DIY. Is it REALLY worth it?

**wildernessninja** · 02-15-2017, 18:02

I know there is a DIY section, it's just that I want to reach out to anyone who has ever done some DIY hammock stuff and maybe doesn't check that forum anymore.

I don't mind putting in the work. I enjoy the sense of accomplishment whenever I finish a challenging project. I could really use a good top quilt and an under quilt. Money is my issue. Currently I use a Thermarest Regulas, which is really intended for a pad but is a lot like a top quilt, and a Thermarest Z-lite pad. I thought about going DIY but I'd need to get a good sewing machine, all of the material and spend all that time learning it and putting it together. If I were any good at it, I imagine I'd do a few different quilts for different seasons now that I plan on venturing in all kinds of weather instead of just the warm months. But when I think about all I have to invest in it just to get started I have to wonder, is it really worth it? Even once I got started, to continue still means buying the material and putting all that time into it I could use to get actually get out there into the woods.

Anyone here gone DIY only to realize, "I should have just put the money into getting this done by someone who knows what they're doing"? Or is it truly a good option for someone who plans on doing more trips in all kinds of weather and needs to gear up?

**TrailSlug** · 02-15-2017, 18:11

Absolutely it's worth it IF you have the ability and patience. For me it's not worth it because my abilities are limited and my patience suck. You can save a tremendous amount of money doing it yourself if you can meet your expectations.

**leiavoia** · 02-15-2017, 18:13

For some things yes, and other things no.

I bought a HG Burrow. Totally worth every penny. I would never want to make one myself.

I made my own underquilt from scratch to try to save money. In retrospect, should have just bought something.

However, in retro-retrospect i'm glad i made it because it's been a source of experimentation and i've realized that most of the current generation of underquilts are not designed very well, IMNSHO. I think my DIY is now better for my needs than a commercial offering.

I made my own 12' hammock from regular ol' ripstop. ~$45. 2-3 hours of work. It was easy. Totally worth it.

If you need an good underquilt on the cheap, i'm always happy to plug my Gemini DIY no-sew project.

**jellyfish** · 02-15-2017, 18:20

I see your point. I sometimes make decisions like this about other things.

I already had a sewing machine, I already knew how to sew, and I didn't like the color choices that are available for the commercial (or even cottage industry) hammocks, so DIY makes sense for me.

It isn't for everyone, for various reasons.

**FJRpilot** · 02-15-2017, 18:21

Originally Posted by leiavoia

If you need an good underquilt on the cheap, i'm always happy to plug my Gemini DIY no-sew project.

I really like your project write up and would offer that this is one of the best projects I have seen using the CDT's. Layering them really improves the overall warmth and your solution should be warm enough for most people.

Well done!

**wildernessninja** · 02-15-2017, 18:30

Originally Posted by leiavoia

If you need an good underquilt on the cheap, i'm always happy to plug my Gemini DIY no-sew project.

I just might try this! Thanks, leiavoia.

**OneClick** · 02-15-2017, 18:53

I'll admit, I'm a DIY LOSER!! Can't glue two pieces of paper together. Seriously, even if I was spending $100 to DIY instead of spending $300 from a manufacturer, I'd happily take the $200 hit and stalk the UPS guy after hitting a button.

Even if I were able to do good work, I would be a nervous wreck about getting the right materials and putting it together the right way. Deciding this, deciding that. You may know me...I over analyze things big time and get all stressed. It's just not worth it to me unfortunately.

**MDCrab** · 02-15-2017, 18:59

Originally Posted by FJRpilot

I really like your project write up and would offer that this is one of the best projects I have seen using the CDT's. Layering them really improves the overall warmth and your solution should be warm enough for most people.

Well done!

I second this.

As for doing DIY, sewing machines can begotten on the cheap. New intro models, or second hand with bells and whistles. Actually doing the work, well I learned to sew in my teens. I thought I would be smart and get into a class of girls by taking Home Ec. Little did I know there were enough of us like minded, excess hormone teen boys that they made a "Bachelor living" class. Foiled again! Anyway I learned to sew and cook. But it is not difficult and as the OP said I enjoy it and get a sense of accomplishment. Keeps me occupied and out of trouble as well. (I'm getting to old to get into trouble any more, just looks pathetic.) Not sure if I have really saved any money, but I know it hasn't cost me any more.

If you enjoy it, go for it. If you don't have the patience, no sense in making yourself crazy over it.

.02

**Tacblades** · 02-15-2017, 19:00

Diy is not really a way of saving money, as the price you can buy raw materials is a lot higher than a company can buy them for.

Diy is more about a hobby, experimentation and fun.

I diy gear because i enjoy it maybe more than actually camping, but mainly as the things i want you cant buy. Karo step quilts, custom shelters and tarps, and bespoke designs just for exactly what i want like vapour quilts to eliminate condensation.

If you dont really have a drive to make gear then just buy it, lots of good options out there for sure.

**catastrophedude** · 02-15-2017, 19:12

I agree with Tacblades that saving money is not my motivator for DIY. It is however nice to have a feeling of accomplishment after completing a project. Plus it gives me the knowledge to modify or repair my own gear even if I didn't make it.

I won't lie, it can be stressful at times or when something doesn't turn out exactly as I planned it. However it's like any skill where the more you practice the more proficient you become.