IX insulated hammock sock

[MacEntyre]

It was my understanding that IX does not work well when you're in contact with it - rather it requires an approx 1/2"-1" of air space.

I'm not sure that is true. When I have worn my IX vest and sleeves, the IX has been very close to my skin, with only a tee shirt between us. I was warm, and did not notice the IX was there.

However, in an UQ the IX has not done well for me where there is the possibility of drafts getting into the UQ, and cooling both sides of the IX.

Looks like it being used as the outer layer of an insulation system is ideal, but maybe not inner

The best performance I've seen with IX has been as the outer layer of the PeaPod, in the IX insulated hammock sock. But I've also been pleased with the IX inside the PeaPod. MrPrez and Wisenber have been disappointed with IX inside the UQ.

(at least, not inner without the outer in place as well - having both may be superb!).

Now you are onto something...

Has anyone tried an under/over quilt like this? Ripstop-IX-climashield/primaloft-IX-Ripstop. I think that sounds like your IX/Wiggy's Thing quilts, Mac.

Yes, and they are very warm quilts. When you fold one up, so the IX encloses the Lamilite, you can sit on ice and not know it.

The thing to keep in mind is that Insultex doesn't conform to the thing it is insulating. A down blanket naturally falls right around you, but IX is a sheet of polyethylene plastic. You have to suspend it, or weight it, or otherwise give it the structure that it lacks.

- MacEntyre

[MacEntyre]

The Insulated Hammock Sock worked so well last weekend, I'm going to use it at Mt Rogers with an IX UQ. I'm going to raise the insulated portion just a bit, and lengthen the overhang. The dory shape fits the hammock very well.

...thinking about offering a Molly Mac IX Hammock Sock, with one, two or three layers of IX.

[salmonofdoubt]

Mac, since right now you probably have the most experience with using the IX, do you think you could give approximate temperature ratings for the IX? ie: one layer=(x) degrees, two layers=(y) degrees, ect.

I am hoping that eventually I, or someone else, can make up a table with different applications of IX and the corresponding temperature ratings, but right now I just need a starting point for my own experiments.

[MacEntyre]

...do you think you could give approximate temperature ratings for the IX? ie: one layer=(x) degrees, two layers=(y) degrees, ect.

That's tough... I've been reluctant to use just one layer, or even three. I usually had five layers of it under me!

For now, I would work on the following, which may not be correct:

1) achieve an excellent fit and no air leaks
2) one layer is good down to 40*F
3) two layers is good down to 32*F
4) three layers is good down to 20*F
5) four layers is good down to 15*F

In any case, adding one layer to each of the steps above will not make you uncomfortable.

Let's keep this between us until we can refine it, eh?

- MacEntyre

[Tedinski]

Between you, salmonofdoubt, me, and Google. XD

[salmonofdoubt]

Let's keep this between us until we can refine it, eh?

- MacEntyre

Sure thing.

Thanks, that gives me a good place to start.

[Harpo63]

Mac, Those 5 layers you typically use... thats Ix alone, no other insulation (except the shell material)?

[MacEntyre]

Mac, Those 5 layers you typically use... thats Ix alone, no other insulation (except the shell material)?

That's correct. 5 layers of IX works for a broad temp range, from 45*F to well below freezing.

The IX Hammock Sock has been most useful because it fits so well, and will accommodate additional IX layers. I just need to do more testing with fewer layers!

Another secret: a Thermarest pad inside the Insulated Hammock Sock, on top of several layers of IX, works very well!

[tbone]

So did you have positive results with you ix sock at the hang ?
I didn`t make it out into the woods but I was hanging in the yard today reading a book. I folded the 5 yards of IX up into a roughly 3`x 5` pad and stuffed it and a therma rest ridgerest in the sleeve of a WBBD . Using the black bag from the military modular sleep system as a TQ I was quite warm in the 20 something weather today. Of course it may be a different picture if I were to sleep like that for several hours with the sun down.

[MacEntyre]

So did you have positive results with you ix sock at the hang ?

I was well insulated on Friday night in 20*F with the following:

4 yards IX stuffed loosely into the sock, from my chest to my feet, a la Garlington
Frog Sac summer weight quilt
me
hammock
2 separate IX quilts, 1 layer each, spread out with overlap
3 separate IX sit pads, 1 layer each, spread out with overlap
5 layer IX/1 layer lamilite pad right down the middle
1 layer IX hammock sock

Then I borrowed a Snugfit, and moved the 2 IX quilts above me. The next two nights I was overheated!

- MacEntyre