A question on synthetic insulation

**default** · 01-26-2012, 01:02

Ok, so since im out of a UQ im looking into something to replace it with. The one i had was a synthetic UQ which I liked because im here in the south and humidity is an issue (not to mention i HATE getting poked by down) but it was HUGE when packed and a bit hefty.

now, is there something that a)packs at least as small as down b) isnt as heavy as normal synthetic fiber c) can get me around 30* max with NORMAL clothes (i cant sleep in massive layers. pants and a shirt max)

Ill be using this stuff year round and i understand venting and all that. but i hope it isnt overkill for SC weather when the nights get cooler.

does such an animal exist? im going to get into the habbit of packing the quilts out of a stuff sac in the bottom of the pack, so that may help.

**nothermark** · 01-26-2012, 07:50

If there was such a material folks would be using it and talking about it. Think Cuben.
If you have not already tried them a set of expedition fleece underwear is good sleeping gear.

**Red Wing** · 01-26-2012, 09:40

REV you may want to look at MacEntyre's IX gear at TTTG

**JerryW** · 01-26-2012, 10:10

Originally Posted by REV

(not to mention i HATE getting poked by down)

With quality 800 to 900 fill power down, you won't get poked. If you're getting poked, it's because there are feathers with quills, and that's not quality down.

Originally Posted by REV

now, is there something that a)packs at least as small as down

Nope. Down is lighter and more compactable than any synthetic insulation.

Originally Posted by REV

b) isnt as heavy as normal synthetic fiber c) can get me around 30* max with NORMAL clothes.

If you're sure you want synthetic, look at Arrowhead Equipments quilts made with Climashield.

Personally, I wouldn't rule out down just because of humidity. It's just a matter of learning how to deal with it.

Jerry

**nothermark** · 01-26-2012, 17:28

Originally Posted by JerryW

With quality 800 to 900 fill power down, you won't >snip<

Personally, I wouldn't rule out down just because of humidity. It's just a matter of learning how to deal with it.

Jerry

I'm not being a smart *** but I am trying to figure out how you deal with down with 5 days of rain on a 30 day trip? That is what has me thinking about buying a synthetic setup for a canoe trip we are planning.

**Cannibal** · 01-26-2012, 17:36

Originally Posted by nothermark

I am trying to figure out how you deal with down with 5 days of rain on a 30 day trip?

Carefully.

Use breaks to lay the quilt out in the sun to dry out any ambient humidity that it collects. Won't be much at all due to the fabric shells on the quilts; they block most all casual water. Try soaking your down quilt in the tub sometime if you want to see how difficult it can be to actually get the down wet.

The real concern is when it's cold for your 30 day trip. The moisture that does manage to get into the quilt freezes and doesn't go away. Which then allows the next day's moisture to freeze easier on the existing ice crystals. Basically, unless you plan on leaving the quilt out in the rain for those five days, you really shouldn't have any problems. Soaking water is bad, humidity...meh!

I say this after playing with down quilts while I lived in Florida. You know, those 4 nights every February when it gets down to like 33°F for a couple of minutes around 4:00am.

**nothermark** · 01-26-2012, 21:21

Summer trip here so maybe I am being paranoid. Problem is when it's not raining it's time to paddle and always humid on the water. OTOH If I stick with the Hennessy undercover an pad that should solve half my problems. ;-)

**PuckerFactor** · 02-05-2012, 02:31

You want Primaloft.
Packs comparably to 550FP down, retains 70% of it's insulative properties when wet, great stuff to work with.
Packs much better than Climashield.

PF

**AaronAlso** · 02-05-2012, 08:22

I'm putting in another vote for IX.

I use a MMG Shamu full length IX UQ. It's light, it packs small and it has kept me comfy to ~35F* wearing only thin PP base layer. That was without the optional liner which is claimed to provide about 10F* of comfort.

I figure that a synth UQ just makes sense. It's is the most likely to get wet. Or what about the chance of going to ground?

If you would like I have an unfinished early MM prototype of the Shamu; I'd be happy to let you borrow it.