Insultex Breathable...really?

[slowhike]

So what you're saying is that the more waterproof a material is, the less breathable, & vise versa?
So if a person wanted to break it down in a way that a simpleton (me) could understand it, they might say...
If it's 70%waterproof, it's only 30% breathable.
If you want it more breathable you need to find a material that is closer to 70% breathable & 30% waterproof.
Right?

Just for the record, (though I think most people already know) there was no intention of the numbers above to be seen as real percentages.
I was just saying that as waterproofness increases, breathability decreases.
And as breathability increases, waterproofness decreases.
Everybody's goal is to make both better at the same time. But that's were we run into the limitations everyone hopes to improve on, right?

[Knotty]

For a one night hang, the condensation in the IX weathershield definitely wan't a problem. Like I said, toasty warm! On a multi-day hike or a night with higher humidity it could have become a problem.

What I'm getting at is that IX has it's place in an insulation system but that doesn't mean it can be used everywhere. Just like we tell people not to use silnylon for the outer layer of a quilt or as an overcover, we probably should consider IX in the same light.

I'm amazed by how well it insulates. But since it doesn't breath enough to avoid condensation IMHO it's best used as a multi-layer UQ or TQ but not as cold-side addition to down insulation.

If I have enough of it, my next project will be a IX liner for my GoLite top quilt. Keeping it on the warm-side of the insulation system should work beautifully.

Every material has it's place. Just a matter of learning where that place is.

[MacEntyre]

...but not as cold-side addition to down insulation.

Yet, that's where I've had the best results with IX.

[joggerjohn]

I use it with my PeaPod and it works.

[BlazeAway]

Bet you the IX Hammock Sock without SEEP from MacEntyre is awesome.
To avoid condensation all you got to do is use a space blanket between the hammock and the underside insulation system.

http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...597#post359597

[canoebie]

Just for fun, I thought I would experiment a little bit with the summer TQ I made from two layers of IX between 1.1 oz uncoated ripstop. I put loops in the center of each end, attached it to a make shift ridgeline on my claytor off the whoopies and I have a nice little protective layer over the entire hammock.

I was very careful to leave some ventilation at the head end so I would not get a lot of condensation. I slept in it last night, got down to 18 stayed toasty warm. I really added to the interior warmth. I had a 2 layer IX underquilt, with a small pad of warm window under me, a down sleeping bag as a TQ, The IX over me really added, I could feel the moisture leave the vented areas, and when I felt I needed fresh air, I could simply reach out and move the sock where I wanted. The ridgeline was in easy reach and with the klemheist loops, I could easily adjust the UQ and the sock which were all attached. I used 1.75mm zing it for the ridge line.

I think it is worth experimenting with. The advantage of having it so high was the ventilation preventing condensation. I had the TQ, now I can have a use for it in cold weather. I may also try it as an inner layer to my down bag and see how that works.

[Redoleary]

Nice work David, but how do you get inside?

[canoebie]

Nice work David, but how do you get inside?

I just throw it up over the ridgeline and when I am in I pull it over me. It is not attached anywhere at the bottom. It just hangs down. Seems to work, will test it in really cold conditions soon I hope.

[Redoleary]

I see now. The camo was working too good.

[Nightwalker]

you can get it from tree to tree

Thanks.