Overstuffing

[Pope686]

how do you calculate the % of overstuff to use

was thinking of use a 2" baffle but Im looking to get a 3" loft

[Running Feather]

how do you calculate the % of overstuff to use

was thinking of use a 2" baffle but Im looking to get a 3" loft

There is a chart on this page for figuring loft http://thru-hiker.com/projects/down_quilt.php, but not overstuff.

I'd be interested to see the replies. I do know that too much overstuff will 'pack the down' and you lose instead of gaining the benefit of the down's airspace.

[Ramblinrev]

IMO I would not count on overstuffing to obtain more loft. You could end up with places on the quilt which are thinner than your desired loft. That could present colder spots. If you used offset baffles (Z baffles) it might be more successful. Even so.. I would plan for the desired loft in the baffles and let the overstuffing provide a little more protection. Important caveat: I am not a designer. So if one of the quilt gurus says I am wrong, listen to them instead of me.

[nacra533]

I agree with Rev. I'm not a quilt designer, but have built several. If I wanted 3 inch loft, I would use 3" baffles. Anything above that is a bonus.

Heavy overstuffing is just adding weight (and $$) and not allowing the down to fully loft. In the quilts I made, I overstuffed about 10-15% to cover any rounding errors in calculation and inconsistencies in seam allowances and sewing.

[Just Jeff]

Using 3" baffles for 3" loft means you'll have some extra space in the chambers b/c the quilt changes shape (the baffles don't stay shaped like a rectangle when it's draped over you), down loses some loft over time (when it gets moist/dirty on the trail), etc. I'd calculate a 10-15% overstuff. It may not add a full inch of additional loft, but it will make sure you don't have any thinner spots in your chambers.

If you use only the number you get with the LxWxH calculation, I don't think you'll be satisfied.

But the posts above are correct - if you want a consistent 3" loft, the 2" baffles will constrain the loft to 2" at the baffle seams. So you'll need to decide if you want ~3" loft in the chambers with 2" at the baffles, or 3" at the baffles with slightly more in the chambers.

[Lonely Raven]

Using 3" baffles for 3" loft means you'll have some extra space in the chambers b/c the quilt changes shape (the baffles don't stay shaped like a rectangle when it's draped over you), down loses some loft over time (when it gets moist/dirty on the trail), etc. I'd calculate a 10-15% overstuff. It may not add a full inch of additional loft, but it will make sure you don't have any thinner spots in your chambers.

If you use only the number you get with the LxWxH calculation, I don't think you'll be satisfied.

But the posts above are correct - if you want a consistent 3" loft, the 2" baffles will constrain the loft to 2" at the baffle seams. So you'll need to decide if you want ~3" loft in the chambers with 2" at the baffles, or 3" at the baffles with slightly more in the chambers.

Go big or go home!

[Pope686]

thanks to everyone

hey jeff I'm also adding a 1" to each baffle for the Differential do you still think 15% would be best

[G.L.P.]

thanks to everyone

hey jeff I'm also adding a 1" to each baffle for the Differential do you still think 15% would be best

2 inch baffles with 1 inch diff cut should get you your 3 inch of loft with the right amount to down
the LxWxH/Fill power is just a good starting point ...i use it all the time
but it's only a starting point ...from there add in you overstuff

don't forget to add an extra inch to the outside chambers ....when you go to sew the ends you want that extra inch to make up for the space needed
if not your 2 end or side chambers will be smaller then the rest

[Just Jeff]

What do you mean by adding an inch to each baffle?

You should add inches to the outer shell, and this will allow the loft to remain in the UQ when the inner shell is snugged to the hammock. Is this what you're talking about? (as in GLP's post above)

Or you can shape your baffles...cut them like a U instead of a big rectangle. This will help them shape to the hammock so it's easier to get a snug fit.

Regardless, the LxWxH is only a starting point, as GLP says. You may get by with less overstuff if your quilt is shaped, but I'd still plan on an overstuff. How much just depends on your specific design and what you want out of your quilt...which I don't have enough detail to answer. You'll probably want an opinion from one of HF's real quilt-makers, too...rather than just the amateurs who have been answering so far!

[Pope686]

that was what i was talking about jeff thanks

I was just getting ready to make one then i sat down and did the pricing for everything and its only $40 off from the price that stormcrow has so I think Im going to just order one from him

but really thanks to all that helped