Ray Way Quilt, Alpine upgrade review

[BillyBob58]

Hey NCP:Yeah, I've been thinking about this one for a while. Maybe even the non-alpine one to use in the PeaPod. How long did it take to sew, and was it difficult?

[JayS]

Dear ol' Mom made a RayWay quilt for me Christmas before last. Did a beautiful job except she didn't see the spool of thread that I ordered and used cotton instead. So far, it's okay but I won't be surprised if it lets go at some point.

I have the alpine option and have been to 20 degrees or less on the ground (before my salvation!) with no problem. This past weekend I used the RayWay as an underquilt for a HH Expedition with good results. My quilt is not compressed often and still has fantastic loft. It is a bit bulky but it's sooo warm. It gets less stiff with age.

[GrizzlyAdams]

Eh, I was just messing around. I'm thinking that if I can keep at least some of the breeze from blowing past the sock, I can stay even warmer... but that's just theory and conjecture. I'd need a really windy, cold night to test. (hmmm... sounds like Mt. Rogers!)

The theory behind that conjecture is sound I think.

it's fun to read about crazies just like me rushing out to try out different combinations when it gets cold.

Here's to hoping for crisp nights at Mt. Rogers!

Grizz

[slowhike]

don't want to throw in a negative note but just something to keep in mind.
it is bulky & you'll want to have enough pack volume so that you don't have to "over compress" it.
my RW alpine has lost noticeable loft over the last couple years, taking away from the warmth to weight (or warmth to bulk) ratio.

[BillyBob58]

To me ( a synthetic fan in many ways), that is one of the strongest arguments for down over synthetic: longevity. None of my down products has lost any loft over many years, that I can tell. All of my synthetics have lost significant loft quickly.

Now just as there is the argument that 1" of PG is warmer than 1" of down, there is an argument that synthetics don't loose as much warmth as their loss of loft might indicate. But, I have never seen this quantified.

Even so, even those who argue that 1" of down is not as warm as 1" of PG still say that 2" of PG is warmer than 1.5" PG. If So, then can it be true that a synthetic that has lost half or a third of it's loft is still nearly as warm as when new?

I don't think it is. And that's always a bummer, because my synthetic bags may have lost loft, but they have not lost even an ounce of weight.

[traviso71]

How much are the Ray Way kits??? Is that what you all are talking about buying, or making your own according to online reverse engineering?

[Cannibal]

They are sold as a kit that you then build yourself.

[Take-a-knee]

How much are the Ray Way kits??? Is that what you all are talking about buying, or making your own according to online reverse engineering?

The Jardine kits are little if any more than trying to piece a kit together on your own, it all comes in a box, you don't have to chase anything down. I would order a spool of his thread also. The directions are first rate, if you've never made one before, you need some good plans. His plans tell you how to size if properly for starters.

[traviso71]

Right, I know Ray sells quilts... but I was wondering if you guys made quilts LIKE his or were talking about actually making them from the kits he sells. I looked at his page when I was starting to look over hammock camping, & there are no prices listed, because he is on vacation. what does he sell the kits for?

[NCPatrick]

I don't remember what I paid for my kit right off hand... when I talk about the Ray-Way quilt, I'm talking about making a quilt made from one of Ray's Quilt Kits, and made following (either very closely or maybe not) his printed directions.