Insultex Insert with SnugFit?

[DannyBoy2k]

I have a Speer Snugfit that I'm using with my double layer WBBB and I was looking for an option to extend the range of the SnugFit if needed. Most of my camping will be at or above 30 F, the rating of the SnugFit, but if I'm out when the forecasted low temperature is right at that mark, I want to plan for slightly colder so I'm not surprised. I've caught a few posts regarding using an Insultex (IX) insert, but it wasn't clear to me exactly what I should expect out of it or the best way to use it.

My plan was to either put the IX insert between the layers of the WBBB or between the Snugfit and the WBBB. Would one of these be these best way to utilize the insert or would there be a better approach? Would this compress it to much to provide much insulation? Would it be better to just use a plastic bag as a vapor barrier for what I'm trying to do and skip the insert?

Realizing warmth can be somewhat subjective, what can I realistically expect out of a single IX insert? I'd like to be covered down to 20 F.

Thanks!

~Dan

[DannyBoy2k]

Friendly bump. Insultex inserts? Anyone? I know some have experimented with them.

~Dan

[TinaLouise]

I've just ordered some IX and will start my "testing" soon. I will be testing with a double layer BB. So no answers from me yet. I would guess though that putting the IX between the two BB layers may (???) not leave enough of an air gap for the IX to properly work. If you already have some IX, try it out and see how it works and post back here on what you find out.

TinaLouise

[DannyBoy2k]

Thanks, TinaLouise. No IX here yet. I was going to order the IX insert from Tree To Trail Gear, but was holding off for feedback here. I'm surprised MacEntyre hasn't chimed in on this one at all.

~Dan

[wildcrafter]

mac is on the road from the frozen butt hang in MN give him a few he will.

[Jazilla]

I am interested in thins also, Bump

[sandpiper]

I have used my IX insert and on a different occasion used my full length IX UQ from TTTG between my WBBB and Snugfit when the temps were in the teens. I just loosened the suspension on the Snugfit a tad to allow a little room for the insert and was quite warm. As a note, I was also using an overcover.

[mrmike65]

I recently tried a underpad made of three layers of Insultex with 1.1oz RSN shell overnight in 40* with 15-20 mph winds. The project is to create a vest that opens on the sides to layout as a 3/4 pad that I can slip between the layers of my double-layer hammock. As a vest, it keeps me warm. As a pad, it was bearable, but not comfortable. I feel that 50* would probably be the comfort zone for it now, but I have yet to try it. The two areas that I want to work on are finding a way to make the pad wider without making the vest look horrific; and finding a way to create airspace between the layers of Insultex without adding a lot of weight. The vest/pad now weighs 6 oz. I'm also thinking of trying a layer of mylar in there somewhere. Perhaps another 6" of width and a layer of mylar would do the trick. I'd like to get this to work for me down to 20* and weigh no more than 8oz. I am hopeful :D

[JohnSawyer]

I recently tried a underpad made of three layers of Insultex with 1.1oz RSN shell overnight in 40* with 15-20 mph winds. The project is to create a vest that opens on the sides to layout as a 3/4 pad that I can slip between the layers of my double-layer hammock. As a vest, it keeps me warm. As a pad, it was bearable, but not comfortable. I feel that 50* would probably be the comfort zone for it now, but I have yet to try it. The two areas that I want to work on are finding a way to make the pad wider without making the vest look horrific; and finding a way to create airspace between the layers of Insultex without adding a lot of weight. The vest/pad now weighs 6 oz. I'm also thinking of trying a layer of mylar in there somewhere. Perhaps another 6" of width and a layer of mylar would do the trick. I'd like to get this to work for me down to 20* and weigh no more than 8oz. I am hopeful :D

IX works best trapping some air between the layers. Using several layers as a pad is no better than an ultra-thin pad... Maybe you want a 4-layer vest you can open up into a 2-3 layer UQ. From what I've heard here, that 20-degrees is pushing IX for even 4 layers... others may chime in, though.

[mrmike65]

Thanks for the input. Looks like I'll be ordering more Insultex ;o)