Silk for a top quilt

**Dutch** · 06-20-2010, 16:53

I don't care for nylon against my skin if I am sweaty. I was wondering about using silk for the inside lining for a TQ. Is it down proof? What does it typically weigh?

**Sweeper** · 06-20-2010, 17:10

I made a TQ years ago from some silk that I brought back from Hong Kong for my wife. I can tell you that it's really heavy in comparison to other options. I also really annoyed my wife as well - she just reclaimed the silk from my gear closet to use for a new silk shirt!

I don't know this for a fact, but I also suspect it's not down-proof. JMO.

Sweeper

WV · 06-20-2010, 17:26

People sell silk comforters. Downproofness probably depends on the weave. HF members have posted about silk hammocks. I don't recall anyone saying they were heavier than ripstop.

**G.L.P.** · 06-20-2010, 18:00

don't let him fool you...Dutch doesn't sweat....sweat runs from Dutch

i think the only way to find out D-man is to get some silk and make a TQ

**KerMegan** · 06-22-2010, 08:46

ohh, silk (habotai) envelope around an IX top quilt? that would be wicked light!

**TinaLouise** · 08-09-2010, 07:39

Originally Posted by Dutch

I don't care for nylon against my skin if I am sweaty. I was wondering about using silk for the inside lining for a TQ. Is it down proof? What does it typically weigh?

I too found my top quilts to have a slightly clammy feel to them, especially in the hot/humid conditions that I normally camp in. Even in winter here, it's cold/humid. What I did was buy some of the silk habotai 8mm fabric from here

http://www.dharmatrading.com/fabric/silk/habotai.html

and I hand sewed a piece to the bottom side (the side that's next to me) on my TQ's. I also made the "sheet" longer so it extended over my face. I use this "extra" material to cover my face or to keep my shoulders warm. Plus any moisture from my breathing during the night transfers to this material. I found that the silk keeps me warmer and dryer and if it is damp in the morning, it drys super fast.
Oh, as a side note, I don't think this material is down proof, it's way to thin. I also made myself a dedicated silk sheet for use when my TQ was to warm. For this I used two layers of the 8mm habotai, sewed together around the edges. This has worked out better than I thought it would, just enough over me to satisfly my need to have a top cover but adds just about no more heat in my hammock. I'd go weigh it for you, but I keep it rolled up inside my hammock.