Hangers,
dp really appreciates the kind words with our focus.
"Reliable - Ultra-Lite - low-cost"
Syb asked what kind of insulation dp is using with our quilts ...
I hope we don't offend anyone with our answer ... and I hope this isn't "too much information" for you?
First a little "cottage" business information ... after one designs their products, supply vendors will be the next hurdle. And trust me, it's a pretty substantial hurdle. Especially when you are wanting to keep your product with a low selling price point.
We've searched a LONG time locating vendors who are up to our standards. You might notice, we've taken the ''Spinntec'' tack of naming our fabrics to protect where we purchase. We figure with the countless hours and costs of aligning our vendors, should DIY'ers want to take advantage of our research, a small profit is in order for small quanity purchases.
FYI: the fabric, "Spinntec" has been stalled due to the major user may not re-order. That is the word from the Eruopean mill that produced it. So, Spinntec may not ever be again. dp was offered the same formula if we would take a 5,000 meter run. Paid in advance. Needless to say, we aren't ready for that kind of comittment.
Most Asian fabric mills don't want to talk to you unless you are ready to order 1,000 yards or more. And most don't even want to send you a sample before hand.
Most USA mills have strict minimums which are much too large for a DIY'er.
So, back to what synthetic insulation we are using. The synthetic insulation we have decided to use is 48" wide with a 1/2" loft, polyester product.
Absorbs little water and dries quickly. We sell it for $4.50 yard. The heat rentention quality is created with the insulation being loosely sandwiched between to layers of nylon fabric.
User loft is up to 4" in areas. In areas of pressure, the loft can decline greatly. This is the reason, you may have some cold spots using our quilts. To eliminate the cold spot, you will need to move and move the pressure/ squashed area.
Personally, I get cold easily, and dp has found our quilts are comfortable to 40*. I'm sure you know, quilt/sleeping bag temperature ratings are subject to each manufacturer as no standards have been established.
dp at 40*? Again, you may notice some cold spots at 40*. Some may notice some cold spots at 50*. All dp knows is, at 40* with our quilts, we are not awake shivering.
Chilly or want more heat? Pop your head under the dp "Head-Hole" and breathe some 98* warm air inside?
We have tired doubling the insulation. This adds much bulk with little extra heat rentention. For below freezing temperatures, dp recommends Down which will not absorb water since all water is frozen. However don't try using your breath as a heater with Down. Which one can do pretty well with synthetics.
Syb, I know that doesn't answer your question, but hopefully it explains why dp is evasive ... and a little more about our cottage.
Thank you again for your interest and promoting a cottage business that wants you to backpack more comfortably, again,
Reliable, U-L, and low cost.
Happy Trails
dave
www.dphammockgear.com
Bookmarks