Prototype IX Top Quilt with vented footbox

[rjcress]

Here is the prototype that I made this weekend of a 2 layer IX TQ that a HF member asked me to make for him.

Finished the TQ prototype Saturday. Slept in it Sat night.
Very impressed with warmth , but not happy with footbox design.
Altered footbox significantly Sunday, will test it one night this week... likely Monday or Weds.

The original footbox was just a tapered cone with a drawstring in the bottom.
I hated it.
It was smallest at the bottom, which is where my size 13 feet were.
I added in a triangle to the bottom of the footbox seam (not the end, the bottom) to expand the foot area, but it was still too snug.

So I added a 12"x10" panel with 2 layers of IX and made a vent in it.
Holy cow, it is SOOOO much better.
I'll keep thinking about the vent though. Not really happy with how the small circular vent is attached.
Likely to make a rectangular vent that sticks out less in the one for the HF member.

The 50" width is great. I was afraid if it were too narrow that any movement would cause air gaps or the TQ to slip off of me. No issues with that at all. I will make the HF member's TQ with a bit less width to save a bit of weight. The 6" draft tubes on each side really reduce the risk of making it more narrow.

Shell is 1.1 rs from BWDD, IX from BWDD, inner shell is a non-rs nylon that is really soft and great against the skin. Drawcord and mini toggles from BWDD (love the new 2 hole mini toggles).
I made a stuff sack that is about a foot long and 7" wide. I thought this TQ would just barely fit in it. However, I can stuff (not roll) the TQ in the sack AND cram my 96" x 60" fleece TQ in the same sack. Total size is about 1/2 the size of the mummy bag that I have been using as a TQ.
I think I'm finally at the point were I'll have to go get a postal/food scale. It kills me to make this cool stuff and not know exactly what it weights.

Attached a few pics of the prototype. Each picture has a number in the name.
63 = prototype with the conical bottom and drawstring
65 = the hollow draft tube that hangs on each side. Tuck it under you to seal out any drafts
66 = original drawstring bottom
73 = top with drawstring to cinch around shoulders
77 = new footbox bottom with round vent
62 = modeling different design concepts
86 = I sewed 4 rows of longitudinal 1/4" pleats in the bottom layer of IX to provide an air gap between IX layers. This also reduces the inner IX layer width to help it wrap around the person using it.
74 = the IX TQ AND my extra large fleece TQ both in the stuff sack.

With the new footbox design I can pull my 80" long TQ up over my head. With the tapered footbox i could only get it to my shoulders.

I'll make the final version next weekend. In the mean time, please share any thoughts or design ideas.

Thanks!
Jeff

[RootCause]

RJCress, this looks very nicely done.

Looks great, very well thought out. I've never seen a vented footbox, and am interested in how well the concept holds up.

Please post final weight and dimensions when you get 'er done. I'm also interested in your assessment of the temp rating.

[I have an upcoming trip to Philmont Scout Ranch next year, and am thinking that I'll go with a topquilt since I have to ground-dwell there. An IX topquilt will let me hang & go to ground, without having multiple pieces of gear. I also prefer synthetics to down so that I can store them in as little space as possible.]

[Redoleary]

That looks great, can't wait for the report.

[rjcress]

RJCress, this looks very nicely done.

Looks great, very well thought out. I've never seen a vented footbox, and am interested in how well the concept holds up.

Please post final weight and dimensions when you get 'er done. I'm also interested in your assessment of the temp rating.

[I have an upcoming trip to Philmont Scout Ranch next year, and am thinking that I'll go with a topquilt since I have to ground-dwell there. An IX topquilt will let me hang & go to ground, without having multiple pieces of gear. I also prefer synthetics to down so that I can store them in as little space as possible.]

Thanks for the kind words.

I'm jealous. Its been 20... make that 20+ years since I went to Philmont. Was a great trip. I thought I read a post somewhere that implied they would let you hammock on the trail now.
We had to use Philmont issued tents when I went.

I know the dimensions, just not the weight (yet).
80" long by 50" wide.
I plan to use mine alone when possible, and with a fleece TQ as a liner when it is cooler out.
Should have a feel for temp range later this week.

[SteelerNation]

Really appreciate this post as I'm about to try to make something for myself. I live in GA and it gets really hot in the summer, so I'm thinking of making a super-lightweight single-layer IX quilt for those hot summer nights.

I look forward to hearing how the footbox works out for you as that is my biggest question. Also wondering if the vent makes your feet cold. . .

SN

[G.L.P.]

what was the temp the night your tried your out ?

[Shug]

Terrific!
Look forward to hearing more results as I have not gotten on the IX boat as of yet.
You do mighty fine work!!!!!!
Shug

[G.L.P.]

Terrific!
Look forward to hearing more results as I have not gotten on the IX boat as of yet.
You do mighty fine work!!!!!!
Shug

i made mine 2 weeks ago shug....i just havn't tested it out yet
i wanna see what temps he use his in ...maybe give me a good idea on what mine will do

[SteelerNation]

Can you also give any more info on the non-ripstop nylon that you used on the inside?

Not sure what BWDD is either. . .

Thanks again,

SN

[MacEntyre]

If you use a tapered footbox with drawstring, the footbox has to be really long... no feet allowed in the tapered area.