For hammock camping enthusiasts, comfort is essential. As temperatures drop during the night, staying warm in a hammock can become challenging. A hammock underquilt is the perfect solution for maintaining body heat, allowing you to sleep comfortably even in cold weather. If you’re looking to save money or simply enjoy the satisfaction of making your own gear, this guide will walk you through the process of creating your very own hammock underquilt.
This article covers everything from selecting materials to the step-by-step assembly of the quilt, ensuring you have a detailed understanding of how to create a high-quality underquilt.
Why You Need an Underquilt for Hammock Camping
Hammock camping can be a peaceful and enjoyable experience, but staying warm at night can be difficult. The hammock itself provides no insulation from the cold air beneath you. Traditional sleeping bags are not ideal for this scenario, as they don’t provide effective insulation from the underside. This is where a hammock underquilt comes in.
An underquilt provides insulation beneath the hammock, keeping you warm from the cold that seeps up from the ground. The key to a comfortable camping experience is staying warm during the night, especially in colder conditions, and an underquilt is the best way to achieve this.
Materials Needed for Your Hammock Underquilt
Creating a hammock underquilt requires several materials. Each of these components plays a vital role in ensuring your underquilt performs well and lasts for years to come.
Insulation Material
The most important component of any underquilt is the insulation. There are two primary options: synthetic insulation and down feathers.
- Synthetic Insulation: It is heavier but retains its insulating properties even when wet. This is an excellent choice for wetter climates or those who expect exposure to rain.
- Down Insulation: Down is lighter and offers better warmth-to-weight ratio than synthetic insulation. However, down can lose its insulating properties if it gets wet, so it is best used in dry conditions or with proper waterproofing.
Outer Fabric
The outer fabric of the underquilt needs to be durable and resistant to the elements. Popular choices for the outer layer include:
- Ripstop Nylon: Lightweight, durable, and water-resistant, ripstop nylon is an excellent choice for your underquilt’s outer shell.
- Polyester: Slightly heavier than nylon but still water-resistant, polyester is another good option for an outer fabric.
Inner Fabric
The inner fabric should be soft and smooth for comfort, and also breathable. Polyester and ripstop nylon are commonly used here as well. Choose a fabric that will feel comfortable against your skin while providing durability and breathability.
Baffles
Baffles are essential for keeping the insulation evenly distributed throughout the underquilt. Without baffles, the insulation might shift and create cold spots, reducing the effectiveness of the underquilt. You can either sew your own baffles or purchase pre-made ones.
Suspension System
A proper suspension system is critical to securely attaching your underquilt to the hammock. Most suspension systems consist of shock cord, which allows the underquilt to be adjusted for tightness, and cord locks to keep it in place.
Thread
Choose a high-quality, durable thread for the assembly of your underquilt. A polyester or nylon thread is ideal, as it provides strength and flexibility while being resistant to wear.
Optional Add-Ons
While not strictly necessary, a few extra items can improve the functionality of your underquilt:
- Stuff Sack: A stuff sack allows you to pack the underquilt easily when not in use.
- Waterproof Coating: If you plan to use your underquilt in wet conditions, consider adding a waterproof coating to the outer fabric.
How to Make a Hammock Underquilt？
Now that you have your materials ready, it’s time to start building your hammock underquilt. Follow these steps carefully to ensure the final product is both functional and comfortable.
Measure and Cut Your Fabrics
Start by measuring the dimensions of your hammock to determine the size of your underquilt. The underquilt should be long enough to cover your entire body, from your shoulders to your feet, and wide enough to cover the underside of the hammock with extra room for insulation.
- Length: Measure the length of your hammock and add a few extra inches to both ends.
- Width: The width of the underquilt should match the width of your hammock, but it should also allow for some overlap to keep you insulated on the sides.
Once you have the measurements, cut the outer fabric, inner fabric, and insulation to match the desired dimensions.
Sew the Baffles
Next, sew the baffles onto the inner fabric. Baffles are used to separate the layers of insulation and ensure it stays evenly distributed.
- Mark the Baffle Lines: Use a fabric marker to draw evenly spaced lines along the length of the fabric. The spacing will depend on the amount of insulation you want to include in each section. For a thinner quilt, 4-inch spacing is usually sufficient. For thicker quilts, you may want to space them closer together.
- Sew the Baffles: Sew along the lines you marked, creating channels for the insulation to rest in. Be sure to leave the ends open to insert the insulation later.
Add the Insulation
Once your baffles are in place, it’s time to insert the insulation.
- Distribute the Insulation Evenly: Gently stuff the insulation into the channels you’ve created. Make sure to distribute it evenly along the entire length of the underquilt to avoid any cold spots.
- Secure the Insulation: Once the insulation is in place, sew across the ends of the baffles to close them. This will keep the insulation from shifting as you move around in your hammock.
Attach the Outer Fabric
Now that your baffles and insulation are in place, it’s time to attach the outer fabric to the quilt.
- Align the Fabrics: Lay the outer fabric over the quilt and align it with the inner fabric, ensuring all edges match up.
- Sew the Edges: Sew the perimeter of the quilt, leaving a small gap along the top edge for the suspension system.
Install the Suspension System
The suspension system will hold the underquilt snugly against the hammock to prevent heat loss.
- Thread the Shock Cord: Cut two pieces of shock cord, each long enough to reach from one side of the hammock to the other. Thread one piece of shock cord through the top edge of the quilt, securing it with knots or cord locks at both ends.
- Attach the Quilt to the Hammock: Once the shock cord is in place, adjust the tension so that the underquilt fits snugly under the hammock. The quilt should be tight enough to keep warm air trapped but not so tight that it compresses the insulation.
Add Final Touches
Once the suspension system is attached, inspect the underquilt for any areas that need reinforcement. Sew any loose threads or reinforce the seams as necessary. You can also add a stuff sack for easy storage.
Testing Your Hammock Underquilt
After completing your underquilt, it’s important to test it out before using it on a trip.
- Set Up the Hammock: Set up your hammock and hang the underquilt underneath, adjusting the suspension system to ensure a proper fit.
- Test the Warmth: Lie in your hammock and check if the quilt provides adequate warmth. Ensure there are no cold spots and that the quilt remains securely attached to the hammock.
- Adjust as Needed: If you find any issues, make adjustments to the fit or insulation. This might include tightening the suspension system or adding more insulation to certain areas.
Conclusion
Making a hammock underquilt is a rewarding project that can drastically improve your camping experience. With the right materials, careful attention to detail, and a bit of sewing know-how, you can create a high-quality underquilt that will keep you warm and comfortable during your hammock camping trips. By following this step-by-step guide, you’ll be well on your way to crafting a custom underquilt tailored to your specific needs and preferences. Happy hammock camping!
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