Thru-Hiker

Down storage compression

2009-06-07T06:23:51-05:00

I need to make a cotton storage bag for my quilt. I know, it’s better to keep it uncompressed, but can’t do that. The quilt has 12 oz. of down. Is there a ‘rule of thumb’ for storage compression?

looking for a ray jardine net tent

2009-06-25T00:53:53-05:00

Hello, I’ve been using a ray jardine style tarp for a long time now, and am wanting to make a net tent for it. wondering if anyone on here has one they aren’t using (2 person) and could sell (or loan) me. I would make one but I’m a bit pressed for time for the trip I need it for.

thanks!

Mike

tent for JMT

2009-06-16T12:54:45-05:00

I’m planning on hiking the JMT Southbound this summer. First extended trip in this area of California. I am looking for a new solo tent for the trip, and have narrowed my decision down to the big agnes seedhouse SL1, and the Tarptent Rainbow. The rainbow wins in weight, just not sure how it will hold up in the high sierra. Anyone have any suggestions for backpacking in the area?

How to make a triple-stitch

2009-06-16T10:50:25-05:00

“Triple-stitch everything, using a straight stitch.”

How exactly would I go about doing that? I have little sewing experience, so diagrams/videos would really help.

Thanks,

Nick

First Homemade Gear Project - TarpTent or Quilt?

2009-06-03T15:01:16-05:00

I’m looking to start my first homemade gear project. I am going to be building both of these I just don’t know which one I should start with...I’d like to start with the easier project. I should also mention that my fiance who has a lot more experience than me sewing will be available to help and guide me...Thanks!

Questions about Ray-way Backpack

2009-06-08T10:13:32-05:00

Hi,

I am attempting to build the Ray-way backpack based on the instructions in Trail Life. Since I have little sewing experience, I’m in need of some advice regarding the backpacks construction.

Diagram Key for attached image:

A) Backpanel, 330 Denier Cordura
B) Reinforcement Panel
C) 1.5” Flat Nylon Web. Overlaps D by ~.5”
D) .75” Flat Nylon Web
E) Shoulder strap padding & casing
F) Upside-down ladder lock
G) .75” Flat Nylon Web
H) Reinforcement Panel. Spreads load.

Notice that in the Ray-way backpack, the ladder-lock buckle is positioned upside-down and located closer to G then E. According to rayjardine.com:

“With the Ray-Way pack, the buckles are located at the bottom of the pack, such that you pull up to shorten. While this arrangement is unfamiliar to most hikers, it is much more effective. Namely, it moves the buckle and the webbing tail from out of your armpit area, to down on the pack where it belongs. This streamlines the pack, makes it more comfortable to carry, and prevents chafe to the inside of the upper arms.”

On with the questions:

1.) Since G wraps around F, that means G will be a double-layered piece of fabric when it is sandwiched between H.

Will all of those layers be too thick to sew through?

If not, should G also be sewn into the seam where H meets A?

Would it be wiser to use Grosgrain ribbon for G?

Would an x-box stitch be a wiser choice compared to several
rows of zig-zag stitches?

Should H be eliminated all together and instead sew G into the seam of A?

2.) Regarding B:

I was thinking two layers of 330 Denier Cordura. Thoughts?
Should they both be the same size?

What type of stitch would you recommend for attaching them to A?

3.) Regarding sewing C to B:
Would an x-box stitch be a wiser choice compared to several
rows of zig-zag stitches?

4.) Thoughts on using Grosgrain ribbon for C, D, and G.

5.) Regarding H, I was thinking of using 330 Denier Cordura. Thoughts?

Finished Whitney!

2009-05-31T22:28:01-05:00

Just FYI: I finished the Whitney I’ve been working on for the last week. It probably took about 40 hours. Not sure whether this is good or bad, considering it’s the first thing more complicated than a stuff sack that I’ve ever sewn.

Overall, it looks pretty good. The only thing I’m trying to figure out now is how to finish the bottom seam. I never put in the drawcord or the grosgrain, so it’s just the plain inside out seam from when the liner was attached to the shell. I’m toying with the idea of doing elastic, the way the wrists are.

I do want to do something, because I can pull the down jacket down a little further than my shell, and I’d like to be sure it will stay up under the shell, in case of rain.

Of course, since it’s finished, I’ll have to open up the side seams a bit to get whatever I finally decide on into the jacket.

Any ideas appreciated.

Differential cut between layers of synthetic insulation?

2009-05-30T09:42:37-05:00

I am making an underquilt using Climashield XP. I’ve decided to go with two layers of combat (0.9in ea). I am planning on a differential cut in the shell (+1.75in) to avoid compressing the insulation.

My question is, should I also do a differential cut (+0.875in) between the insulation layers? Will it help with loft? Could it hurt anything?

From a mathematical perspective it makes sense that this would help loft by not stretching the outer layer. The only problem I could see with this would be gaps between layers, but that seems unlikely to me and it will be loop quilted.

Insulation and Shell comparisons

2009-05-28T22:25:53-05:00

Hey everybody,

I’m interested in making a sleeping bag of my own design: insulation on the top, just a single layer of fabric on the bottom.

As far as insulation goes, I’m thinking either Polarguard 3d or Climashield XP. How much XP should I use if I want to have either a 20 degree vs. a 30 degree bag?

For the insulated top, is it best to have momentum on the outside and the liner? Or would it be preferable to have a breathable 1.1 oz nylon on the inside? What’s the benefits, if any, of having momentum on the inside?

Also, what would be the ideal fabric choice for the single layer bottom?

Thanks for the help!

New run of Dyneema X : color suggestions sought

2009-04-25T18:59:18-05:00

There’s a 2nd run of the well received Dyneema X in the works. I’m interested in hearing what color people want. Do you want to stick with the middle grey, black, etc. What do you think of the brown/green color attached below?

Also, remaining stock of the original run is in short supply. Avoid disappointment and get some now or wait the many months it will take for the new batch to come in. Other than (possibly) color, the new stock will be identical to what’s on hand.