Author Topic: Modifying an Alpkit Hunker  (Read 2686 times)

gunwharfman

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Modifying an Alpkit Hunker
« on: 12:46:46, 17/12/19 »
I bought an Alpkit Hunker a few years ago and have hardly used it. I'm planning to take it on my La Palma hike in January so I practised with it yesterday. Its drawback then and now is that because its just a large tube of material and I personally find it difficult to wiggle into and wiggle out of. I tried a couple of techniques to improve this but failed.

The solution for me, if it could be achieved, would be to fit a 3/4 zip down one side and this would make in and out access so much easier. My Snugpack Stratosphere bivi has a 3/4 zip and this works very well. If you are a Hunker owner have you ever tried this and if so did it work?

I ask because I know if I start modifying it myself I'll only make matters worse so I want to be cautious before I attempt anything.

ninthace

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Re: Modifying an Alpkit Hunker
« Reply #1 on: 14:13:26, 17/12/19 »
Two problems I foresee from looking at pictures of the bag.  The zip would compromise the water resistance unless you fitted a specialist zip.  How do you get the zip past the hood draw cord or do you intend to enter and leave through the side and slide up to the hood?
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gunwharfman

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Re: Modifying an Alpkit Hunker
« Reply #2 on: 15:07:38, 17/12/19 »
Yes, the zip is the weak point, on my Strosphere the zip length is covered by a waterproof flap. If I sewed an ordinary zip to the Hunker that would create I'm sure a long water leak area. I'm not intending to involve the hood at all, it's useful but it's not that useful in the rain. I relied on my tarp to keep my head and torso dry and to store my rucksack and boots, this worked well when I used it in the rain. I'm seeking advice from a lady that has a reputation of being skilled in zip matters. I've never bought a 'waterproof' zipped item before, do they actually work?

Another issue for me is that once inside, if I need to get out quickly, I find that a very difficult thing to do. I'm lying on the material and to get out I have to wiggle around, first raise my back, then push the material above and below me towards my bottom, then raise my bottom and continue to push the material down towards my legs. It's only then that I can get out. Having a zipped area would transform it for the better.

ninthace

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Re: Modifying an Alpkit Hunker
« Reply #3 on: 15:22:45, 17/12/19 »
I've never bought a 'waterproof' zipped item before, do they actually work?

I can vouch for the zip on an immersion suit but it may be a bit dear and a bit lumpy.  Of course, you could just sleep in an immersion suit, that way you would have no mobility problems but going for a wee small hours micturation might be an issue.  They are nice and warm with a woolly bear worn underneath. https://www.hammond-drysuits.co.uk/crewsaver-undersuit.html
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jimbob

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Re: Modifying an Alpkit Hunker
« Reply #4 on: 16:23:09, 17/12/19 »
Profabrics sell waterproof zips. Use polyester thread, you can buy waxed thread which may self seal the stitch holes or you can use waterproofing seam sealer (Silnet) or tape. ( again from Profabrics). Good luck with the hood.


Too little, too late, too bad......

ninthace

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Re: Modifying an Alpkit Hunker
« Reply #5 on: 16:59:08, 17/12/19 »
Amazon have waterproof zips too.
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Ridge

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Re: Modifying an Alpkit Hunker
« Reply #6 on: 17:08:38, 17/12/19 »
There looks to be off centre seams, think dentist's tunic. If the zip goes in to one of those then you could sew the drawstring at that point and then still use the hood.
It is much easier to put the zip in a seam rather than launching in to the middle of the fabric, though if they are waterproofed sealed seams possibly not much better.
How far down do you want the zip to come and how much of you is under the tarp? It may be that you don't need a waterproof zip at all.

Pitboot

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richardh1905

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Re: Modifying an Alpkit Hunker
« Reply #8 on: 18:42:39, 17/12/19 »
I've never bought a 'waterproof' zipped item before, do they actually work?

Yes - my Lhotse jacket has YKK AquaGuard zips and they are absolutely watertight - withstood almost daily use through 4 Orkney winters - and you can imagine what the driving rain is like there!
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Skippy 2019

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Re: Modifying an Alpkit Hunker
« Reply #9 on: 16:21:20, 19/12/19 »
Sell the Hunka,
get one
Snugpak SF Bivvy bag.


 
No way! Not in the same league. From someone who bivvies all year.

jimbob

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Re: Modifying an Alpkit Hunker
« Reply #10 on: 17:41:57, 19/12/19 »
My walking acquired mate has  three bivi sacks, forces, snugpack and Hunka XL. He swears by the Hunka for when it is forecast to be really wet weather. So much so that the only thing putting me off one is, as per GWM, lack of zips to make a quick exit when nature screams at me at around 3 a. m.  :-[
Too little, too late, too bad......

richardh1905

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Re: Modifying an Alpkit Hunker
« Reply #11 on: 17:45:10, 19/12/19 »
Use a bottle :D
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jimbob

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Re: Modifying an Alpkit Hunker
« Reply #12 on: 17:54:52, 19/12/19 »
Use a bottle :D
  can hardly get my size 12s into a bottle...... 😂😜😜😜Boom, boom
Too little, too late, too bad......

gunwharfman

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Re: Modifying an Alpkit Hunker
« Reply #13 on: 19:59:20, 19/12/19 »
Don't use a bottle, use a Uriwell! The best bit of kit I own, no more having to get out of my tent in the dark and wet, no more having to stroll across the grass to get to the toilet block and its lightweight as well.

jimbob

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Re: Modifying an Alpkit Hunker
« Reply #14 on: 20:39:23, 19/12/19 »
Serious head on now.

Have you heard of URIBAG. They are really small and practical.Google them. I do carry one for when I do risk the odd night out.



Too little, too late, too bad......

 

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