I'm working on my first DIY down UQ. It 78" long with 11, 2" differential (5"/4.25") baffles and 10 .375" pleats that add 7.5" to the length of the outer shell. I used a modified version of the UQ calculator to work out the dimensions and volume. I treated each pleat like a wedge to approximate its volume. It winds up adding about 5% to the total. At +25% I wound up at 1.33 oz/baffle.
I got it all marked, cut, marked and sewn and sewn and sewn without much trouble. My 850fp down came from Wilderness Logics on Monday so last evening I filled it. I put a whole bag in each chamber and then added 1/3 of a bag to each and rolled it shut and pinned it. Mostly, it looks great but I kind of expected to want to fill out a bit more at +25% than it does and I'm concerned perhaps actually need more down.
How do you determine when you have enough down? Does 1.33 oz sound about right for something of this size?
Any input is appreciated.
IMG_1999.jpg
Bookmarks