DIY Underquilt from Grand Trunk Down Blanket?

**hammock_monk** · 10-06-2012, 19:15

I have been hammocking with my Big Agnes bag which has a pocket for my Thermarest pad under me--no down on the underside. It's been great but last weekend I felt on the edge of cold. I'd estimate the overnight low at around 40. I am thinking of trying an underquilt but I can't afford to spend a lot. I have found a Grand Trunk down blanket for under $100. Think it'll make a decent DIY underquilt? It'll be full length and packs small/light but I'm not sure it'll be warm enough?

**57hop** · 10-06-2012, 19:37

It seems to have sewn through baffles and I can't tell how much loft, good dimensions for a starter for a DIY summer, to moderately cool weather UQ.
You'd have to add suspension and some drawstrings to gather the ends, but most of the work is done

**TomS** · 10-06-2012, 20:04

I bought that same blanket at a discount online. It is very narrow, has barely any loft and bleeds feathers. For the same $100 you can buy yourself a real UQ, I think you will be much happier in the end. I ended up purchasing a Jarbridge River UQ and am very happy with it.

-- Tom

**hammock_monk** · 10-06-2012, 20:13

Are there really options for a true underquilt for $100? Do tell!

**Jrprince** · 10-07-2012, 07:40

You can make the DIY ix uq that is in the DIY section. I think with shipping the materials cost me $57. I've had it into the 40's so far and was plenty warm, and others have reported getting down into the 30's with little issue. If you don't want to make one, arrowhead equipment has the jarbridge for right at $100. It's a bit heavier than the ix quilt, but many people are quite happy with it. I think the only way you're getting a down up for around $100 is to sew it yourself.

**Arothian** · 10-07-2012, 08:32

This is great advice! I wanted a cost effective UQ and I picked up the Jarbridge as well. I actually now have two of them, one for my wife too. It's not down, but it works great. It's kept me cozy warm so far.

Here is a link to the store. Scroll down to see the jarbridge.

http://www.arrowhead-equipment.com/kick-***-quilts.html

Originally Posted by TomS

For the same $100 you can buy yourself a real UQ, I think you will be much happier in the end. I ended up purchasing a Jarbridge River UQ and am very happy with it.

-- Tom