Inside / outside colours for TQ & UQ

[Roe Ring]

I'm running through the decision making process before ordering my quilts, and notice that many have black on the outside and green or silver etc on the inside, but some quilts are the reverse. Is there any science involved or is it just personal preference. I read a thread a while ago that mentioned black being better at absorbing heat and was therefore better on one side but I can't remember which side.

Thanks

Mark

[lilricky]

Black is the best at absorbing infrared energy, however, given the choices of subdued colors that our quilt makers give us, you wouldn't be able to tell any temperature difference. For example the wavelength difference between black and green is only 4%. Now if you were talking about black versus white, it would be a 24% difference in wavelength, which translates to a noticeable difference in the rate of heat absorption in a quilt. So, if you really want that 4% increase in efficiency, go with black on the outer shell. But if you want another color(other than white or possibly yellow) then go for it, you really won't be able to tell.

[olddog]

Perfect, thanks lilricky. I knew there was some science to it.

Atb

Mark

Black is the best at absorbing infrared energy, however, given the choices of subdued colors that our quilt makers give us, you wouldn't be able to tell any temperature difference. For example the wavelength difference between black and green is only 4%. Now if you were talking about black versus white, it would be a 24% difference in wavelength, which translates to a noticeable difference in the rate of heat absorption in a quilt. So, if you really want that 4% increase in efficiency, go with black on the outer shell. But if you want another color(other than white or possibly yellow) then go for it, you really won't be able to tell.

lilricky, where do you find this stuff? This is why science scares some of us folks.

[jons4real]

Black is the best at absorbing infrared energy, however, given the choices of subdued colors that our quilt makers give us, you wouldn't be able to tell any temperature difference. For example the wavelength difference between black and green is only 4%. Now if you were talking about black versus white, it would be a 24% difference in wavelength, which translates to a noticeable difference in the rate of heat absorption in a quilt. So, if you really want that 4% increase in efficiency, go with black on the outer shell. But if you want another color(other than white or possibly yellow) then go for it, you really won't be able to tell.

What a great response

[Roe Ring]

Perfect, thanks lilricky. I knew there was some science to it.

Atb

Mark

[jwright]

Science-smience.

My dark olive brown outer shell (UQ) was the only down-proof with DWR that DIY Gear Supply had at the time, and the olive inner shell was the cheapest downproof non- DWR they had at the time.

Or go with what lilricky said.

Jason

[Roe Ring]

I took lilricky's reply to mean that there would be no noticeable difference. I recon your olive outer & inner would be just fine. I just wanted to check incase I made a newbie mistake when ordering

Atb

Mark

[Acer]

Its easier in the dark,,if you make your interior color a lighter color as then you can tell,,which side you want against you,,and which side goes on the outside of you.

[DemostiX]

Colors are indistinguishable under a red headlight.

Research-driven Hammockgear -- that's a serious shout out to Adam -- made my two UQs for different clients, green and silver on top and bottom; and bottom and top, respectively. I tell top from bottom by the differential cut under red light.

[Red Wing]

I think those colors match the ULA stuff as well. Colors are relatively limited as well and those are the most "woodsy" colors since they had to ditch the coyote a while back.

That's what I went with originally because I liked the black. Recently I went with brown and silver. Pretty sure it's all preference. Would hope I'm never in a situation where I need to dry out my quilt on a time frame.