DIY/pre-made Proportions?

**Ramblinrev** · 03-26-2014, 12:58

Originally Posted by Bushwhacker

In my opinion it is better than nothing, and will hopefully be more accurate than ballparking it.

I guess I don't understand what purpose the results will serve. Why does it matter? If just curiosity, what's wrong with ballparking it? I usually say in the beginning we could count the avid DIY contributors on two hands and not have to take off you shoes. Now we would need several barefoot friends. Unless one is doing market research (traditionally not the focus of these forums) I don't know why accuracy is important.

**VictoriaGuy** · 03-26-2014, 13:05

Originally Posted by Bushwhacker

Yeah I noticed that, but couldn't edit my poll wording.

NO problem....hopefully most folks read the posts before answering the poll questions...unlike me!

**gunner76** · 03-26-2014, 13:30

I kind of want to respond "don't know" because I find myself rotating between the....

Like canoebie, I have commercially made hammocks ( BB , ENO ect ) and DIY's that I use back and forth depending on my mood and the conditions.

**FlightMedic** · 03-26-2014, 13:35

I have both commercial and DIY but moving forward I will probably focusing a lot on DIY. I can't justify spending $500+ on quilts that I can make especially since my wife usually goes camping with me and she won't sleep in a hammock overnight.

**pinballwizard** · 03-26-2014, 13:43

I think I am to blame for bushwhacker's curiosity. I have a feeling that was my post he was quoting. I was referring to a new tarp/bug net design thingy. I made a comment that "more than most" do DIY. I should first clarify that I think I was overzealous in my statement; Pgibson said it much better with saying there is a strong DIY focus here. I would still say that HF has a much stronger DIY community than the camping community on a whole (based on percentage, not overall volume of course). And I think that is probably due to many folks making their custom gear earlier on, based on need, which has given a push, in the form of encouragement and knowledge to others, such as myself, to believe that I could make things for myself instead of buying everything at REI or EMS. However, we do also have wonderful cottage vendors who practically make gear at almost DIY cost with amazing craftsmanship (as I stated in that post before).
As far as this poll is concerned, I also don't know how to answer it because I have made my own bug net, whoopies, and other small things. I also have materials to make JCP puffer quilts (when I am confident enough in my sewing and ripping). However I haven't made my own tarp or Hammock yet (though I have modified mine), but I believe that is a simply a matter of time, skill, and need before that happens.

**Bushwhacker** · 03-26-2014, 14:26

Originally Posted by pinballwizard

I think I am to blame for bushwhacker's curiosity. I have a feeling that was my post he was quoting. I was referring to a new tarp/bug net design thingy. I made a comment that "more than most" do DIY. I should first clarify that I think I was overzealous in my statement; Pgibson said it much better with saying there is a strong DIY focus here. I would still say that HF has a much stronger DIY community than the camping community on a whole (based on percentage, not overall volume of course). And I think that is probably due to many folks making their custom gear earlier on, based on need, which has given a push, in the form of encouragement and knowledge to others, such as myself, to believe that I could make things for myself instead of buying everything at REI or EMS. However, we do also have wonderful cottage vendors who practically make gear at almost DIY cost with amazing craftsmanship (as I stated in that post before).
As far as this poll is concerned, I also don't know how to answer it because I have made my own bug net, whoopies, and other small things. I also have materials to make JCP puffer quilts (when I am confident enough in my sewing and ripping). However I haven't made my own tarp or Hammock yet (though I have modified mine), but I believe that is a simply a matter of time, skill, and need before that happens.

That is correct. Although I can appreciate the simple beauty of unverified estimates, I have a strong compulsion to look for the truth.

**pinballwizard** · 03-26-2014, 14:44

Originally Posted by Bushwhacker

That is correct. Although I can appreciate the simple beauty of unverified estimates, I have a strong compulsion to look for the truth.

I gathered that from your fabric comparison sheet, which I love

So, which category would I fall under in the poll? I figure I, out of all people, owe you a vote!!

**Bushwhacker** · 03-26-2014, 14:59

Originally Posted by pinballwizard

I gathered that from your fabric comparison sheet, which I love

Thank you! I'm glad you find it useful or appreciate it for other reasons!

Originally Posted by pinballwizard

So, which category would I fall under in the poll? I figure I, out of all people, owe you a vote!!

Originally Posted by pinballwizard

As far as this poll is concerned, I also don't know how to answer it because I have made my own bug net, whoopies, and other small things. I also have materials to make JCP puffer quilts (when I am confident enough in my sewing and ripping). However I haven't made my own tarp or Hammock yet (though I have modified mine), but I believe that is a simply a matter of time, skill, and need before that happens.

I would say either premade only or premade would prefer DIY.

**Ramblinrev** · 03-26-2014, 15:12

Viva la number crunchers. Having little interest in raw statistics I have a shallow perspective of their use. Usually my mind just glazes over and I wait for some point to spring forth. Yes, we have an avid DIY community, which I take some pride in having helped develop even if my expertise is overshadowed by other more recent members. My question was not intended to be confrontational, but as many who know me personally can attest, tact is not strong point.