Any foreseeable issue with an all Tyvek UQ?

**DownRavin** · 07-07-2013, 01:33

Hey HFs,

I am thinking about making a 3/4 under quilt with top/bottom made out of washed tyvek. Just wondering if those of you with more experience anticipate any issues with the material? I have heard rabble that tyvek is not breathable enough. Is there truth to that? Would it be beneficial to use ripstop on one side for increased breathability? Any tips would be appreciated!

**Bubba** · 07-07-2013, 03:35

Moisture management could be a problem depending on how much you sweat, the outside temperature and the type of insulation. Are you thinking of down or synthetic insulation?

**craige** · 07-07-2013, 05:58

I'm not sure of the breathability in terms of moisture management or the ability to pack down quickly.

Another issue you may have is with down leaking (if you're using down) where there are stitches but no proper seams i.e baffles. The holes from the stitches stay the same size as the needle unlike ripstop, because it is woven it kinda self heals a little.

Obviously this is purely conjecture and I hope you are able to make it without any issues (post lots of pics if you do go ahead) it would be pretty cool in winter to have a white quilt.

**DownRavin** · 07-07-2013, 11:15

Yes, I plan on using down from an old mountain division sleeping bag, upgrading to 800+ once i get out of school. Good call on the resealing factor associated with woven materials. I compleately overlooked that aspect. Worth an attempt I guess. We shall see. Thanks for the input thus far.

**SilvrSurfr** · 07-07-2013, 11:34

One of the advantages of down is its compressibility - you'll lose that with Tyvek, I think. It's probably not gonna compress worth a crap. I could see your quilt acting like a balloon.

**mrmike65** · 09-07-2013, 21:09

The nice thing about tyvek is that there is tyvek tape. Just tape all your seams

**SilvrSurfr** · 09-07-2013, 21:13

Well, how would the down loft without air?

**mrmike65** · 09-07-2013, 21:24

Originally Posted by SilvrSurfr

Well, how would the down loft without air?

Yes, good point. Perhaps it would be better to use a synthetic batting (Climashield?). Then you could add mesh panels to allow air in and out.

**Phiche** · 09-07-2013, 21:37

Tyvek is noisy, like wrinkling rice paper. I've used some as a groundmat and it is loud at night !

**Turtle Creek** · 09-07-2013, 21:44

Originally Posted by Phiche

Tyvek is noisy, like wrinkling rice paper. I've used some as a groundmat and it is loud at night !

Yep, I could not agree with this post any more! I did the same thing and every toss and turn was extremely noisy and it seemed to echo/amplify in the shelter. Maybe as the UQ it wouldn't be as loud, but you would not catch me any where near tyvek when I want to sleep.