View Full Version : Sleeping Bag Modification
Has anyone ever modified an existing sleeping bag zipper by making it longer?
I currently have a Marmot Helium bag that is pretty nice with the exception of the short zipper, it only goes down to my waist. This limits it temperature range significantly, wish I would have bought a bag with a full length zipper instead.
A friend of mine suggested having someone sew a longer zipper on the Helium instead of buying a new one, but I'm not so sure it would work. I'm worried about the outer shell (pertex?)being able to sew to the new zipper and also the down going everywhere once the bag is cut open.
As much as I like buying new gear, it would be nice to save some cash. Next adventure is a PCT thru.
Thanks,
D-Wreck
I've sewn in zippers, but I've not cut one into a down bag. I'd think you'd want to over-sew the baffles before slicing - to prevent down loss, but you might also end up needing some of the shell material to re-create the draft tube or at least a draft-stopper flap of come sort. If you don't already have scraps lying around, I might suggest giving in to your new gear tendencies and get the bag of your dreams. You may be able to recover some of your initial investment by selling the short-zip unit, or hiking with someone short :-). YMMV, HYOH. Ranc0r .
What, your lafuma crap bag won't work on the PCT either?:D
I wouldn't risk ruining that bag. Its not everyday that you come across a Helium at the price that you paid for yours.
I might have brought the Lafuma with me if only it was more flammable. Still trying to figure out what to do with that piece of junk. Maybe the geese will take it back?
No scraps laying around, but I think I might hear the sweet song of western mountaineering calling me...
:banana
Update: I recently moved to Seattle and found out that Rainy Pass Repair is just a few blocks away. The seem to have a great reputation for gear repair, so I went in and talked to the kind folks there.
They quoted me $80 to put in a full length zipper and $30 or so to extend the draft tube. I was impressed just by talking to them, can't wait to see how it turns out. Will update with results.
I got my bag back a few days ago, everything looks great. I can now use it as blanket, greatly increasing its usability. I'm very happy with the work done at Rainy Pass Repair, highly recommended.
I don't know if this is any help to anyone; kind of silly to buy a $$$ bag and spend more money on it when I should have just gotten what I wanted in the first place. But then again, REI does have some amazing sales that suspend judgement ($160 a few years ago for the Helium Long, brand new).
boarstone
02-28-2009, 19:45
Hey D-Wreck, have faith. If you can find a sewing shop, adding a longer zipper is/should be doable. I do sewing and mess with my gear all the time. I too have a "on sale-for-a-reason" bag w/hip length zipper. I'll replace it with a longer one, not necessarily a full length to around the end. Understand how the zipper is installed...a seam the width of the ribbon of the zipper is made first, zipper laid on, pinned, sewed with zipper foot. So it's not going to be "torn" apart and stuffing go everywhere. Providing your tailor knows what he/she is doing. Now the seam when it's sewn is made using a LONG stitch so it will be easy to remove after installation of zipper.