who sells primaloft

[MAD777]

So how much would I use for a 3/4 UQ trying to shoot for 30 degree

Before you go with a synthetic for 30 degrees, think about the following.

When using synthetics for really cold weather, it takes a lot of it which means extra weight, and an awful lot of extra volume. (Need a big backpack). Also, synthetics don't last as long as down, they tend to loose a slight amount of loft each time it is stuffed, which eventually shows up in the long run.

However, if you don't backpack (car camp) the weight and volume are not an issues. And, synthetics are cheaper and easier to make.

Where synthetics really shine is in long distance hiking situations, particularly in humid environments (your PNW). Down will slowly absorb moisture from both the air and your prespiration and eventually collapse to uselessness, whereas, synthetics will loose only some of their ability to insulate. If you are a weekend hiker, this isn't a problem, but if you are out for a week in cloudy weather where you cannot dry out your quilt during the day, synthetics are highly recommended for safety.

I have both. My down quilts are for cool and cold weather, but I'm not a thru-hiker. My synthetic quilt is only one thin layer and is for summer nights that are just cool enough to need something. Quilts this thin, in my opinion, just aren't practical to make with down and, they are so small, the weight & volume disadvantages are negligible.

[PuckerFactor]

I get a lot of my supplies from http://www.therainshed.com/ They're really nice, ship quick, and are on the West Coast, so I can call after I get off work here in the east.

PF

[skippy]

For a summer TQ for temps down to 40 degree's which of the synthetic insulations would you suggest?

[animalcontrol]

For a summer TQ for temps down to 40 degree's which of the synthetic insulations would you suggest?

climashield for me! love that stuff for warmer weather!

[TinaLouise]

Climashield (from OWF) is what I made my summer UQ out of. All my winter gear is down. I did make a climashield winter UQ but sold it because I couldn't backpack with it (to heavy and it didn't compress to fit in my backpack). The summer UQ in climashield has worked out exceptionaly well. I've been through some awful storms and constant high humidity and never a problem. I did cover my quilt with DWR ripstop nylon. I used the thinest climashield that OWF sells and used one layer of it for the summer under quilt. I've been able to use it in temps ranging from about 75 - 45 and stayed comfortable. (at the higher temps, I did tie the UQ looser to my hammock). Below 45, for me, I needed to add something more. Like a mylar blanket or a poncho liner. I'm a cold sleeping female. Most males will sleep a bit hotter and probably could use an UQ like this in temps a bit cooler. You'd have to do your own testing to see temps that you'd be comfortable in.

TinaLouise

[skippy]

Thanks everyone, I am going to attempt making my first TQ soon. I think that I will also cover my quilt with the ripstop nylon. Is the 3.3 the thinest climashield?

[BillyBob58]

For a summer TQ for temps down to 40 degree's which of the synthetic insulations would you suggest?

Don't really know about CS in TQs. But I have used a 1 sq.yd layer of 2.5 oz/sq.yd CS(IOW, 2.5 oz of CS) as the only insulation (inside a WB Yeti style torso UQ) and been just fine down into the high 40s. I call it a 50*F UQ. The whole thing counting shell only weighs ~9.5 Oz or so. I'm not sure how much you could beat that using down instead, couldn't be much weight wise.

I just add additional layers for colder temps. I think I had 2 layers on the Sipsey halloween trip ( you were there) when it rained so much, I think the lows were in the low to mid 40s and I was toasty. Total weight ~ 13 oz. I think I have played around with it with 2 layers in the high 30s and it was OK, haven't pushed it further so far. My son used 3 layers to be toasty at 27F.

What has happened at http://thru-hiker.com/materials/insulation.php ?

He used to sell Primaloft and Climashield and had good info on temp ratings and CLO. All I see now is 900 FP down?

[Just hang it]

thanks for all the great info