Apex underquilt temp question

[sydneywizard]

I'm planning to make my own Climashield Apex 6.0oz underquilt pretty soon and I'm hoping to tap into the collective knowledge bank here. The temperature rating I'm after is around 0 C (32 F). The question I've got is, how many layers of Apex will I need?

Research I've done has indicated anything from 1-3 layers, but I'm thinking that surely 1 layer can't be enough.

Thanks in advance.

[Ratdog]

We have used Apex 6 down into the 20's (F) without issue. That includes 8-12 yr old children. All were toasty warm. I expect the 6.0 Apex is good for significantly lower temps but we have not had an opportunity to test at those temps just yet.

[xxl_hanger]

AHE 3 Seasons TQ and UQ are made with 6oz/sqyd (=200g/sqm) Climashield Apex.

CLO-value for 6oz Climashield = 0.024 x 200g = 4.8
21.1 - (((4.8 - 1)/0.1) * 0.8 = -9.3°C
-9.3 * 1.8 + 32 = 15.26°F

I would prefer to make a 2 x 3oz DL instead of a 6oz SL.

(Note for European users: Climashield Apex is available from Extremtextil again - besides Primaloft silver/gold or downs!)

[Ratdog]

why would you prefer 2x3oz versus 6oz single layer?

[xxl_hanger]

Even with Climashield Apex u should make some quilting stitch lines or quilting loops. In case of a DL you can make such quilting stitch lines a bit displaced on both layers different and it is easier to make some darts or a pseudo-differential baffle.

[Ratdog]

Got it, thanks for the response. I've had good luck to date without additional quilting but time will tell.

[medicineman03]

Even with Climashield Apex u should make some quilting stitch lines or quilting loops. In case of a DL you can make such quilting stitch lines a bit displaced on both layers different and it is easier to make some darts or a pseudo-differential baffle.

Interesting. I was looking to make some quilts with apex. I was going to use this (http://diygearsupply.com/wp-content/...ilt-lowres.jpg) for instruction for the top quilt and assumed it would basically work for the underquilt as well. What are the purpose of the loops, darts, and such?

[xxl_hanger]

Sewing tips from Extremtextil for Climashield Apex:

The manufacturer recommends quilting every 30cm, but Climashield can also be sewn without quilting on sleeping bags and quilts if used with care. Fabrics don't need to be down proof.

Quilting loops are also made in the KAQ-instructions (look at chapter 6). They are made for stabilisation reason. Darts can be made to improve the fitting, similar than shown here.

[pgibson]

I have a little knowledge in this world.

A single layer of 6oz should take you comfortably to around 25°F, Single layer of 5 to Freezing or there about. I would not bother with any quilting, Climashield does not need it. I would also not bother with splitting and using two layers of 3oz rather than a single of 6oz. Asking for cold spots with quilting on a material that the manufacture states does not need it. Staking 2 layers of 6oz would take you to around 0°F and 3 would be way to heavy/bulky to pack and cary anywhere.

This is of course my personal opinion with around 15,000 quilts made and shipped using Climashield exclusively for everyone to back up that opinion.

[pgibson]

Sewing tips from Extremtextil for Climashield Apex:

Quilting loops are also made in the KAQ-instructions (look at chapter 6). They are made for stabilisation reason. Darts can be made to improve the fitting, similar than shown here.

Not sure where Extrem is getting there info but I work pretty close with Climashield here in the US and their current recommendation for sewing is such:

"The only required stitching, aside from design aesthetics, is at the edges where filament ends occur"

In years past...and it has been some years ago the recommendation was to use quilting loops but you have to dig way back for that. I think Extremes info is a bit dated.


As far as the KAQ tutorial, take a look at the date on it as well.....going back a good ways there and that tutorial also shows about 20 excess steps to the construction than are not really necessary. Personally (and again I build these things every day, including the Potomac (which is the original KAQ described in the tutorial)) I would not follow that tutorial to build a Climashield quilt.