DIY Synthetic Insulation UnderQuilt

[O-Boy]

I'm not only new to hammocks, but I want to try and make my own UQ. Besides Climate Shield, what are some of the other Synthetic Insulations and how do I calculate the insulating value? Example, if the synthetic is 6oz/sq yd, what would the temperature rating range be?

Second question, Should the synthetic insulation be baffled or just attached by the outside hem of the UQ?

My easiest idea is to hang a foam pad in a "pillow case-like" bag under my hammock so I'm not adjusting or falling off of it when in use. Does this work or am I better off with the pad inside the hammock?

Thoughts and comments greatly appreciated.

[jesse]

this thread has lots of good info
http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...ad.php?t=43603

[wisenber]

My easiest idea is to hang a foam pad in a "pillow case-like" bag under my hammock so I'm not adjusting or falling off of it when in use. Does this work or am I better off with the pad inside the hammock?

Thoughts and comments greatly appreciated.

Keep the pad in your hammock. Suspending one from underneath will most likely result in some most unwelcome air gaps and drafts.

[futbolfreak08]

I think other than climashield your 2 best options for synthetics would be either primaloft or insultex. Personally I like primaloft. Not sure about conversions for IX but I'm pretty sure that for primaloft sport you take the oz/sq yard and multiply by 5 then subtract that from 55 degrees. (ie. 6oz primaloft 6x5=30, 55-30=25. So 6oz/sq yard should be adequate for about 25-30 degrees depending on if you sleep hot or cold). The need for baffles will depend on which insulation you go with. Climashield and IX should be fine to just sew the perimeter. Primaloft sport lasts longer if it is quilted. Or you can also buy loose primaloft that would need to be stuffed into baffles like down. Which you should choose really depends on your needs. Primaloft compresses a little better but weighs a little more than climashield. It is also a little cheaper. Not sure about IX but I don't think it compresses well at all. Ultimately it just depends on what your looking for. Eric at cwhammocks.com has a set of tutorial videos on how to make a climashield uq and diygearsupply has written instruction on how to make a 35 degree IX uq. You can do a primaloft sport uq following Eric's steps for climashield you would just need to add quilting loops when you finish. Hope this helps.

[O-Boy]

Thanks to those who replied. I have watched Chickenwing's videos and that's what got me thinking about a Synthetic UQ. However, after posting yesterday, I was discussing with a friend of my about needing sewing lessons. She introduced me to a neighbor who is a professional custom semstress who is going to help me with anything I need. How sweet is that?!!
So now I'll be getting both a down UQ and TQ, and who knows what else.

Thanks again guys.