Topic
Baffle height for UQ?
Forum Posting
A Membership is required to post in the forums. Login or become a member to post in the member forums!
Home › Forums › Gear Forums › Make Your Own Gear › Baffle height for UQ?
- This topic is empty.
-
AuthorPosts
-
Aug 15, 2010 at 6:31 pm #1262272
I am trying to figure what height baffles I should use to make a down underquilt in the 35-40 deg range. I plan on overstuffing to prevent voids in the down.
What do you think the overall loft should be for a UQ at this temp?
What would be a good baffle height, or at this temp range do you think I could get away with a sewn-thru?
My head hurts from looking at the specs on underquilts, quilts, and sleeping bags. Nothing seems very consistent.
You folks have always provided me with great advice.
I am going to get my down from Hammockgear.com, it is 800+ fill.
Thanks
Aug 15, 2010 at 7:25 pm #1637696My take is that you're right at the edge of where down makes sense. The difficulty of getting a small amount of down well spread-out without dead spots either results in over-stuffing or very complex baffling, both of which add weight and cancel the inherent efficiency of down.
I've run the numbers for a few different quilt designs, and have found very minimal weight savings for a down quilt until you get to the 20's, which is generally agreed to be about 2" of down or 5oz of Climashield XP.
You would be looking at 1.5" of down or 3.7oz Climashield Combat, where you'll be lucky to save 1oz and avoid dead spots.
Sewn-through is probably lighter than baffles for something of that rating. It's certainly easier, and you can just over-stuff instead of spending weight on baffles.
So – sew-through and over-fill, or go synthetic. But run the numbers first to make sure the down will save you weight before you spend the time and money on it.
Aug 15, 2010 at 7:36 pm #1637699Thanks Philip,
That makes sense, I think I am leaning towards a sewn-thru. The reasons I like down are it's compressibility, long life, and it just feels good. And I want some practice working with down before I make a down quilt. I will have to do the math and figure how much down I will need for a 1 1/2" loft, easy enough.I guess the reality is the UQ only needs to be good to about 40 deg and warmer. I am a very warm sleeper.
Thanks again.
Aug 15, 2010 at 8:04 pm #1637704If you're gonna do a sewn through, do you want to take a look at my JRB Stealth? I could drop it off Tues. I have used it as a UQ down to freezing and have been comfortable.
Aug 15, 2010 at 9:17 pm #1637720Ken,
Thanks, that would be great, I would love to see your quilt. Give me a call.
I appreciate it.Aug 16, 2010 at 7:34 am #1637757If you're looking for a practice project then I would use the same construction you'll use on the quilt you're planning. If that will be a warm quilt requiring baffling, then baffle this one to get it figured out. If you're like me the second go-round will be much prettier.
-
AuthorPosts
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.
Forum Posting
A Membership is required to post in the forums. Login or become a member to post in the member forums!
Our Community Posts are Moderated
Backpacking Light community posts are moderated and here to foster helpful and positive discussions about lightweight backpacking. Please be mindful of our values and boundaries and review our Community Guidelines prior to posting.
Get the Newsletter
Gear Research & Discovery Tools
- Browse our curated Gear Shop
- See the latest Gear Deals and Sales
- Our Recommendations
- Search for Gear on Sale with the Gear Finder
- Used Gear Swap
- Member Gear Reviews and BPL Gear Review Articles
- Browse by Gear Type or Brand.