After several problems we had during our Alaska trip this past winter, one really stuck out - not because it didnt work, but more of a wasnt quite versatile enough. We both had full coverage breathable socks with upside down smile zippered doors. We found after a few weeks that we did not want full coverage on cold but not freezing weather, or full coverage in freezing rain/snow weather without opening the door a little or a lot as it sometimes became stuffy at times. The draft always came from one side.
So! My solution was to make a high walled underquilt protector - the walls ended up as high as the ridgeline. Its very simple to make - 12ft long x 82 inches wide. 2 channels that are 3 ft long along the tops midway. Shock cord and cordlocks for the channels and gathered ends. The 3 ft channels allow plenty of adjustment in raising or lowering either side. When fully cinched up the tops are right there with the ridgeline and about a 10 inch wide gap. Plenty of breathing room - and takes just seconds to adjust. Just loosen one cord lock and pull the side down to get out. Leave both sides slack and it works just swell as a underquilt protector. Get back in and tighten the cord lock to however high you want the "wall" to be on either side. We like this much better than a zippered door. Easy to get in and out especially at night.
I made this one from scrap material I had on hand. Took about an hour to cut and sew together. Im ordering 16 yds of Argon 90 so I can make 2. With the Argon 90 I figure each one will weigh between 5 and 6 oz. and have dual versatility.
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Sides Down In Undercover Mode (640x480).jpg
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Gathered End (640x469).jpg
JT
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