I want to replace a 2.5 lb mummy bag with a light sleeping quilt (for summer hiking). I recently was in Joann Fabrics and saw they had ripstop.

Is ripstop OK for a light sleeping quilt?

Also, what about the stuffing material? Would they have appropriate stuff?

What I am trying to end up with is a very low-cost ($20?) hiking quilt with material I can get from Joann Fabrics (and there nicenice discout coupons).

They would not have adequate stuffing. The ripstop is not that great either. I haven't seen it in a while, but you can get much nicer material online for the same price or cheaper.

James,

I have no experience with the materials at JoAnn's but I have done what you are suggesting with ripstop and batting from Hancock's.

What I can suggest is the following.

This will be about as cheap as it can be for an "ultralight quilt".

Keep in mind that I can't guarantee the temperature rating.

Order 5 yards of 1.1oz Ripstop Nylon, 2nds from D.I.Y. Gear Supply at $3.20 per yard.

http://www.backwoodsdaydreamer.com/products-page/breathable-fabrics/

For insulation consider 6 oz per square yard 100% polyester quilt batting from your local fabric supply shop for roughly $12.00.

The kind I am describing is available on Amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/Polyester-Quilt-Batting-Full-Size-X96/dp/B004ALV78Y

I found mine on a bulk roll in my local Hancock's.

Not accounting for draw cords, thread or other "hardware" your total should be around $28.00 for the above materials.

I made my first quilt in a similar fashion with bulk 6 oz polyester batting off a roll in my local fabric shop. I did not stitch or tie the quilt anywhere except around its perimeter. It kept me warm into the high 40's using a single layer of batting. It weighed in at somewhere around 1 pound 5 ounces as I recall.

It is not the lightest option but I think it certainly is the cheapest that I know of at the moment.

I hope this helps.

Party On,

Newton

Edited by Newton on 06/28/2012 12:50:59 MDT.

Hi James:

The ripstop at your local Jo-Ann's is 1.9 oz -- it's fine stuff, but you'll do better with the 1.1 oz from backwoods daydreamer. Great small business, cheap materials, and quick shipping -- Get good insulation for your quilt -- it's more than worth the extra 20-30 dollars you'll invest, and if you end up making frankenquilt or wanting something different later, you can re-use good insulation.

good luck with your project!

Instead of using the cheap fabric and batting from Joann's and. Purchase your ripstop breath able nylon and climasheild from Outdoor wilderness fabric for just a few dollars more and you will have light weight more durable quilt. They have down proof 30 d breathable ripstop for $8.52 a yard , climasheild starts at 13.95 yard you should only need 2.5 yards.
http://www.owfinc.com/fabrics.html

Or buy the Golite RS-3 quilt for $79.95 and sign up for the golite mailing list get a 20 % off coupon and pay $63.95 for a great quilt.
http://www.golite.com/RS-3-Season-Quilt-Long-P875.aspx
Terry

Thanks for the info...the www.backwoodsdaydreamer.com website looks great for the ripstop. It should make it cheap enough for a first project like this.

The reason I ask is it may be cheaper to purchase a GI poncho liner (~22 oz) and then cut it down and sew grosgrain around the edges to make a tapered quilt shape (they're oversized for a top quilt out of the box at ~5 ft x ~7 ft). You could probably shave ~6 or even ~8 oz if you're willing to chop away and resew the edges. I find them really comfy down into the low 40s, but I'm a rather warm sleeper (I've successfully taken one as low as freezing on the ground and not been totally uncomfortable); most folks would find them comfortable in the mid-40s to low-50s.

That being said, if you want something that'll be good cooler than that, I highly recommend Outdoor Wilderness Fabrics for cheap, good insulation and tolerably cheap fabric (DIY Gear Supply has the edge in cost/weight on fabric, though the shipping costs on ordering from two different places might negate the savings). Climashield is easy as pie to use; if you can sew a straight (or even semi-straight) line, you can work with it.

Hope it helps!

http://www.amazon.com/Adventure-Medical-Kits-Heatsheets-Emergency/dp/B000WXX0JS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1341108901&sr=8-1&keywords=emergency+bivvy

I think you should take this under consideration, it isn't a MYOG experience, but it is certainly a superior 'quilt' in fair weather. I've use one quite regularly on trips. They are also pretty cheap, and include a stuff sack. =)

Edited by jordanclymer on 06/30/2012 20:19:08 MDT.