UQ options for a cheapskate Australian

**BilliusTheRed** · 05-11-2020, 02:24

Hi guys, given that we're coming into winter here in the southern hemisphere I've been looking into revising my insulation from a Klymit Static V pad to a proper underquilt. Unfortunately, the current local and global situation have put pretty big budget and availability limitations on my choices meaning I'm stuck with mainland Australian retailers (preferably Queensland, but interstate shouldn't be too bad). I'd love to grab something local to help any cottage retailers and I'm not against doing some DIY but I've had pretty much no experience (although I could get help from my girlfriend she's just not too keen on doing everything for me) and I can't really justify any huge expenses right now so I'm keeping to a tight ~$150 max budget. I'd love to grab something from Tier Gear but just can't swing it yet, but will definitely be revisiting that after graduating.

Does anyone from AUS have good recommendations for cheaper insulation options without sacrificing too much quality?

Cheers

**BilliusTheRed** · 05-11-2020, 02:28

Should probably also add, I'm an absolute pansy when it comes to temperature and hate being cold. The majority of my camping will be done in the SEQ region but I'm looking into some trips further south for some different scenery.

**ofuros** · 05-11-2020, 03:51

Hard call...temporary options, modify to suit.

https://www.ikea.com/au/en/cat/down-...-duvets-20531/

Not sure if the Costco's in Brissy have a down throw blanket...
https://www.costco.com/blue-ridge-ac...100506435.html

https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/...wn-throw-19-95

Probably not warm enough..
https://www.wildearth.com.au/buy/gra...e-gray/TTTB-SG

Aussie made...not sure of price
http://bushwalk.com/forum/viewtopic....quilts#p393075

Spotlight store ? DIY...they have nylon ripstop + wadding & batting... won't be light but workable.

Google...down travel blankets australia

**ChrisJHC** · 05-11-2020, 05:58

A better sleeping mat plus a good sleeping bag should work.

Also try dropping hints to friends and family about Tier Gear’s quilts.

**Baka Dasai** · 05-11-2020, 06:14

Find a second-hand sleeping bag for cheap, and get to work with some scissors, a sewing machine, and some shock cord.

What could go wrong?

**BilliusTheRed** · 05-11-2020, 07:45

Cheers for all the suggestions, Ofuros, and for chucking the links in too. Was very intrigued by the costco idea a little while ago but could never find them in any online catalog for australian stores. Definitely interested in the ikea quilts if they come in light. I grabbed a couple of these Denali Outdoor Blanket in the hopes of turning them into one but found they were WAY too light for the job. Might look into revisiting that idea with a bit more insulation.

I feel like a bit of a fool for not doing that considering it was my birthday just last week, ChrisJHC. Might see if the family will do Christmas in July? Looks like I might be stuck with cannabalising an old bag off Gumtree at this stage.

**ChrisJHC** · 05-12-2020, 00:13

Why don't you see if you can borrow a decent, thermally insulating sleeping mat and try that first along with your sleeping bag.
You will probably find that will be enough given your location.
Remember that we don't really have winter in Oz so a lot of the tips on here are for well below freezing.

If you want to see some real cold-weather hammocking, check out Shug's video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CTuGJgka1qc

**BilliusTheRed** · 05-12-2020, 08:29

Just realised I hadn't said, My pad is keeping me warm enough, but I don't find it terribly comfortable having the pad in the hammock (The pad edges can be a bit prickly and irritating, and never quite feels as comfortable in the hammock as opposed to it on the ground or the bare hammock). That's been the main driver to transition away from just using the mat as my bottom insulation.

**ofuros** · 05-12-2020, 15:20

Car camping or bushwalking ?

If weight isn't a issue, a secondhand op shop would have some cheap clean rectangular synthetic sleeping bags you could slice & dice to suit your hammock. Insulation is easier to cut & stays put.

You'll miss out on any escaped down floating through the room though, mesmerising as it may be.

If your bushwalking, down is the way to go, lightweight & packable.

If you can't be fluffed with all the DIY, maybe saving a little longer & buying something that fits & works straight out of the box... doesn't sound so bad after all.