Layering under quilts?

[MAD777]

I've embarked on a DIY program of making under quilts. I started with a lightweight one first, just in case things went poorly. But, that was not the case, everything came out fine.

However, I have quickly realized that producing an arsenal of quilts, dialed into different temperatures, would cost me more that the difference between what I owe on my house and what it's worth. Ah ... but that's a different story.

So, my question is, has anyone layered under quilts with success? Or are there hidden pit-falls with this seemingly simple solution. I just want to take a light weight quilt and a medium weight one, both with normal suspension systems, and hook each of them under the hammock.

This would allow me to avoid the expense of a heavy weight quilt. I realize though, there would be a weight penalty from packing extra layers of nylon and two suspension systems.

[sclittlefield]

So, my question is, has anyone layered under quilts with success? Or are there hidden pit-falls with this seemingly simple solution.

I've done this, and it does work. Here's one thing you'll need to be aware of. Each quilt either needs its own suspension when used together - or some other method - the extra quilt weight can weight the outer one down and produce gaps. Either beef up the suspension when doing both, and have a way to connect the two along the edges somehow, or utilize their independent suspensions.

I think doing it this way is ideal, as you end up with an integrated system that can be used for lots of different temp ranges.

[JerryW]

I've done this and it worked well for me. You just need to be careful not to compress the insulation in the inner quilt when you hang the outer one. Aside from the slight weight(and pack volume) penalty you mention, I don't see a big downside.


Jerry

[MAD777]

Glad to hear that layering under quilts will work! Thank you for the helpful hints to make it successful.

This has me thinking about the top quilts, too. I've layered those in the past but, have always fought with keeping them from sliding around, off of each other. A few strips of omni-tape (Jacks R Better) along the side hems of both quilts should take care of that problem, too!

[MacEntyre]

I made a Nested MacKAQ last year, and the IX UQs (more) are nested.

The Speer Top Blanket is designed to be nested inside a SnugFit or a PeaPod.

I've put all kinds of layers inside my insulated hamock sock.

I like layers!

- MacEntyre

[BrianWillan]

Don't forget the option of layering with Insultex. Adding a couple layers of IX to a light weight quilt is reported to really boost the temperature rating of an under quilt.

Cheers

Brian

[sclittlefield]

Don't forget the option of layering with Insultex. Adding a couple layers of IX to a light weight quilt is reported to really boost the temperature rating of an under quilt.

Cheers

Brian

This is the system I'm using now. An IX overcover to my 3oz climashield top quilt - was warm in the low 20's.

Super effective.

[wisenber]

This is the system I'm using now. An IX overcover to my 3oz climashield top quilt - was warm in the low 20's.

Super effective.

Humor the uneducated, about what rating would the 3 oz climashield have on it's own. How is your IX overcover rigged?

Thx

[sclittlefield]

Humor the uneducated, about what rating would the 3 oz climashield have on it's own. How is your IX overcover rigged?

Thx

First off, this is with a top quilt, not under quilt. I have, however made the same thing with an under quilt. The IX overcover for my UQ (only 1layer IX) is just a rectangle, cinched at the ends like a reg. quilt, and attaches to the suspension of the climashield quilt. I think it would need multiple layers of IX to work effectively to the 20's. I was cool, not cold, using it alone. Had to supplement about midnight.

The top quilt worked fantastically, with no need to supplement.

A 3oz climashield quilt by itself should be good to 45-50*. More if you use proper clothing.

Here are a few pics. The IX overcover is basically the same design as the quilt, made just slightly smaller (causes the quilt to go into a "forced fluff"). IX overcover has two layers of insultex (IX). Overcover can be snapped to the quilt, along the edges.
TQ-IX 6.jpg TQ-IX 4.jpg

This thread discusses it extensively.

[HappyCamper]

I've layered with a full size quilt up against bottom of hammock and then added a 2/3 underquilt. Each had own supension. Worked very well.