Under Quilt and Top Quilt Question?

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06-07-2011, 16:41
traftonm

Under Quilt and Top Quilt Question?

I am planing top replace my sleeping bag with a top quilt and had a question. On out side of the quilt i was thinking of using Cuben Fiber and Sil Nylon on the inside or mabt Tefria. I was also going to redue my under quilt with the same, Cuben on the out side and Sil on the side agenst the Hammock. I know Sil does not breath, but if one sid does breath, does anyone see any problems with using the Cuben fiber?
06-07-2011, 16:57
Dblcorona

Cuben doesn't breath either. You can get some air flow through the sew holes if your sewing it. Might be kind of clammy against your skin. Tim at Enlightened Equipment makes quilts out of Cuben. Calls them vapor barrier quilts.
http://enlightenedequipment.webs.com/epiphanyk.htm
06-07-2011, 17:12
Take-a-knee

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dblcorona

Cuben doesn't breath either. You can get some air flow through the sew holes if your sewing it. Might be kind of clammy against your skin. Tim at Enlightened Equipment makes quilts out of Cuben. Calls them vapor barrier quilts.
http://enlightenedequipment.webs.com/epiphanyk.htm

Wrapping yourself in Saran Wrap would be a lot cheaper and about as comfortable.
06-07-2011, 17:22
nothermark

I don't see why you would do that. The same weight nylon without the silicone on the inside would weigh less. You do not want a vapor barrier there unless you are staying below 0 deg F all the time. If you are there are better answers like metalized mylar. Other than a bigger cost factor I'm not sure what the Cuben would do. Not a lot of weight in 4 sq yards of any light nylon cover. 4 yds is probably a high guess.
06-08-2011, 16:46
traftonm

Quote:

Originally Posted by nothermark

I don't see why you would do that. The same weight nylon without the silicone on the inside would weigh less. You do not want a vapor barrier there unless you are staying below 0 deg F all the time. If you are there are better answers like metalized mylar. Other than a bigger cost factor I'm not sure what the Cuben would do. Not a lot of weight in 4 sq yards of any light nylon cover. 4 yds is probably a high guess.

I would use uncopated on the inside, or the side agenst me. I hade some issues on my last hike with fog getting the under quilt damp.
My thinking is,
1. The side that is exposed to the eliments is water proof, or at least more water resestent.
2 The side agenst me is still breathable.
3. Amost three oz. lighter for each, top quilt and under quilt. 5.8 oz total.
4. I'm making them myself so the extra cost is still less then if I bought one.
06-08-2011, 17:05
packeagle

My concern would be in the fill being sandwiched between the moisture from your body and the VB. Your body will condensate and with a VB top layer it may be trapped in the down.
06-08-2011, 22:36
Knotty

As a general rule, vapor barriers, if used, are on the "warm" side of an insulation system. In other words, closest to your body. If you put them on the "cold" side, moisture from your body enters the insulation and then condenses as it cools getting trapped. I'd be hesitant to use a vapor barrier on even the warm side except for a system used in very cold weather.
06-09-2011, 08:44
traftonm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Knotty

As a general rule, vapor barriers, if used, are on the "warm" side of an insulation system. In other words, closest to your body. If you put them on the "cold" side, moisture from your body enters the insulation and then condenses as it cools getting trapped. I'd be hesitant to use a vapor barrier on even the warm side except for a system used in very cold weather.

Thanks for a constructive answer.
06-09-2011, 08:46
angrysparrow

If you haven't read it, this sticky thread about vapor barriers is helpful to understanding their use.