Polatec Alpha as overquilt insulation

I know it was designed as an active insulation but I find it interesting that nobody seems to have experimented with alternative uses.

Unfortunately slender and meager finances being why I’m looking at DIY in the first place I can’t afford to experiment

I have used a Rab strata apex hoody for a couple of years, it would not even touch the warmth of my 40f Apex quilt.

Would it tho approach a 50F quilt? Because all I need is 10C degrees of safety net.

The fabric only comes up for sale at Mill Yardage occasionally

It might do, 90gm2 Alpha should be similar to 60gm2 apex.

When I do the warmth Vs weight vs cost arithmetic APEX comes out on top in 100gGSM [ 3.6oz] but I am intrigued by the fabic for clothing

Alpha is decent for breathable insulation, but I would avoid it if you are using a wind resistant shell for any application. Go with Apex for a quilt, definitely.

Warmth to weight: the clo value of Apex is .82, whereas Alpha is between .28-.37 (depending on the weight of the material. not sure why it changes, but that is what is reported), so 60g Apex is as warm as 120-180g Alpha.

Cost per linear yard (60″ bolt): Alpha 90gsm is $9.95 at mill yardage. Apex 2.5oz (~85gsm) is $7.00 at ripstop by the roll. so 2-3 times the insulation value for 30% cheaper. that site also has recommendations for making quilts with desired temp ratings (2.5oz for 50* all the way to 7oz for 10*).

For active clothing, Alpha has its place. I have 80g Alpha in two pieces (both feel closer to .30, so not much warmth for the weight). I love one jacket because it breathes well and has a burly face fabric with good stretch. great for climbing, but heavy. the other has a wind resistance shell, so it does not breathe as well as the insulation is intended, and is not very warm, so I never use it. I prefer patagonia full range (.56 clo–nano air line) or arcteryx coreloft continuous (.80ish–proton lt/ar) for highly breathable mid layers.

Thanx jared

Sometimes I have to ask questions to help me think better