Ray Way Climahield XP

I don't have any personal experience with the ray way kits but I would just buy the materials from thru-hiker.com. All you need is a 2-3 yards of climashield and about 5 yards of fabric. I was able to make my own quilt following some patterns that people have posted here on the forums. Since I am new to MYOG I usually make a prototype from some $1/yard walmart fabric before I start work with the UL materials.

While I haven't made anything with the Climashield XP kits, I've made three quilts (2 single person models and one of the two person quilts) as well as the tarp and net-tent from his kits. I had no previous sewing experience, but am happy with the end result of all of the kits. The instructions are excellent.

I've had nothing but great experiences with his products. I’ve made two quilts, the tarp and net tent, and several stuff sacks. The quilts are great. They are really light for a synthetic quilt, the design is easy to make, the draft stopper is an excellent idea, and I've found them to be even warmer than the advertised temperature rating. I would highly recommend the deluxe version. The draft stopper really is necessary and cozy. I would also recommend the dual colors. Aside from looking snazzy, it helps to figure out which side is up and keep it from getting tangled in a small tent. Although Ray can be opinionated, his products really are very well thought out.

The products are really good deals too. If you price the materials from thru-hiker for instance, your quilt will actually cost more than from Ray. You have to keep in mind that you will need two layers of insulation to keep you reasonably warm. I thought about just buying the raw materials for my second quilt, but nowhere was cheaper than Ray anyway.

Although I can’t vouch for Climashield XP myself, I have come to trust Ray’s products. The fact that he refused to switch to Delta despite industry pressure seems to suggest that he doesn’t just use an insulation because it’s specs are better. In fact, having worked in an outdoors store selling sleeping bags, I agree with Ray. Delta may be lighter than 3D, but it looses it’s loft faster and doesn’t bounce back after being in a stuff sack in the store for six months. I wouldn’t hesitate to use Climashield XP if I were making another one.

Thanks for the input. I like to hear different opinions before formulating my own. I was given a 50's vintage Universal sewing machine from a friend. I need to learn how to thread it and adjust it and finally how to use it. Sounds like it would be fun and rewarding to MYOG.

I have made two Ray Way quilts (1 and 2 person) and also have had generally good results. The instructions are very clear and detailed. At the time of my first quilt, I didn't have a great deal of MYOG experience (stuff sacks, some dry bags, a couple of tarps, but they turned out well. Now only if I could get my wife to sleep in the 2p quilt with me. She claims it is too small for 2. I think she is crazy.