$100 Pertex 800 fill top quilt

**begleysm** · 10-01-2011, 08:14

Is everyone cutting a SLIT or cutting OUT a V shape? I was looking at the fabric on back and feeling like a slit would leave a lot of extra fabric.

Sean

**Doody** · 10-01-2011, 08:24

Originally Posted by begleysm

Is everyone cutting a SLIT or cutting OUT a V shape? I was looking at the fabric on back and feeling like a slit would leave a lot of extra fabric.

Sean

A slit. You use the extra material to tuck around you. This leaves all the down on top of you where it can do you some good.

**FiveOh** · 10-01-2011, 14:35

Okay, I've read all of these posts and since I wanted a TQ to get to the 30s, I went ahead and bit the bullet. Never owned down filled before...

Hope this works out! There are 20 left.

Has anyone measured the loft?

**jwright** · 10-01-2011, 14:42

A slit.
The extra fabric is nice to tuck around you. You can always trim out more later if you don't use it.
Jason

**DemostiX** · 10-01-2011, 16:47

Anyone taking the opp with a sewing machine to widen the top, just a bit with a down or synthetic bolster at least the partial length of each side?

Or, with colder weather available to test this, is anyone intending to?

Gotta say that when I cover with a 48" wide AHE synth top-quilt and tuck the sides down between my arms and the hammock, I appreciate that insulation, even if it is being compressed. Reading about the failures in the marketplace of bags like this, a serious criticism was that folks had cold sides without an insulated tuck. Western Mountaineering, for example, withdrew from the game.

**begleysm** · 10-02-2011, 10:09

I took the Rab out for a test tonight. It got down to about 48 & I didn't have much keeping me warm except the Rab. I think it worked well. Check out my full writeup on another thread

**edhess** · 10-02-2011, 15:18

Hi there everyone. This has been a great thread for me to follow. Thanks to all who added their input and ideas. I have been wanting to DIY a top quilt for this season. I have looked at various patterns, kits, and assortment of one-off designs. The RAB top bag is the perfect solution for me. Living in Florida, the chances of the nights dropping below 30* are pretty slim. Even if it does, a layer of clothes will keep me warm in this TQ. The best part is the price of the bag plus the simple modification.

Has anyone seen the need to reinforce the seam area above the foot box where your cut ended ? Seems like a logical location for wear and tear. A few extra stitches should do the trick.

Great idea!! Plus at only 17.5 oz, it knocks the socks off my old bag. Only 17 left on Amazon>Backcountry.

edo

**begleysm** · 10-02-2011, 22:22

Originally Posted by edhess

Has anyone seen the need to reinforce the seam area above the foot box where your cut ended ?

Most people DIYing this bad bar tack (or in some other way) reinforce the bottom of the slit they cut.

Sean

**Strung out** · 10-03-2011, 08:19

I used mine for a couple hours at about 26 degrees wearing just some light long johns and a poly hat.

I was just warm enough, and could have done the night in temps like that.

Easily could have been toasty with some more clothes on.