What is the best material for the shell of my new UQ?

**The Yanman** · 03-13-2012, 18:58

Hi guys

I really want to start making myself a nice 3 season down under quilt, as I am getting really tired of slipping off my mat during the night and getting a cold ***. I am pretty confident with sewing as I do all my own gear repairs and I have also managed to gained access to a sewing machine, so all I really need to do now is finish my designs and get the materials. The only thing is I'm a bit confused about what is the best material for the shell, as i have seen a couple different DIY videos now that used different material, such as Professor Hammocks cuban fiber under quilt.

My main questions surrounding it all were:
Do i want a waterproof shell? If so what would it compare to a water resistant nylon shell?
Is the water resistant nylon breathable? If so does that affect the insulation capability?

It would also be really great if someone could give me a link for a material supply store.

Looking forward to hearing some replies,

The Yanman

**streamline** · 03-13-2012, 19:11

I am far from an expert so take my information for what it is, but from the research I have done and implemented here are a couple of possible answers

a) You don't want a water proof shell, it will not allow moisture to escape and will cause condensation issues
b) You do want a downproof material, if you use ripstop nylon this will be "calendared"
c) A water resistant nylon is ok from what I have read, it keeps excess moisture from getting in but allows condensation to get out.

You have to also decide on the insulation type and that opens books of other questions.

DIY Gear Supply is a great source for everything you need but the insulation I will try to dig up others as well.

Another good source for material

Wilderness Logics Great source for DIY materials and a down supplier. Best prices I have found for down.

How to figure out the differential cut on the outer shell. Thank you MAD777

**The Yanman** · 03-13-2012, 19:51

Thanks for the info and links, it did make things a little clearer for me. I'm pretty sure I know what materials I'm going to use now but for the insulation type of the down undecided. I will still need to really look into that.

**Dblcorona** · 03-13-2012, 20:00

Are you concerned with weight? If not, than 1.1oz is just fine for the uq. If it was a top quilt, I would suggest Momentum 90 or 50 for the feel of it. If you are concerned with weight than I would suggest the momentum 50 or the 7d.

http://thru-hiker.com/materials/breathable.php

http://titaniumgoat.com/Fabric.html

**thepikey** · 03-13-2012, 20:01

+1 on DIY gear supply. Great prices on your nylon and most of your DIY needs. He does sell insultex which is one of the new insulation around.

**AaronAlso** · 03-13-2012, 20:08

20D calendered ripstop @ OWF

Under ripstop breathable

http://owfinc.com/fabrics.html

**bloomgorge** · 03-13-2012, 20:17

During the rainy time I like my outer to have dwr finish just for splash.

+1 with dblcorona

**Violent Green** · 03-13-2012, 20:26

If it were mine, I would use M90 for the outer shell and 7d/M50 for the liner. M90 has the benefit of a good DWR and fairly wind resistant while still being a light fabric.

Ryan

**The Yanman** · 03-14-2012, 03:42

Thanks every one for all the good info and suggestions. I think form what I've got here I should be able to decide exactly what nylon to use. The next challenge for me now is to work out exactly what insulation type i want for my down.

**Conan257** · 03-14-2012, 04:42

I'm in a similar situation mate, and havn't decided on insulation since so little is available in the UK.

There is no insultex, primaloft or climashield supplier in the UK. Which is a bummer!

You can harvest down from high quality pillows, or get it from ukhammocks.co.uk, but it isn't cheap by any degree!

http://www.extremtextil.de/ <-- They do down and primaloft, but i'm not sure about postage costs. I've worked this out to be the best value primaloft supplier, but havn't investigated postage.

http://www.pennineoutdoor.co.uk/catalogue.asp?sID=5 <-- They do plenty of stuff, and have some insulation. It has the same weight as Primaloft One 200g, but I havn't contacted them to see how it is supplied or what its capabilities are.

http://www.profabrics.co.uk/snap_product_search.php?search=true&category=Fabri cs>>Wadding <-- They do lots of fabrics, and are advertising "Isobond". Again I have no information about how capable this insulation is.