Humidity and underquilts?

[Lebreton]

Using an underquilt for the first time this weekend (CDT UQ) and we are expecting 100% chance of rain. Chances are it will be a misty humid rain all weekend, will the UQ be effected? Can the humidity soak the UQ to the point of it not working?

Thanks

George

[leiavoia]

I have had a CDT quilt out in foggy PNW coastal rainforest areas and it seamed to do fine at 35*F (with two blankets stacked). I can't comment about multi-day trips in those conditions.

CDTs are not water resistant however. Don't you dare spill your coffee or you'll be ruined. Also take reasonable measures to avoid splashback from rain if you have a small tarp and the area is muddy. For me i just pitch hammock higher if i'm expecting rain.

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[Lebreton]

Thanks, it is only 3 nights, I have a superfly so not really worried about splashback.

[Peppy]

Maybe not this trip, but an underquilts protector is an amazing piece of gear when it comes to windy or wet conditions!

[dakotaross]

You'll see some water form on the outside of the quilt, but that's where it will stay for the most part. It doesn't travel into the down. Humidity doesn't, but certainly splash can.

Its your own moisture you need to be concerned with. In humid conditions, which are typically warmer, you have less of the temperature and humidity differential properties that pull the moisture through the quilt with minimal residual left inside the quilt. I've mentioned this on a few threads to the bane of some, so take what I'm saying with a grain of salt... but wear minimal clothing so that the volume of air in the quilt can get as warm as possible and you should be fine. Clothes may absorb some of the moisture, but they will also insulate the quilt from your heat engine. You can also try a vapor barrier.

[Lebreton]

I plan on getting an UQ protector as the Texas gulf coast can be a damp place.

Temps will be in the 40's at night so not worried about me being too hot

[dakotaross]

...Temps will be in the 40's at night so not worried about me being too hot

Wasn't sure if this response was to me, so just making sure you know I'm not talking about sweating. Well, I am, but not the typical hot sweat, but normal perspiration vapor that your body routinely puts out. But indeed, hot sweat only makes it worse.

[IcyThunder]

When I first got into quilts I was afraid of humidity and went with Apex insulation. I've since switched over to down quilts and have no issues in humid Maryland summers. My trips have been 3-nights max, though, so I can't speak for long term in those conditions. I use an UQP if it's raining and make sure I have good tarp coverage.

[Lebreton]

Well 2 days 3 nights of misty rain and I had no issues. Quilts worked fine