TQ Material Questions

There is a lot of information out there but some of it seems conflicting. So I'm looking for definitive answers before I jump into making my own down topquilt. Currently, I use a synthetic bag for a topquilt. It's heavy and bulky, but there have a been a few times dealing with condensation/moisture that I was grateful that I had synthetic so it makes me nervous jumping over to down.

So my questions surround what type of coating/materials should I use to best avoid moisture issues. On one hand, if I'm thinking only about sweat, I'd think I'd want DWR on the bottom layer (by me) and non-coated breathable on top. On the other hand, to prevent moisture from my breath and condensation from getting in I'm thinking I'd want DWR on top but this limits the quilts ability to breath and let my sweat escape.

What is the final consensus? DWR on top/bottom? DWR only on bottom? Neither?

If it helps, I generally don't seem to have problems with moisture/condensation build up from my breath until it gets really cold. Right around the teens F, my bag starts getting wet around my face where my breath builds up on the material. I also have a tendency to want to pull the bag over my head a bit while sleeping which only exaggerates the problem. I do some winter camping and see temps in the teens often enough to be concerned with it.

On another thought, I've debated adding a section of light fleece at the head end that 'hopefully' would capture moisture from my breath. Seems like I've seen that on some manufacturers quilt and it looked like a good idea. Any thoughts on if that's functional? I've thought about only attaching the fleece at one edge so it could flop over my head.

scum

Also, is Tulle good enough to use for the baffling and is it lighter than using nanoseeum or noseeum neeting?

Thanks!

I would go with DWR coating on all sides of the quilt. But I would not use waterproof nylon.

The fleece idea is used by Shug as a neck bib. He attaches the bib to his ridgeline with shock cord, I believe.

Being a gram weemie, I made a top quilt using JoAnn's Fashion Tulle for the baffles. I would NOT do it again. I really have to baby that quilt when stuffing it. (I've heard a fee ripping sounds).

Wilderness Logics I believe use fleece on the head end of their top quilts. A lot of people, especially the ULers, like to use M50 (although some might be starting to switch nobull to shave a few more grams) for their DIYed quilts. It's lightweight, breathable, and has a DWR finish to it. Realisticly any calendaered fabric should be down proof. If unsure check the material description online or make a small down pillow out of it first to see it retains teh down. As for baffles, I'd go with na/noseeum. You really have to be careful with tulle as it is pretty fragile stuff. :cool:

If a quilt or SB is going to be used much, why not sew-on some small English-made snaps, eg ( http://www.etsy.com/listing/10551962...FUxxQgodDCgA2w )and make up a bib with the mates for the neck opening?

Yes, these are rust-proof, and better for this purpose than hook and loop (eg Velcro).

Thanks for the feedback guys. It's appreciated.

So, I'll jump in with dwr on both sides, na/noseeum for baffles and fleece moisture catching device (either Shug or WL method).

Does anyone have any experience using the Impetus 1.0 material from diygear? Says it's dwr and downproof. Just curious if it's better than nylon or the m50. Worth the extra cost over regular ripstop? I'm weight conscious but am also very cheap :)