This is probably a dumb underquilt question but...

**Memphis** · 08-25-2008, 18:28

Down comforters are on sale 50% to 70% off at overstock.com

Can you cover one of these with water resistant material (or waterproof) to make a decet underquilt out of a twin comforter?

http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden...ml?TID=BEDSPO3

**angrysparrow** · 08-25-2008, 18:30

It's not a dumb question when it's earnest.

You certainly can make a quilt from a comforter, but commercial comforters are typically made with much lower quality down (lower fill power) than a comparable outdoor-gear quilt or bag. Therefore, for the same loft, the comforter will be much heavier. If that weight is worth the difference in cost to you, then go for it. Otherwise, save your pennies to save ounces...

**blackbishop351** · 08-25-2008, 18:31

Sure you can, but the "down" used for those comforters is mostly feathers. You'll lose a lot of compressibility and insulation as compared to the high-quality stuff normally put into underquilts. You can find really good down in a comforter, but expect to pay a LOT for it

**blackbishop351** · 08-25-2008, 18:32

Too slow on the draw....

**Hector** · 08-25-2008, 19:10

In addition to the other, correct answers, comforters are generally quilted through, which means built-in cold spots.

**Memphis** · 08-25-2008, 21:34

Thanks all for the great answers. This place is just full of good info!

**Preacha Man** · 08-25-2008, 21:40

Just make sure that if you cover it with Waterproof material that it is breathable. Most of us use 1.1oz ripstop nylon. The whole key is to to allow it to breath, or else it will be almost impossible to compress because the air will be trapped in. Also, if you use waterproof material, if water does get in, it will be VERY hard to get out.

Dwight

**tight-wad** · 08-25-2008, 23:10

And.... most of them have cotton covers... You want to rip off the cotton and replace it with nylon? or just put nylon over the cotton?

**Memphis** · 08-26-2008, 08:49

Originally Posted by tight-wad

And.... most of them have cotton covers... You want to rip off the cotton and replace it with nylon? or just put nylon over the cotton?

I was thinking of placing nylon over the cotton as an easy solution since well.... I can't sew very well....yet.

I had no idea the down was different from the down used in camping quilts. That explains why nobody does this I guess. I should have guessed that I'll probably see how it goes with an SPE setup until I either freeze one night or get some cash for a good UQ.

**Cannibal** · 08-26-2008, 08:52

Originally Posted by Memphis

I was thinking of placing nylon over the cotton as an easy solution since well.... I can't sew very well....yet.

I had no idea the down was different from the down used in camping quilts. That explains why nobody does this I guess. I should have guessed that I'll probably see how it goes with an SPE setup until I either freeze one night or get some cash for a good UQ.

The sewing is pretty simple, just time consuming. You might try doing what I did at first. Go to your local thrift shops and find some old sleeping bags. You can just modify those with some simple cuts and hems. Cheap, but heavy.