RayWay quilt update
Unless it is absolutely freezing, I always used my sleeping bag un-zipped, tuck my feet in and curl up using it as a quilt. I just find mummy bags too restrictive as I sleep on my stomach in a sort of semi foetal position. I even have plans to split my silk liner and sew in 'legs' so I can have more freedom.
I read a lot about quilts and top bags on the US sites before deciding to try Ray Jardine's RayWay quilt kit. Whatever you think of Ray Jardine and his sometimes unorthodox ways, he has designed some pretty good kit, including a spell working with Golite (ouch!). He also invented the climbing camming device know as the Friend. If anyone has a spare copy of his book, 'Beyond Backpacking', I have a handful of used fivers waiting!
I ordered the deluxe one person quilt that includes his TM'd Gorget and Draftstopper and added the Alpine upgrade for a little extra warmth. The kit comes with very detailed instructions that apparently anyone with access to a sewing machine can make in around "5 to 8 hours spread out over several relaxing evenings".
Luckily, I have a little sister who is fantastic with a sewing machine, so I had it delivered straight to her house on the edge of the Peak District NP.
And there the box has been sitting.
For weeks and weeks and weeks.
Dear sister,
If you happen upon this blog, I love you very much and think you are fabulous, talented, wonderful... in fact, everything a lucky big brother could want.
Just think of the lovely relaxing evenings and the extra special Christmas present I'll buy you. When will it be ready?
Lots of love,
Chris
Labels: Gear
posted by Chris Cowell @ 7:31 PM
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7 Comments:
It was Jardine's 'beyond backapcking' that really starte me on getting lighter equipment (although not as light as the man himself).
I`ve often thought about a quilt but being hopeless with a sewing machine I not had the chance to try one.
Beyond backpacking is worth a read unfortunately it seems that the book is like gold dust.
Watch his ratings. I bought the deluxe one person kit that woke me with cold at 10ºC. That is way above the 40ºF that he reckons. I am finding that it is summer weight only.
I thought I'd ask about it and never receive a reply. Then decided to upgrade by adding a third layer and find he is on holiday until February. By the time he gets back and posts my upgrade it'll be warm enough for what I have got.
Thanks for the info Dexey. I have only used in summer so far and it was extremely comfortable - I love its size more than anything. I can see it being useful in my hammock.
I love it in every other way and hope to have an Alpine version or the additional layer for my next quilt. Although I am not happy with his claimed ratings I don't think that there is anything better for me. I hate having my arms trapped in a bag, and it is much easier to air than a bag.
Which hammock are you using?
Hey Dexey,
I have a Clark Jungle Hammock (North American). I have written about it in this blog in November.
Not spent a night in it yet as my wife is expecting any day and I am tied to the house!
I have a hammock that I made following a plan of 'Risk's' of the 'net.
On its first trial I fell asleep suspended between apple tree and clothes line pole. I awoke later with my head on the ground having pulled the clothes line pole over.
I haven't used it for camping and probably won't. I have a small Hilleberg tent that weighs little more than the hammock and gives better all round protection. I'm not convinced that our climate is conducive to hammock use.
Yeah I know what you mean - I am waiting for one of those perfect, frosty, star spangled nights!
I use an Akto usually, about the same weight as the hammock, but I think the hammock will be fun!
The comfort is meant to be legendary!
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