Synthetic Top-Quilt: King Tut v2.0

**jspate61** · 05-31-2011, 10:04

Hey gang,

A while back I took a stab at making a synthetic TQ using IX insulation. Recently I finished a second version of this which I think is even better.
The King Tut v2.0 is a double layer IX TQ which features 5 X 5 inch air pockets throughout. The pockets are created by sewing pleats into the IX.

The bottom layer which measures 48 X 80 inches has 9 longitudinal pleats that stand 1/4 inch high. The top layer measures 50 X 80 inches and 15 lateral pleats also standing 1/4 inch high. The two layers are assembled with the pleats facing each other. The difference in width between the two layers in combination with the facing pleats creates a loft effect.

The foot box is a simple draw-cord with cord-locks (optional) on the end with a 26 inch Velcro tape along the running edge. My feet are size 12, but with 48 inches of overall width I find that I have plenty of foot room. The rig is easy to vent simply by opening the end and/or releasing the Velcro.

The shell of the TQ is calendared 1.1 RS nylon. Together the two types of material hold a lot of air, in much the same way that down does (at a fraction of the cost). I find that contrary to what some have said, the IX compresses very well. And so far it has proven to be very durable.

I don't know for certain what the limits of the TQ are. I had v1.0 up on Mount Royal with the temperature at -8C with a IX UQ and was quite comfy inside my 4S Man Cave tarp. Also I have no idea how much it weighs, but my guess would be around 14-16 oz.

Have a peak at some of the pics. The last one shows the TQ in a stuff sack next to my knife (10 inches long) for size comparison.

Cheers

**dragon360** · 05-31-2011, 10:33

You do some very fine work. Nicely done!

**sclittlefield** · 05-31-2011, 11:06

Really nice piece of gear there.

Does it feel clammy at all or does that not feel like an issue for you? I think I'll try using a 1 layer IX top quilt this summer.

**jspate61** · 05-31-2011, 11:33

Originally Posted by sclittlefield

Really nice piece of gear there.

Does it feel clammy at all or does that not feel like an issue for you? I think I'll try using a 1 layer IX top quilt this summer.

It depends on a number of factors:
1. what is the ambient temperature? obviously with warmer temperatures you may experience some moisture issues. this is easily resolved by opening up the end and/or the velcro seam.

2. what kind of clothing are you sleeping in? as a general rule I have found that with more exposed skin comes the increased risk of "clamminess". But that is really more of a function of the ambient temperature. Again, the solution is to open up. In colder temps it is not an issue at all (at least none that I can detect). I tend to wear clothing designed to draw moisture away from my skin.

I have seen some people making these with a permanently closed foot box. In my opinion this seems unwise. You definitely want to be able to open this thing all the way, or even just use it as a blanket. If you opt to close it and incorporate some sort of vent, well, you may be sorely disappointed.

That there, my friend, is my two cents. Thanks for your comments.

Cheers

**gargoyle** · 05-31-2011, 12:11

You have been a busy bee.
Good looking kit you've put together.
Comps on ALL your recent projects.

**Redoleary** · 06-01-2011, 16:26

That is really cool. I'm about to make another UQ for my wife, and may make a TQ for myself. That came out really nice.

**OneEye** · 06-01-2011, 17:31

Looks great. What were you wearing inside your cocoon when you hit 15°F/-8°C? I'm really thinking of making one of these for a summer-to-fall quilt for the Sierras. I'm guessing I need to get to 40°F without additional layers of clothing for that.

Thanks,

-Mike

**Redoleary** · 06-01-2011, 18:43

Do you think the squares provide better insulation than just longitudinal pleats do?

**jspate61** · 06-01-2011, 22:39

Originally Posted by OneEye

Looks great. What were you wearing inside your cocoon when you hit 15°F/-8°C? I'm really thinking of making one of these for a summer-to-fall quilt for the Sierras. I'm guessing I need to get to 40°F without additional layers of clothing for that.

Thanks,

-Mike

Hey Mike,

I was wearing a pair of jeans, a polar fleece shirt, and one pair of wool socks (no long underwear that day). I had intended to wrap my down jacket around my feet but found that it was not really necessary.

To be fair, it was a sunny day and I had the doors of my 4 season Man Cave tarp pulled shut (see snaps). Also, I only had a couple of hours for my test hang. That being said I was very comfortable until I had to get out and dismantle my rig and hike back down the mountain. That's when I froze my *** off! Hope that helps.

Cheers

**jspate61** · 06-01-2011, 22:54

Originally Posted by Redoleary

Do you think the squares provide better insulation than just longitudinal pleats do?

It may be difficult to accurately asses, as I never tried one consisting of longitudinal pleats alone. From a logical perspective, it would be reasonable to assume that by facing opposing directional pleats against one another you stand to increase the volume of air the IX is capable of trapping (and this thing does trap a lot of air). Remember, the pleats are face to face.

The question may be academic until a true side by side comparison can be made, but I will say this: The King Tut v2.0 is extremely warm and offers an excellent degree of versatility for very little money (spelled: V A L U E). So go ahead, make one. You're gonna love it.

Cheers