What is the best insulation for Synthetic 2/3 UQ

**packeagle** · 03-13-2011, 21:33

I am looking to make a synthetic partial length under quilt for Summer backpacking. I am looking to make it out of synthetic because I don't want to mess with the fluffy down (Yet!). I'm trying to debate the pros and cons of Climashield Apex vs Primaloft Sport vs Insultex. I am looking for a temperature rating of roughly 35 Degrees. So I'm thinking a CLO of ~6-6.5 should do the trick.

What do you think would be the best material for both weight to warmth, bulk. ease of use, and ease of construction? Please vote along with comment with feedback as to why.

**Myteathor** · 03-13-2011, 23:51

I have only tried the insultex but I like it. But thats no help at all to this thread.

**rjcress** · 03-14-2011, 09:13

Of the 3 you listed, I've only used IX, but have nothing but GREAT things to say about it.
Packs as compactly as down
insulates when wet
is very easy to dry in the field if it gets wet
SIMPLE construction methods
Don't have to worry about loft or loss of loft due to use or storing in the bag. ie. it is fine to store it compressed.

All around, I've found it to be pretty amazing.

My 3 layer 2/3 length IX UQ took me to 34*F with a 2 layer IX TQ, and 26*F with a fleece TQ added to the IX TQ.
http://gear-report.com/how-to-make-a...-camping-myog/

Good luck!

**packeagle** · 03-14-2011, 09:25

If I go with the IX UQ, I plan on useing THESE instructions. Did you find the IX hard to work with? Does it hang/seal off well as an UQ?

**GvilleDave** · 03-14-2011, 09:55

I used those same instructions for my IX UQ and it is great. I did make mine longer. Sealing is no problem for me I installed shock cord in channels on the sides and the ends.

**packeagle** · 03-14-2011, 09:58

Thanks. For some reason I thought that I read some place that the Inxultex under quilts have issues with sealing on the ends. I have been looking into Insultex, and the idea of that type of insulation is a bit foreign to me. It seems to not have much loft but still has a high CLO. I know the two are not necessarily related, but I still am having a hard time getting it through my thick skull.

**chickenwing** · 03-14-2011, 10:06

Originally Posted by packeagle

Thanks. For some reason I thought that I read some place that the Inxultex under quilts have issues with sealing on the ends. I have been looking into Insultex, and the idea of that type of insulation is a bit foreign to me. It seems to not have much loft but still has a high CLO. I know the two are not necessarily related, but I still am having a hard time getting it through my thick skull.

Think of it like a double pane window. The insulation comes more from trapping a pocket of dead air between the layers of IX rather than with in the structure of the down itself. The fit has to be just right or the air is allowed to move and the effective insulation is lost - just like a gap in the window.
At least that is how it makes sense to me - and I stayed at a Holiday Inn Express last night

**taylo** · 03-14-2011, 10:23

Im waiting on a 2/3 climashield UQ. I'll report on it once it arrives. Climashield doesnt pack down small though.

**plowhorse** · 03-14-2011, 11:14

my synthetic yeti only has 3 oz of insulation, and I have used it down to 40 degrees with no problem. I think 5 oz of apex would get you easily down to 35. the people using it rate it down into the 20's. as for packing size, my yeti pacs down to the size of a 32 oz bottle with no problem.