Costco Down vest UQ

[rais'n hammock]

I have wanted a light UQ but wanted couldn't decide if I wanted to use down or synthetic. I remembered seeing the JCP down jacket UQ threads when I cam across a closeout at Costco. Two XXL vests for $12 each and about $5 in misc cordage and grosgrain later and I have my latest DIY solution. It took about 3hrs to disassemble the vests but I could do it in half the time now that I am more comfortable with a seam ripper. About 2 1/2 hrs to put it all back together.
I used a couple of the pockets for the stuff-sack. The grosgrain was a little stiff because of the print so I would not use printed again. The neck part of the vest are used as draft stops.
Total weight is 15.73oz. This should be good for me down to 45° or at least to take the chill off. I have tested it at 53° and I still feel the warmth.
Not sure how to add a description under the pictures but in order they are:
1. Purchased Vests, one deconstructed and 2 new. (green vests are for my son's UQ)
2. Layout for best fit.
3. Sewn together.
4. Add grosgrain around outside.
5. Run shock cord through ends and side channels.
6. Test hang. (Cord is a little loose, I shortened it for actual use)
7. Weighs in at 15.75oz including stuff-sack.
8. Finished in sack.

[Txfly]

Looks good. What is the length? Pretty cool idea!

[rais'n hammock]

Measures about 44" wide by 56" long. It will cover from my neck to about mid calf.

[WV]

Excellent! Tighten up that shock cord. See Shug's recent video on suspension for a partial UQ. The DIY force is strong in this one.

[prussik]

Fantastic execution

[rais'n hammock]

Excellent! Tighten up that shock cord. See Shug's recent video on suspension for a partial UQ. The DIY force is strong in this one.

The picture was just to see how it would hang. I did tighten it up for testing. It fit perfect. Great video BTW...

Fantastic execution

Thanks! It was a fun little project.

[Deathstar77]

Nice choice in grosgrain

[TREX1]

Where and when did you find the vests that cheap? Not sure our Costco carried them

[gunner76]

Most excellent and way to think outside the box

[rais'n hammock]

Where and when did you find the vests that cheap? Not sure our Costco carried them

They had them at a couple local Costco stores in Utah. I purchased vest for normal use in mid December for $29.95. When I was back 3 weeks later they were on clearance for $12.50. I guess mid January is the time to move out the winter clothes to make room for Spring fertilizer. I took one to the returns counter and they gave me money back for the one I bought. They had mostly the XXL size left and that reminded me of the JCP Puffer thread. I grabbed 2 more.
I went back a couple days later and they were gone. They had over 50 when I was there before. I asked and they checked the next closest and they had 160 in stock so I went to get some more for my son. I also got a couple extra that I can lay on top of the UQ as is to get a few more degrees out of it. The vests were made to pack into the left pocket so size and weight are minimal. I used 2 pockets sewn together (zippers removed) to hold the UQ.