKramm Thanks Ken. The guy that came up with this idea was brilliant. The poncho liner looks like it was made to be converted into an underquilt. LOL. I couldn't find a step by step built video so I made one to show everyone how easy they are to make. This would be perfect for a Texas winter. Take care brother.

[@creynolds9273]

This is awesome!! I have a poncho liner just sitting in the garage. I'm definitely giving this a try!

[@KdawgCrazyOutdoors]

Cool. Let me know how it works out for you. I thought it was very comfortable. I'm thinking of making one into a top quilt too.

[@j.m.kitner680]

Thank you for this well detailed tutorial! I'm planning to make one of these for my upcoming bike trip from Pittsburgh to DC. We will be hammock camping along the GAP trail and C&O toepath on our 330 mile journey!

[@KdawgCrazyOutdoors]

+J.M. Kitner your welcome. Hopefully, this works well for you. After I tried it I knew I wanted to get a 3/4 warm weather underquilt. It was so much more comfortable than a pad.

[@lesliehunt2117]

Thanks for the video!

[@KdawgCrazyOutdoors]

Your welcome. Thanks for watching. I hope it works out for you. It's a nice way to test the waters with an underquilt.

[@destinysdiaries]

Awesome thank you

[@bst2664]

Thanks! it worked like a champ! I decided on carrying a piece of reflectex to go in to my pluq and it had me nice and warm in 30° weather with 20+MPH winds.

[@KdawgCrazyOutdoors]

That is awesome! I'm glad to hear it worked. The PLUQ is a great starting point for people looking to go from a pad to an underquilt. It definitely sold me on underquilts. And it can always be turned back into a blanket for ground camping.

[@Bob808Knight]

Nice job kdawg. Always do enjoy do it yourself projects. It's a lot cheaper than buying one. . And you have giving me some ideas to try out on my under quilt. Thanks for sharing brother.

[@KdawgCrazyOutdoors]

Bob808Knight Hey Bob. Thanks for watching brother. This was a surprisingly easy DIY project and it makes for a great under quilt. I wish I had made this months ago.

[@javieres9865]

Great tutorial. Greatins from Spain, Mallorca

[@KdawgCrazyOutdoors]

Thanks Javier. Let me know how it works out.

[@rogue109]

Dog approved! I love it, thanks for sharing.

[@KdawgCrazyOutdoors]

Your welcome. Thanks for watching.

[@doic342ido9]

Saint Kdawg!! THANK YOU! Bought one, modified it....works better than anything I tried before! SO WORTH the money! ^_^ Greeting from Germany :)

[@KdawgCrazyOutdoors]

+DoIC342IDO you're welcome. You can also sew in some additional insulation to use it in the colder temperatures. Thanks for watching.

[@TomsBackwoods]

Great video! I have heard about the mod but never seen it in action! Thanks for posting !

[@KdawgCrazyOutdoors]

TomsBackwoods Your welcome. I was surprised that I couldn't find any videos showing how to actually make it so I wanted to show how easy it was. Who ever came up with the idea of making an under quilt from a poncho liner was a genius!

[@67JD110]

I just ordered two of them one for a top and one for an under great video bud I just subscribed

[@Courtjester138]

Great tutorial, man!!

[@KdawgCrazyOutdoors]

Thanks man.

[@martini5410]

Thanks for this video, I read several guides and my brain wasn't making the conceptual link between what was on paper and what to do to the physical product, this video is super simple and straight forward!

[@KdawgCrazyOutdoors]

+Martin I your welcome. Thanks for watching.

[@Richard-Seekingwulf]

Excellent video I have a poncho liner and already have used that bubble wrap insulation with tent camping in the winter and have been searching for a way to make it under quilt, so I had the idea but just didn't have the know-how but now I do thank you thank you. Oh and I subscribe to your Channel.

[@KdawgCrazyOutdoors]

Thanks Richard! I hope it works out for you. I know a lot of people have been happy with it.

[@Richard-Seekingwulf]

@@KdawgCrazyOutdoors I'm 65 and for the past couple of years I've watched a lot of hammock videos especially Shugemery and have been trying to talk my son into it but he didn't seem interested then all of a sudden he got a hold of me and he bought an Eno hammock so I got me one so we could camp out together then day after What a mistake that was with the Eno so right away just last week I ordered a dutchware chameleon and they shipped it today oh, now I'm kind of broke haha.

[@KdawgCrazyOutdoors]

@@Richard-Seekingwulf that and the Banyan from Dutch are great hammocks. I think you guys are gonna have a great summer camping.

[@bushfalke]

Thanks for sharing,awesome ;-D you saved my butt ! Rock on !

[@KdawgCrazyOutdoors]

You're welcome. Should be good down to 55 F. I also did a vid on adding climasheild insulation and tested that down to 28 F. Check out my channel for that video.

[@bushfalke]

Already checked,thanks friend Gruß aus Berlin ;-))

[@scottcatchot1598]

ok i need to give this a try. imad eone out of an old sleeping bag once but used two large shock cord

[@handicamper101]

great video.

[@KdawgCrazyOutdoors]

Thanks brother.

[@tibbi10e]

Very good video, thank you! I was stressing over $200 liner. You Rock!

[@KdawgCrazyOutdoors]

Thanks. There's a lot of ways to backpack on the cheap. But there's also some really cool gear out there these days.

[@KdawgCrazyOutdoors]

Check out my channel too. I have another video where I add climasheild to the PLUQ to make it a lot warmer.

[@joeyparker4306]

Awesome video, I've been looking at using one of my pan go liners as an underquilt should have googled it I guess. Glad I stumbled across your video.

[@KdawgCrazyOutdoors]

Thanks Joey. You might also check out the Jarbridge underquilts from Arrowhead Equipment. They are reasonably priced and have highly rated reviews.

[@outdoorsdad1179]

Really informative I'm gonna try and make something similar Atb Mark, wild is best!

[@KdawgCrazyOutdoors]

+Outdoors Dad thanks Mark. Good luck.

[@marksteele3487]

Made my pluq and used it for two nights camping this past weekend. It only got down to low 60's so not a super test. But all i had in my hammock with me was a second poncho liner and a small pillow. It was awesome to not have to fight to be covered underneath!!

[@KdawgCrazyOutdoors]

+Mark Steele awesome! I'm glad it worked out. It's a great way to test the waters with an underquilt to see if it's comfortable.

[@t.w.milburn8264]

Yup; Great set-up. Thanks 4 the how-2 will check out the link also. Thanks 4 sharing the project with us. Stay Safe & Well there K.D. Happy Trails From The Maritimes In Canada ATB Terry " GOD BLESS "

[@KdawgCrazyOutdoors]

T.W. Milburn Thanks for watching. Let me know if you get a chance to try this out. Take care.

[@stevekrewson9502]

Great looking piece of diy kit there kdawg. Good to see a new vid from you as well. Liked your hammock models....they couldn't have been cheap! Take care bro.

[@KdawgCrazyOutdoors]

Steve Krewson Thanks Steve. Yes, the models where awesome! They didn't move or complain while filming. They were both pretty good sports about the whole thing. I wish I had this hammock set up when we went to the Flaming Gorge. I definitely would have slept better.

[@stevekrewson9502]

Yeah, you may not have encountered that scorpion-ish thing.....maybe!

[@thorwi3905]

Although already a few days old but a great guide, last Winter I have built 2 of it and in Springtime 6 days on a tour in the black forest tested! Perfect, super-light and warmer than with the sleeping pad, which is constantly shifting and I can also use the Poncholiner so, because I did not knot it but push buttons! Greetings from Wild West Southern Germany

[@KdawgCrazyOutdoors]

+Thor Wi great idea with the push buttons. Makes it very versatile. Nice to be able to wear it while walking around camp too.

[@denniskuenze659]

Hey Kdawg, Just wanted to say Thank You for this video. I finished making my Pluq. It turned out really good. I gave it a try and it worked just fine. Thanks for your video. I really appreciate it. Keep those video's coming Buddy.

[@KdawgCrazyOutdoors]

Thanks! Great to hear it worked! It’s been a while since I’ve looked at mine but I think you should also be able to easily add a blanket in the fold to add more insulation if needed.

[@denniskuenze659]

@@KdawgCrazyOutdoors Out of all the DIY UQ video's I've searched yours was by far the best and easiest to make. It also works well , is easy to pack. I tried adding a space blanket and that works as well. So I just wanted to once again say, Thank You !

[@MaffTUK]

Done, made it, used it, added a space blanket between the layers and my son has now stolen it from me for his, brilliant and it never cost me a penny (cent) a massive thanks for the heads up, This woobie was just gathering dust ,I traded it with a guy in camp Ripley (Minnesota) some years back during a visit to the states never really found a suitable use for it until now so light too. The dogs do-da's and im well chuffed.....nice!

[@KdawgCrazyOutdoors]

Your welcome. It's a great and easy DIY project to repurpose old gear.

[@aleisterbroley900]

Thanks very much for this video. It's somewhat confusing, with the camera position changing making it difficult to see which corner you're working on when knotting the shock cord, etc, but a big thumbs up anyway. Maybe after the coffee and Adderall both kick in I'll be able to wrap my brain around everything, as well as figure out how to do it so that I can still easily use it as a standard blanket, and see whether it works for a 6'2" 200lbs guy lol.

[@XArmyMP]

I was just thinking of making a woobie as a underquilt. the woobie has unlimited uses

[@KdawgCrazyOutdoors]

+XArmyMP it's a great underquilt. Just a little too bulky. Depending on how you set it up you can still use it as a camp blanket too.

[@XArmyMP]

yea I was looking at it as a blanket after it warms up ill be sending the top quilt home. im looking at hiking the A.T. in 2018

[@mayamachine]

been sleeping for decades with military poncho liner, years in a hammock, I only sleep in a hammock no bed in home, I put the poncho liner diagonally tie the corners to my heads and tails of hammock, then flip the other corners in to middle, and the those,, I add pads as needed

[@gusgus6558]

Last night just the pluq n 20degree (f) sleepin bag...got er down to 30 degree (f)... gonna b lil cooler this wkend in low 20s upper teens (f) gonna give er a whirl with space blanket... will update

[@seanchinery]

Try using a hole punch to make a circle hole. I think that'll solve it from ripping.

[@robthompson1399]

Great video, thanks very much. I'll be making one of these for a cub scout camping trip this weekend. I had a thought regarding the 'anti accordion' lines you added. Would it be okay to have a little prussic knot on each corner where the suspension lines leave the underquilt ? I think this may be an improvement, due to less lines hanging about. And maybe a fraction less weight, a very small fraction ! It would just be a case of adjusting the position of the prussic knots one time, they should be 'set and forget'.

[@michiganprospector8209]

great video - will try this. Found the sound track a bit distracting.

[@couch2trailyoutubechannel281]

Hey KDawg, I linked to this video in an as-yet unpublished article and video on hammock insulation, as a resource to build a PLUQ. Let me know if you'd rather I didn't and I will remove the links. The article/vid should go live Monday. Great tutorial, we love our PLUQs.

[@KdawgCrazyOutdoors]

Couch2Trail KZbin Channel thanks for the heads up brother. Sounds great. Let me know when the video is up, I'd love to watch it.

[@couch2trailyoutubechannel281]

Will do! Thank you sir!

[@couch2trailyoutubechannel281]

The article is posted. There's a link in the article to your video, and also there's a supplemental video at the end of the page that links to your video as well. Thanks KDC!

[@couch2trailyoutubechannel281]

I guess a link would help haha here it is: couch2trail.wordpress.com/2016/10/22/hammocking-101-getting-started-part-two-insulation/

[@shcmoly]

Awesome DIY project! One of the best intros on yt. What was the weight compared to a special made hammock quilt?

[@KdawgCrazyOutdoors]

shcmoly Thank you for the compliment bro. Much appreciated. The PLUQ should weight in at a min. of 28 oz. I tried to use light weight plastic options for the carabiners and cord locks. That's very comparable to the synthetic underquilts on the market now...only this one costs $110 to $130 less. But you get what you pay for. The PLUQ isn't glamorous but it works and a lot of people use them.

[@ManuelLopez-oz9rm]

Good vid . Have you tried adding the pancho to the outer layer of the liner to help block the wind

[@KdawgCrazyOutdoors]

Yes sir. Fold your poncho in half and fish some shock cord through the corner grommets once on the head end and once in the foot end. It kinda works but there's too big a gap at the head and foot end for air to blow through. If you could cinch those down if would be perfect.

[@richschwartz8004]

What a cool way to save some money and stay with warmer. Could you combine the under quilt and the pad for even colder weather comfort or does one defeat the purpose of the other? Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@KdawgCrazyOutdoors]

Rich Schwartz Thanks for watching Rich. I've actually heard a lot of debate on this subject but most people seem to agree that you can combine a pad with an underquilt for really cold weather. Just depends on what is comfortable for you. I felt more comfy on a pad but I couldn't keep it in place because I moved so much at night. Just gotta experiment and see if combining the two keeps you warmer. I'm finding hammock camping to be a lot of experimentation. LOL.

[@wandaesch7314]

So I just finished making this and found a few issues, all small and able to overcome. My blanket was a slightly different size so the amount of shock cord that I bought didn't do everything. Maybe next time this video is redone, add the size of the poncho so if a poncho (blanket) is different it would be easy enough to calculate how much cord would be needed. The only part I wasn't able to complete was the last optional line that keeps the UQ from sliding down, I adapted this and instead after I get into the hammock I add a bull-clip(from the office) to each end of the UQ, one on each side. Thinking this should do the trick. When I packed this all up, the UQ takes up less space then the sleep pad that I was going to be using to help keep warm. Thank you for the information, I'm looking forward to the rest of my kit coming in via purolator so I can put everything together and start hanging.

[@KdawgCrazyOutdoors]

Glad to hear it worked out for you. It's a nice way to see if an underquilt is right for you. I've tried pads in all my hammocks and they never seem to do the trick and underquilts are a major pain to use but are way more comfortable. It's a catch 22 for me.

[@Chris.Young.]

Awesome setup. I'd be curious to know if you run into any condensation issues when using the reflectix. If you end up testing it out in the field, I'd love to hear how it worked out.

[@KdawgCrazyOutdoors]

thatguyinidaho Any time you have a vapor barrier condensation is a problem but if it also blocks the wind and keeps it from steeling the heat that has collected in the underquilt insulation then it might just be worth it. I haven't had a chance to use it enough to tell. For example: I've had tarp tents that I thought didn't have condensation problems after the first couple nights but then had a night with all the right factors combined to have my ceiling dripping on me from my breath...so you never know.

[@brilongenecker]

Hey KdawgCrazy great tutorial! I was curious though... How small does this baby compress down for getting in a pack? Thanks for the video!

[@KdawgCrazyOutdoors]

I think I could get it compressed down to the size of two Nalgene bottles if I tried. It's robust enough that you could strap it to the outside of the pack if needed too. Military grade stuff is tougher than those down underquilts. LOL.

[@JasonSchneider99]

Very creative. Those liners sure are warm too. Let me know when you got another to sell...i want it...do you know what the weight is on that?

[@KdawgCrazyOutdoors]

Jason Fishaholic Schneider Hey Jason. Thanks for watching brother. I think the weight is around 28 oz. ...I tried to use light weight plastic parts. This was actually my first attempt to make one. They are very easy to make and if your not filming it like me it could be done in 45 minutes or less I think. Even the cheaper knock off poncho liners should work as long as they have the channels and tie outs that look similar.

[@gards4761]

Hi mate, do you carry less gear when using a hammock compared to a tent, sleeping mat and so on? It just seems complicated ...I have always used a tent. Cheers gards

[@KdawgCrazyOutdoors]

Gards Hey Gards. From my own experience and what I see with others it seems more complicated and like more gear is required to hammock camp. Just like with any type of camping you can lower your bulk and weight and simplify your gear by going with lighter smaller options and that is the direction the hammock camping community/industry is heading. Personally, I know my pack is slightly heavier and more bulky but I'm still a newbee too. Most people go with a silnylon tarp, zing-it lines, whoopie slings and Dutchware to name a few items that fix those problems. But still...there is a learning curve to sleeping in the trees. LOL.

[@JeffreyPickett]

Kdawg - do you live in the Black Hills area? I live in Sioux Falls.

[@KdawgCrazyOutdoors]

Yes sir. Backpackers heaven.

[@xthinker88]

I think I'm going to try this. I'm a big guy. And not very flexible. I love it when I get into that perfect sweet spot in the hammock. Most comfortable sleeping ever. But it's been such a struggle trying to get pad and sleeping bag adjusted around and under me that I feel like I've fought a battle by the time I'm set. I almost dread that part every night. This could be a great solution. Question: is there a reason for the different dia Shock cords? Why not use 1/8 for everything?

[@KdawgCrazyOutdoors]

+xthinker88 I hear you. I had the same experience with the pad. It's a struggle to get it right and then u have to get up to pee or adjust the tarp if it's windy and then get comfy all over again. The different dia shock cord is just personal preference. If it's not load bearing I always use lighter cordage...for anything. Like in ground camping I use braided mason line for side pull outs and lantern etc. but for a structural ridgeline I would use dynaglide or something as equally strong. The underquilt main suspension needs to be a thicker gauge because it has the most tension on it and the secondary suspension a smaller gauge and the head and foot end a lighter gauge because there is really very little tension on it if adjusted correctly. But you could definitely use the same large gauge shock cord on everything. I just like to lighten it up a bit.

[@xthinker88]

+KdawgCrazy Awesome. Thanks. I already have a 25' roll of 1/8 so I think I'll just use that. Although maybe 25' is not enough when I look at your list. If I need more I'll grab 3/32. I also have the eno doublenest and the guardian bug net. I guess if I want to be able to adjust while hanging I guess I would need to put it inside the bug net. Have you used yours with a bug net?

[@jacquesmerde3282]

@@xthinker88 I also have the eno doublenest and the guardian bug net. I was wondering if you can still get the diagonal lay that I bought the doublenest for and the pluq still cover me.

[@xthinker88]

John Ward yes. No problem. I sleep diagonally in mine.

[@jsTNbackpacker]

What temperature do you think you could get down to with the PLUQ?

[@KdawgCrazyOutdoors]

The generally accepted answer is 50F but depends on if you get cold more easily while sleeping. You can also add a pad in your hammock or rig a poncho under it to block wind and hold in warm air. Since it is double layer you could slid in some other insulation as well to get it down into the teens. I'm comfy at 60F.

[@jsTNbackpacker]

Thanks kdawg

[@SMT83]

Is it necessary to fold it? Would you lose a significant amount of insulation to leave it long and cover more of the hammock?

[@KdawgCrazyOutdoors]

I personally found the insulation to be thin. Most people fold to double it up but the cool thing about a DIY project is experimentation. I'd say... Try it and see what works best for you. I'm 6 foot tall and found the coverage to be adequate. With a good sleeping bag the feet and head are covered. I actually added a layer of insulation into the fold to get it warmer. That video is also on my channel.

[@SMT83]

+KdawgCrazy I just ran to an army navy surplus store and you are right they are pretty thin. Thanks for the advice!

[@KdawgCrazyOutdoors]

Your welcome. Good luck!

[@indy500nut]

I wonder, now that some time has passed, do you still use this underquilt? What do you think of it? Is it a cheaper alternative to buying a much more expensive underquilt?

[@KdawgCrazyOutdoors]

+indy500nut I'd say if you want to try an underquilt and have a poncho liner or can get one for cheap then this is the best way to try it out before investing in an expensive underquilt. I've switched to bridge hammocks. I tried to use the PLUQ on a bridge hammock but ended up having gaps/air pockets that were hard to tighten up. I have been using the Hammock Gear Phenoix down underquilts ever since.

[@indy500nut]

If you still have the insulated PLUQ from your video, would you consider selling it? HAHA!

[@Dbcooper581]

I know u stated it would take u down to around 50deg, was wondering how far u have taken it down with a refletix pad under it

[@KdawgCrazyOutdoors]

I never really tested it in too cold of temps till I sewed in the Climasheild insulation. Then I tested it down to 34F with a little piece of blue closed cell foam pad under my butt when it got to 34F for a couple hours. I also swapped out my old suspension for the triangle adapters from Arrowhead-equipment. I sleep cold and the no sew PLUQ was ok for me in the 60's but I had to use a pad under my butt sometimes at night but my back and legs were always fine. I have a square of the refletix but with how thin and smooth it is I never took it out in the field. The blue foam is very warm and sticks in place in the topquilt/sleeping bag when I use it by my feet or to cover the calf ridge or my butt. The no sew PLUQ is great for warm summers and the insulates PLUQ is great down to 30's depending on the insulation and the person. I'd do some testing to see what works best for you. I found the insulated PLUQ very bulky. I have a link for the insulated PLUQ in this videos description.

[@Dbcooper581]

Awesome thanks for the quick reply, in thinking of making one with climashield or maybe reflectix in it, I also plan on useing my thermarest in the hammock also, my goal is to get down in the teens. I plan on picking up a down under quilt but funding is tight.

[@KdawgCrazyOutdoors]

If you or someone you know is handy with a sewing machine there are a lot of online instructions for DIY down under and top quilts. When I was at the Black Hills group hang there were some completely DIY setups and from the comments on my Hammock Camping Rant video there are a lot of people trying it out. I'm waiting on a 3 season Warbonnet Yeti for Christmas and I've given up on a top quilt. It's just out of my price range. But since no suspension is required and nothing fancy to make a topquilt I might try making a down one.

[@dexwhitmore]

I did one of these following the pictorial but i still find that on the shorter ends where it's meant to sinch up, the layer without the elastic through it would sag creating a channel for cold air......this is most likely down to me puting it on "upside down" i.e the elasticated channel on the top instead of the bottom (of the unelasticated layer). At least watching this confirms I've made it right, I'm just hanging in upside down >.< I was toying with the idea of running the shock-cord through both the channels at each end (i was waiting for you to do that so i could yell "AH HA I've DONE IT WRONG!). I use mine with a DD Frontline (has built in mozzie net)

[@KdawgCrazyOutdoors]

Hey Dex. I've seen it done with the shock cord going through both layers and I though about doing that as well but just doing one layer seemed to work so far. There's no wrong way to do a DIY project. Just experiment and go with what works best for you. Cheers.

[@rossgrode2177]

I'm having trouble with the liner hanging too low. any tips?

[@KdawgCrazyOutdoors]

+Ross Grode if you mean the PLUQ is sagging in the middle under your bum then that should be an easy fix. In my video I show the second suspension which is mean for that exact issue. Once it's tightened up the sag is straightened out.

[@rossgrode2177]

I see, the cord lock goes on the secondary, not primary suspension for adjustment. Ok I will give that a try.

[@rossgrode2177]

got it set up just right, thanks again!

[@bst2664]

What was the weight of your pluq?

[@KdawgCrazyOutdoors]

+Billy Taylor should be about 26 to 28 oz. depending on the suspension used.

[@666MRpyro]

I'm 6'6" got any tips for me on how to make a pluq that fits a tall guy like me haha

[@KdawgCrazyOutdoors]

Hey Matt. Thanks for watching. The PLUQ is more of a 3/4 size underquilt. Some people can fit in it from head to toe but most of us have head and toe sticking out. We put a small section of closed cell foam pad in the sleeping bags footbox and use our pillow as extra insulation for our heads. I've found that to work really well. I also have a video on how to add extra insulation to the PLUQ. Once you've got that extra insulation you'll see that your feet should stay pretty warm even though they aren't covered by the PLUQ. And some people use Refletix under their feet and bum. You could also try double wool socks and a lot of people use a balaclava too. Also another trick kinda unrelated is to use that small piece of closed cell foam pad that's meant for your foot box... Use it under your butt when you first get in the hammock till your back side warms up to prevent cold butt syndrome then when it warms up move it to your foot box to warm your feet. Worth a try right? Take care bro.

[@666MRpyro]

+KdawgCrazy thanks for the tips I'll definitely give them a try!

[@LarryVickery]

I "like", I tried a lazy man approach that works great, but will disappoint the bushcraft inventors who like to make stuff. I bought a $25 Equip hammock, Walmarts cheaper imitation of the ENO, and hung it under my hammock, making a sandwich to fill with what you would otherwise use for lying on the ground. In my case, I used a reflective survival blanket (one of the sturdier; poly lined with mylar), and a fleece blanket on top of the mylar blanket. The night was in the 40's and kept my backside quite warm.

[@KdawgCrazyOutdoors]

Larry Vickery Thanks for watching Larry. I've heard that a lot of people with single layer hammock have also tried that with a lot of success. I thought of doing that too but eventually got a double layer hammock for quicker setup and breakdown. Nice to hear that mylar and fleece work. I have both and was wondering what temp I could get it down to. Thanks for the tip.

[@noahalso]

How much does the "PLUQ" weigh?

[@KdawgCrazyOutdoors]

Should be about 26 to 28 oz. depending on suspension used.

[@noahalso]

KdawgCrazy Thanks, I'm going to try this. Planning my first Hammock camping trip to Trampas Lakes Trail in New Mexico for this summer.

[@KdawgCrazyOutdoors]

Cool. You might not see an underquilt depending on the air temp there in the summer.

[@noahalso]

KdawgCrazy The lakes are located at 11,400' elevation in the Pecos Wilderness. It should get very cool at night.

[@KdawgCrazyOutdoors]

I always forget about elevation.

[@gregsanderson2470]

*** any updates on this 😀***

[@KdawgCrazyOutdoors]

No sorry. I went to down underquilts because the prices and availability have become so much better the last couple years.

[@gregsanderson2470]

@@KdawgCrazyOutdoors 👍 I did look at your insulated under quilt . I've gone back to hammocks . After many years. Ie 1975 hitchhiking through Canada from Alaska. Now after years of tents. It's back to hammock. A new subscriber too

[@superb60ce]

NOBODY calls it a poncho liner. It should be called a W.U.Q. (Woobie Under Quilt)

[@KdawgCrazyOutdoors]

Good call!

[@the_original_bluegrassmoto]

The mistake you made here is you folded the poncho liner and a half, it’s not gonna cover your whole body or the whole hammock.