Topic
Prototype suggestions?
Forum Posting
A Membership is required to post in the forums. Login or become a member to post in the member forums!
Home › Forums › Gear Forums › Make Your Own Gear › Prototype suggestions?
- This topic is empty.
-
AuthorPosts
-
May 30, 2009 at 7:32 am #1236650
Hi, all-
I want to gain experience making sleeping bags, etc. My conundrum is that I already own a gazillion of bags and such.
My initial thought was to make a series of 30-40*F degree bags, since I could get the practice of making the bags while using less down (and less money!). But I've already got something like 4 bags in that range. Also have a 0*F and -40*F. Eventually I'll make a better winter bag. Maybe a 10*F? Like I said, I don't really need them, but I want to get better at making them.
So, what sorts of bags should I make to be cost effective yet functional? Have others in my situation basically made bags for the cost of materials and beer for friends? And/or should I stick with my "original" plan and make a series of summer bags? Do I just bite the bullet, buy the down, and make a colder weather bag?
May 30, 2009 at 2:21 pm #1504622I don't know the answer to any of your questions Brad, but if you need any field testers sign me up! ;)
May 30, 2009 at 2:34 pm #1504625Why don't you ask if people want you to make bags (or quilts) for them. I might be interested .
May 30, 2009 at 4:41 pm #1504642I opened an old duvet with some broken quilting. I am using it to get the hang of working with down.
Perhaps sacrifice 1 of your bags? You'll learn the construction by taking it apart. Make a simple 1st project as a trial. You can always re-use (most of) the down.
May 30, 2009 at 7:26 pm #1504674I'd consider paying for a materials and your trouble for a lightweight summer quilt. I've seen some of your earlier work and I'm pretty impressed.
Jun 1, 2009 at 2:39 pm #1504991Hey, gang-
Wow! That was kinda unexpected. Thanks for your interest! I'd like to sew up a few things before getting "demos" out there. My skills just aren't up to snuff yet.I'm thinking maybe a really thin summer bag, 50 degree-ish, a 10-15* bag, and a subzero bag at this point. I might just sew up a bunch of patterns out of sheets, muslin and plastic to see what works. You know, maybe I should just make a few "fun" bags out of silnylon 2nds and synthetic fill. I'm trying to come up with a clean draft tube design along with the rest of the fun. I'll keep you posted!
Jun 1, 2009 at 3:37 pm #1505016Hi Brad
> a few "fun" bags out of silnylon 2nds and synthetic fill.
Unless they are for below 20 F I am not sure about the 'fun' bit! Sweat bag.
Cheers
Jun 1, 2009 at 4:28 pm #1505037Hey Brad,
Here is an idea for your 40-50* bag.
I love the one I made.I would use Momentum for the shell and 2.5 yards of pre-quilted insulation/ inner shell from Seattle Fabrics.
http://www.seattlefabrics.com/insulations.html
The insulation is quilted to a taffeta, so you only need 1 top layer.
Just purchase 6 ounces of down and add it into the sewn-through quilted baffles.
Then sew the top layer on the outer edges.
Now you have a very weather-proof bag that you wont need to use a bivy with when sleeping under a tarp. -
AuthorPosts
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.
Forum Posting
A Membership is required to post in the forums. Login or become a member to post in the member forums!
Our Community Posts are Moderated
Backpacking Light community posts are moderated and here to foster helpful and positive discussions about lightweight backpacking. Please be mindful of our values and boundaries and review our Community Guidelines prior to posting.
Get the Newsletter
Gear Research & Discovery Tools
- Browse our curated Gear Shop
- See the latest Gear Deals and Sales
- Our Recommendations
- Search for Gear on Sale with the Gear Finder
- Used Gear Swap
- Member Gear Reviews and BPL Gear Review Articles
- Browse by Gear Type or Brand.