Questions on ultralight outer shells for topquilts

[cmoulder]

Do you find the 7D any nicer “feeling” than some of the 10D options?

For me, not really... the drape is about the same. But boy-oh-boy a 7D with 950fp down really scrunches down very small, altho 10D is no slouch! It's just that "Ultralight" keeps pushing the limits.

[Codea1991]

I don’t think I’d go for the weight savings of 7d at a cost to the durability. I love the 10d fabric as both an inner and outer shell material. No need to go further. I make all my own quilts and I’ve always used membrane 10 on inner and outer with 900fp hyperdry down.

[MAD777]

I know many LD hikers who use home made wind shells with Thru-hikers Momemtum-50 and have been for years.
http://thru-hiker.com/materials/breathable.php

No offense to Dutch or Kyle... but AYCE has been selling fabric for much longer and guys like Joe, Tim, and even Arrowhead's Paul were at BPL a decade ago using this generic Pertex fabric for UL shell material long before hammocks were even a 'thing' really. M50 was the standard for UL homemade gear.

So .67 shells may seem a bit extreme to some here, but they have a 10-15 year history of use in the backpacking world.

I agree with Bill, as I have DIY gear using those lightest of fabrics and they are still serving me well after more than a decade of use. Before hammocks I was squeezing every gram. I learned all my DIY tricks from the BPL guys.

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[cmoulder]

I don’t think I’d go for the weight savings of 7d at a cost to the durability. I love the 10d fabric as both an inner and outer shell material. No need to go further. I make all my own quilts and I’ve always used membrane 10 on inner and outer with 900fp hyperdry down.

Having used mine a bit, I wouldn't hesitate to go 7D again. Durability was never an issue when I was tenting and it is even less so now that I'm hanging.

[Codea1991]

Having used mine a bit, I wouldn't hesitate to go 7D again. Durability was never an issue when I was tenting and it is even less so now that I'm hanging.

I appreciate the insights Cmoulder! I'll have to check it out!