What are the big negatives regarding using the locally available insulation (from JoAnn's for example) versus the camping specific brands touted here??
I'm thinking of throwing together a test underquilt to see how it works.
What are the big negatives regarding using the locally available insulation (from JoAnn's for example) versus the camping specific brands touted here??
I'm thinking of throwing together a test underquilt to see how it works.
grinder
One of my first DIY projects was an UQ with poly. It worked due to enthusiasm only.
Doesn't compress well. Not a good insulator.
I pulled it out yesterday to make sure it was in shape as a loner, and promptly PM'd the lonee to let him know it had disintegrated of it's own volition
Spend a few bucks and get some Primaloft, IX, or hunt down some down at local thrift stores.
Stormcrow has some kick-*** down CHEAP.
2015 John Rock Spreadsheet.
"If you find yourself in a hole, the first thing you should do is STOP DIGGING "
What Running Feather said.
The biggest negative I found with the JoAnn's or Walmart poly insulation was the weight. It's relatively heavy compared to the Climashield I usually use.
I made a test underquilt with the Walmart stuff, and it worked okay, but it was bulkier and heavier than a comparable one I made from Climashield. I can't speak for the long-term durability as I like the lighter weight UQ.
Jerry
The "Search" function is your friend!
And, depending on your viewpoint, the price isn't really that different. For a small piece in the 48"x60" range, if you skip two days of lunch out, you've made up the difference. Another two will make up the postage. Done. - and with the good stuff.
Jbo
topic revisited.
I finally bit the bullet and went for a down UQ. the down for 2 1/2 to 3 inches of loft cost about $80 and I had the other material required.
the sewing involved was a lot harder but I got brave and just did it and it came out well. See report in DIY.
I backpack, so storage space in pack is a major factor. Nothing packs smaller than down.
grinder
I made my first real winter UQ with some stuff I got from JoAnne's (can't remember the particular type). It was kind of a 1.5 layer UQ. The whole quilt had 1 layer, but where I lay, on the diagonal, I put 2 layers. I also put a cheap space blanket on the inside. It got me down to 5F alive. I'd rate it as a 10F or 15F UQ.
So, it can be done. The downsides are compressibility (mine compresses down to about a 15" diameter bundle, 18" or 20" long) and weight (it's loaned out right now, but I want to say it's about 3 lbs.).
PF
It's better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.
Formerly known as Acercanto, my trail name is MacGuyver to some, and Pucker Factor to others.
It's not procrastinating, its proactively delaying the implementation of the energy-intensive phase of the project until the enthusiasm factor is at its maximum effectiveness. - Randy Glasbergen
As you start to work on these projects, you'll quickly find your biggest investment is your time.
KAQ style goes together pretty quick, but still a lot of time measuring, cutting, and generally crawling around on the floor. It's much nicer to finish the project and know you have constructed a quality piece of gear vs. a test piece of gear that is iffy as a loaner.
If you go with down, I think anything in the 800fp range is close enough to "top of the line", even though 900fp is popular and available. To me, it's diminishing returns above 800.
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