Make your own sleep sack?

HPalola · Feb 6, 2015

Hi all -- I am walking for a week in July (Pamplona to . . . . ?) and am planning to just carry a silk sleep sack. I live in Saudi Arabia where finding such a thing is next to impossible, but having one made for me would be easy. Is there anyone out there who made their own or know of a good pattern to follow? Yes, I've done an internet search and found a couple of possibilities, but thought it couldn't hurt to ask here as well. Happy trails!

SYates · Feb 6, 2015

Have a look at the many thru-hiker/ultra-light hiker forums, many of those guys and gals do make their own gear. Here is one to get you started: http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/forumdisplay.php/65-DIY-(Homemade-Gear-Forum)

Buen Camino! SY

L Squared · Feb 13, 2015

Hi HPalola,
It is fun to make your own equipment for the Camino. I made a sleep sack and used it for three months sleeping in youth hostels the summer after I graduated from university. I can give you the dimensions of the one I made which was roomy and large enough. The finished dimensions were 36" x 84". I found some uncoated ripstop nylon 72 inches wide and just folded it in half and sewed a seam along the foot and most of the way up the side. I left the top open and about 36 inches from the top along the long side so it would be easy to get in and out. It was also long enough to cover over the pillow.

It worked fine and was light weight. BUT if I were going to make one today I would not use ripstop nylon. I would use silk or very thin cotton or something that breathes very well. The ripstop was hot during the summer when the windows of the hostels were closed and it was warm outside. For my Camino I purchased a silk sleep sack and made a very lightweight down blanket for warmth from nylon ripstop and down. Since I haven't left yet I don't know how it is going to work. It is really difficult to find a sleep sack material that will work better than silk. So hopefully you have a good source for light weight China silk.

HPalola · Feb 15, 2015

L Squared said:
Hi HPalola,
It is fun to make your own equipment for the Camino. I made a sleep sack and used it for three months sleeping in youth hostels the summer after I graduated from university. I can give you the dimensions of the one I made which was roomy and large enough. The finished dimensions were 36" x 84". I found some uncoated ripstop nylon 72 inches wide and just folded it in half and sewed a seam along the foot and most of the way up the side. I left the top open and about 36 inches from the top along the long side so it would be easy to get in and out. It was also long enough to cover over the pillow.

It worked fine and was light weight. BUT if I were going to make one today I would not use ripstop nylon. I would use silk or very thin cotton or something that breathes very well. The ripstop was hot during the summer when the windows of the hostels were closed and it was warm outside. For my Camino I purchased a silk sleep sack and made a very lightweight down blanket for warmth from nylon ripstop and down. Since I haven't left yet I don't know how it is going to work. It is really difficult to find a sleep sack material that will work better than silk. So hopefully you have a good source for light weight China silk.

Thanks so much for you ideas! I was able to find a length of silk and a 30 in zipper and found some instructions on line. Now I just have to see if my sewing machine works Have you had any luck treating your sleep sack with something to keep away any potential bedbugs? Premethrin? Do I just wash it in NIX or something similar?
Hope you have a wonderful Camino!
Best - Heidi

Deleted member 3000 · Feb 15, 2015

You can wash or spray apply the permethrin. I have found that spraying is easiest.

HPalola · Feb 15, 2015

falcon269 said:
You can wash or spray apply the permethrin. I have found that spraying is easiest.

Thanks! Where do you find permethrin in spray form?

L Squared · Feb 15, 2015

HPalola said:
Thanks! Where do you find permethrin in spray form?

I just purchased a spray bottle of Permethrin from REI the other day. I'm guessing that may not be an option for you. Do you have any outdoor equipment stores,that sell tents, camping equipment, backpacks etc? I found the permethrin in the section that sold bug repellent and sunscreen. There were several brands.

Leadell · Jul 4, 2018

I do love the look of the tie-dyed sheets but I have to say that in the interest of easily searching for those nasty little bedbug companions, it's easier to do if your sheets are white or cream coloured. Just sayin'.

trecile · Jul 4, 2018

I've made a couple. I posted about my latest creation here. https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/my-sleep-sack-innovation.56387/

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Make your own sleep sack?

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