Down Alternative UQ and TQ

**PhiDelt496** · 05-10-2014, 21:55

I just ordered 2 of these to try to make my nephew an Underquilt and me a summer TQ.
http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/h...7%26slotId%3D4

**Mouseskowitz** · 05-10-2014, 22:08

Are you harvesting the insulation or just modifying the quilts?

**PhiDelt496** · 05-10-2014, 22:24

Probably just modifying. They are not down, but down alternative...whatever that means. Packability isn't necessarily an issue here.

**Mouseskowitz** · 05-11-2014, 13:19

I guess if weight isn't an issue, whatever works.

**CamoDeafie82** · 05-11-2014, 20:05

"Down Alternative" with Polyester Fiber Fill...simply a fancy name for synthetic polyester batting that's also in cheap sleeping bag.....it works, but may not be as warm honestly....

**gunner76** · 05-11-2014, 20:19

may not be as warm honestly.

and heavy ................

**PhiDelt496** · 05-11-2014, 21:22

I understand that this is not the perfect solution...I am not trying to turn these into an Incubator or Burrow, but as an alternative to a cheap thermorest pad...

I think that these will suffice for the time being if I cut them down and put channels on the edges to cinch them up to the hammock. I know that they won't be ultra light or compress down to nothing, but for a 15 yo kid, they will be like $20 worth of gold.

I also understand that they will not be super warm, but will get him down to the 40s or 50s which will allow him to go lower with the pad, just in case.

Any constructive ideas on how to proceed with this?

**Mouseskowitz** · 05-11-2014, 22:53

My thought would be to sew where you want to have the edge, cut close on the outside of that and then add grosgrain for the channels. You'll probably need some larger shock cord to handle the weight. If the stuffing is too loose you can sew twice and cut between to reduce the amount of stuffing escape.

**lori** · 05-12-2014, 17:52

Too heavy may make a shock cord suspension inadequate. i would clip it to the hammock to prevent air gaps.

**PhiDelt496** · 05-12-2014, 17:56

If my math is correct for a partial length quilt, I am looking at about 2-3 square yards of material. The weight from the link shows 6 oz per square yard which would leave me with a 12-18 ounce quilt...plus some for the shock cord and grosgrain. I dont think that this will be insanely heavy. I also dont think that this will be terribly warm either, but it might work as a warmer weather quilt ~40-50 degrees and could be supplemented with a full length pad if necessary (which he already uses.