Howdy -
New guy here with a gear modification question.
I have a down filled, Gore Tex lined sleeping bag with a left side zipper. I would like to have a 'half length' zipper installed to the right side.

Would anyone know if this is feasible?
And, if so, could you recommend someone to do this?

Thanks much,
Ron

I have no idea about the construction, sewing etc of the bags and thus do not know if this is even possible, but I don't see see why not.

I would contact Down Works-- they may be able to offer some information and perhaps give you a quote.

http://www.downworks.com/

My first question would be: does the bag use continuous baffles (the kind that allow you to shift the down from top to bottom, and vice versa)? If so, it's probably not going to be easily feasible to modify: when you cut down the left side, you'll end up with open tubes and down everywhere (I'd guess.) You'd have to seal both of the now-open tubes, probably with fabric, before installing the zipper.

Also, not knowing how Gore-Tex seam-and-zipper connections are fabricated, you may end up with a leaky seam if you're not very, very careful.

At the very least, contact the manufacturer before you attempt this. They may be willing - and capable - of helping you a lot.

Hey, thanks for the quick replies!
ChrisFol -
I'm getting ready for work now, so I'll try to contact Down Works tomorrow about this. I'm having diffulty getting their E-mail address, so I'll probably have to bug them by phone. : )

Glenn -
The bag does not have continuous baffles.
It's a Western Mountaineering bag, so I'll try them also. (can't find their E-mail either for some reason!)

Thanks for your help!
Ron

I'm going to shinny out on this tree limb and speculate you'd be better selling the bag and replacing it with a bag that's zipped on your prefered side, unless, that is, you really want a bag with two zips.

A WM bag in very good condition will probably sell for 80% of its retail price.

Cheers,

Email address is: thedownworks@gmail.com

I assumed he wanted two zippers. If not, I'd agree that it would be better to sell the bag and get another that is zipped on the side you want.

Just got home from work & read the other responses.

ChrisFol -
Thank you for the Down Works E-mail address! I will contact them about this right away.

Rick & Glenn -
I just need a bag with a right side zipper. If it just isn't possible to have one installed on this bag, then I would try to sell it and get a new one. (probably from Down Works!)
BTW, this WM is like new, used maybe 4 times, and I would be happy to sell for half what I paid.

I sure appreciate the info & advice.
Talk to ya later.
Ron

Hey Guys -
Just a brief update on my progress with this.
I E-mailed Down Works and Nick said - "Sorry, we don't do this".

But, in the meantime I contacted Moosejaw and asked them if they knew of someone who might be able to handle this, and they referred me to 'Rainy Pass' in Seattle, WA.
I E-mailed them and they said that they could do it.

I checked out their web site (rainypass.com), and it looks like they do a lot of stuff with technical outdoor gear.

Sooo, I will be sending this bag out on Monday for the modification.

Talk to ya later,
Ron

Consider the cost. Will the cost of adding the second zipper and a draft tube (needed so you won't get cold) plus 2-way shipping be as much as 20% of the original cost of your bag? Since your WM bag is almost new, you should be able to sell it for 80% of what you paid for it, as mentioned above. It will be a bargain for somebody, and you can apply the cost to a new bag with right zipper.

Remember that adding a second zipper will add to the weight, and you'll need an extra draft tube, which will also add more weight.

Another possibility is for them to move the zipper from left to right; I suspect that might be comparable to installing a second zipper, but it wouldn't add to the weight of the bag.

Of course you could sew the bag's side first twice down the side BEFORE you cut it, then when you cut it to sew the zipper the padding won't come out.


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