Diy Winter UQ questions

**ArcsandSparks** · 10-27-2010, 18:08

Hey all,

I am going to be making a down under quilt for winter. I want to have 4" baffle to get me to 0-10 degree range (according to thru-hikers chart). The dimensions will be 42" wide by 48" long finished. I plan on adding 1" per baffle on the outside piece of fabric and plan on making 7-6" baffles length wise (6'' inside, 7" outside).

So now that you know all of that, I am curious if that is overkill for baffle size? What I mean is won't the inside and the outside of the fabric (ripstop) bulge making it even more than 4" or would it be better to make the baffle material (noseeum) only 3" and plan on the "puffed up" ripstop to get me to the 4" mark. I am trying to make it as light as possible but still being warm.
I have 12 oz. of down (800+) coming from Stormcrow and curious if it should be overstuffed or can I get away with using less and have some left over for another project? I know I am asking a lot but any advice will help!
Thanks

**traftonm** · 10-27-2010, 19:11

I made my first UQ short like you are planing. When done eather froze my feet or my sholders . I redid the quiilt 48X72 baffels are 2 1/2 inches. and it works great. No more cold feet. First quilt had 3 1/2 in baffels. The new one feels wormer even though it has less fill but it covers more. To fill 4 in baffels you would need about 4 more oz of down. If you do the 3 inch baffels and then over fill then 12 oz should be enough.

**traftonm** · 10-27-2010, 19:14

Check out Shugs video he is an exert on cold weather hammocking. heres the site.

http://www.youtube.com/user/shugemery

**ArcsandSparks** · 10-27-2010, 19:25

Originally Posted by traftonm

To fill 4 in baffels you would need about 4 more oz of down. If you do the 3 inch baffels and then over fill then 12 oz should be enough.

My calculations came out too be a little more than 10 oz. or are you referring to the 72" size? What temps have you taken the 2 1/2 down to? I am hoping for 0-10 degree range because that is the temp rating on my bag. I may consider going a bit longer though...but I only have 12 oz. to work with for now..Might have to see what length I can get to before I run out of down!

I've watched most of his vids, they're great!

**traftonm** · 10-27-2010, 19:43

I have been down to 25* with 3 1/2 inches and except foot area i was comfortable, I have had 2 1/2 down to 35 and i was alot wormer the the 3 1/2. I think it was due to the extra covorage. Winter has not hit yet in NC but I will test when it gets colder.

**jbo_c** · 10-27-2010, 20:00

I'm making a 48x60 quilt 3" baffles and 12 oz of down includes an ounce + of overstuff. I'm planning on it getting me into the 'teens when necessary. - though I've been wrong before.

Jbo

**PuckerFactor** · 10-27-2010, 20:31

There's a loft calculation spreadsheet that someone made a while back, that I modified a bit to figure overstuff and price.
Sorry I don't have any experience with down to give ya.
loft calculation.xls

Acer

**ArcsandSparks** · 10-27-2010, 22:13

Thanks for the help and suggestions guys! I think I will make it a 42" X 50" X 4".. I only have 12 oz. of 800 fill. So my calculations figure about 10.5 oz. with about 15% over fill. This will hopefully get me to the 0-10 range. After reading traftonm reply I thought I should go longer on my UQ, but my calculations with the amount of down I have it won't work. I was originally planning on using a 1/2 body foam/ Reflectix mat to compensate anyway... So i am stuck with this, I think I should get a little more than 4" with this and hopefully keep me warm in the deep Minnesota cold!! Anymore suggestions advice are always welcome!

**Lonely Raven** · 10-27-2010, 22:42

Originally Posted by ArcsandSparks

Thanks for the help and suggestions guys! I think I will make it a 42" X 50" X 4".. I only have 12 oz. of 800 fill. So my calculations figure about 10.5 oz. with about 15% over fill. This will hopefully get me to the 0-10 range. After reading traftonm reply I thought I should go longer on my UQ, but my calculations with the amount of down I have it won't work. I was originally planning on using a 1/2 body foam/ Reflectix mat to compensate anyway... So i am stuck with this, I think I should get a little more than 4" with this and hopefully keep me warm in the deep Minnesota cold!! Anymore suggestions advice are always welcome!

Using that calculator posted above, your 12oz sounds about right for 42X50X4 with 15% overfill.