Non-traditional blanket/quilt ideas?

I understand that Jerry, just seems more than a little pricey to me for what you are getting, a piece of easily sewn up fabric.

When you buy a good quality down quilt with good UL fabric from a cottage company, say EE, i doubt they factor in that much cost for the shell and lining, despite the fact that it's more complicated and difficult to sew, etc,. Yet, that's the same amount of fabric roughly.

Maybe i'm just getting more cynical as i get older ;)

"Maybe i'm just getting more cynical as i get older"

Maybe so.

I've worked for a lot of factory companies. If the raw cost of goods plus labor were one-third of the retail price, then every one of them would have gone out of business very quickly. I'm used to the raw cost of goods plus labor being about 10% of the retail price.

In contrast, what surprises me now is the retail price of raw cuben fiber fabric. It seems to be only 20-30% higher than the wholesale price. That's amazingly low.

–B.G.–

Speaking of cuben fiber Bob, just ordered a Hexamid Solo Plus w/ extended beak in .74 cuben from Zpacks for 295.

Considering the cost of the raw material (even at a wholesale price), there doesn't seem to be a lot of upcharge there.

I respect that A LOT. I would pay a little more if it meant keeping his business afloat and well, but it seems they are doing well enough.

Same for EE's down quilts, great product at a great and reasonable price. Also a lot of respect there for them for not price gouging. (i'm not saying that MLD is price gouging necessarily, just seems a little over priced or unreasonable to me).

Bob, you've been around awhile, seen the world, surely you would agree there is A LOT of greed in this world? Perhaps even unnecessary and non constructive amounts of greed? Seems greed and selfishness at the big boy levels in the US for example, is even slowly killing this country perhaps?

I may be getting more cynical, but i still have a lot of high ideals and really wish things would change for the better. Part of helping that is being a positive example of what you want to see happen, but sometimes it also means being vocal about what you disagree with or pointing out the shadow side.

Well, i need sleep, goodnight BPL and sorry for being unusually obnoxious today/night.

"Bob, you've been around awhile, seen the world, surely you would agree there is A LOT of greed in this world?"

Agreed. Isn't it grand?

That's what makes the commercial world go around.

I would caution you against thinking of keeping a cottage business afloat. That is a matter for the manager of the cottage business to worry about, and that's what he gets paid for. You, as the consumer, need only consider whether the product you seek is something that you want or need for that price.

I've seen some cottage companies mentioned here that I've done business with, and they are absolutely pitiful. For example, first time order, one item, paid through Paypal, and they shipped me the wrong thing (they shipped me the raw material for a finished item, and they don't even offer the raw materials for sale).

So, let the cottage companies come and go. Support the best ones with your business if you really like the products, but don't get wrapped up in how they are doing.

Now who is cynical?

–B.G.–

Have you guys who are suggesting just a liner ever tried it at 50° on mountain?

I'd freeze my @*se off at that temp over here with the humidity and wind we have- unless in full set of outdoor clothing on a warm mat inside a 2skin tent.

Ok for 'enduring' a night but I prefer to sleep comfortably…

I agree J Mole, a thin fabric liner won't be enough. It could be if one brought a warm down jacket and warm bottoms, but with lows in the 50's, those would be kind of pointless to bring to begin with–wouldn't need it for camp/rest.

Personally i think 2.5 oz/yd2 Apex would be the most practical. Perhaps silk on the inside and Nobul on the outside.

If you sent me the materials Brett, i would sew it for you as it's a pretty quick and easy project for someone with a sewing machine and practice.

The Proforce Jungle Blanket was fine for me in 50 degrees no wind, and quite a bargain at around $40:
http://www.amazon.com/Proforce-Equipment-Snugpak-Jungle-Blanket/dp/B00BTHREMK/ref=sr_1_2

You can also look into the AMK Escape Bivy, its some kind of breathable nonwoven fabric with a reflective coating on the inside. Reports are that its good down to 50 degrees:
http://www.amazon.com/Adventure-Medical-Kits-Escape-Bivvy/dp/B00CLGRRZ2/ref=pd_sim_sbs_sg_3

And finally if you want to go DIY, you could try insultex sandwiched between driducks poncho material, or get the XL nonwoven blanket from Babys R Us, and fold it in half to make a pocket for the insultex. You could probably get away with glue dots to close itup. Very ghetto, but probably warm (if not very breathable):
http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=18511436&cp=2255956.2273442.2255969.2257589.2257637.2549978.3356418&parentPage=family