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  1. #1
    Senior Member
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    Underquilt planning - choosing a material?

    After tackling a few DIY projects, I'm starting to think through a "properly" built underquilt.
    I happened upon 450g (1 pound) of 700+ fill down for $35.

    The area that I've not been able to find much discussion over is:
    What is the best material for an underquilt?
    (I imagine it is here, but that I'm using the wrong seach criteria...)

    I see that Dutch has:
    ARGON 67 (10D)
    ARGON 90 (15D)
    ION (unlisted, guessing 20D?)

    and I saw Ripstop-by-the-Roll has:
    MEMBRANE 15 POLY TAFFETA (15D)
    0.66 OZ MEMBRANE 10 TAFFETA NYLON (10D)
    1.1 OZ RIPSTOP NYLON (20D)
    1.0oz HYPERD (20D)
    1.6oz CALENDERED HYPERD (40D)

    Are there other fabrics that are worth looking at?
    I know that they need to be downproof...
    The main trade-off seems to be "durability" vs "weight"
    For a full size underquilt - that seems to be around a 6 ounce difference between the lightest and heaviest...

    As a first quilt project, I was tempted to go with the 40D material.
    If I'm calculating correctly, it will still be lighter than my dual layer CDT yet be larger and have more loft.

    The fact that I'm generally camping with a scout troop, and within a mile of vehicles is factored into going for durability over weight...
    What am I overlooking?

  2. #2
    Member
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    An underquilt doesn't need to be nearly as durable as a hammock because it's not holding your weight, so I would think that the 1.6oz HyperD is major overkill. But if you are never going to backpack with it, then I don't see a reason not to use it. Personally, I like the .9oz (15D) fabrics for quilts, but I backpack with mine. The 1.0-1.1oz (20D) fabrics would only add maybe an ounce over the .9oz fabrics, so they would probably be more what you're looking for. I actually have hammocks in both ION and 1.0oz HyperD, and they seem like they would both be more than adequate for a quilt.

  3. #3
    Senior Member Christo456's Avatar
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    I use the calendared 1.1 oz for no other reason than it's usually the least expesive.

  4. #4

    Join Date
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    Thanks for starting this thread, have the same question.

    Anyone use a waterproof or water-resistant fabric for the outside (lower) layer of an underquilt? I know it's not the same as an underquilt protector, but would it help at least a bit to protect from splashes/dirt/etc.?

  5. #5
    New Member
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    Quote Originally Posted by KBr00ks View Post
    Thanks for starting this thread, have the same question.

    Anyone use a waterproof or water-resistant fabric for the outside (lower) layer of an underquilt? I know it's not the same as an underquilt protector, but would it help at least a bit to protect from splashes/dirt/etc.?
    I use a calendared material on the outside when using synthetic insulation because I feel like it might help block a touch more wind. No scientific tests on that though.

    You may have issues using waterproof with condensation forming in your insulation without an escape route. Although I think a top quilt would be more likely to suffer that date.

    Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk

  6. #6
    Senior Member Wanderlost's Avatar
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    I'm personally a huge fan of the Argon fabrics. They have a great feel to them, especially for the top quilt which will actually be next to skin. That being said, I'd hold off on the investment unless you really know youo're going to rock that quilt. As has been mentioned already, calendared 1.1 is great for the price.

    Quote Originally Posted by KBr00ks View Post
    Thanks for starting this thread, have the same question.

    Anyone use a waterproof or water-resistant fabric for the outside (lower) layer of an underquilt? I know it's not the same as an underquilt protector, but would it help at least a bit to protect from splashes/dirt/etc.?

    The issue you will have with that is that it creates a vapor barrier that traps the moisture in with the down instead of letting it vent through. Most underquilt protectors are still a breathable fabric with a DWR coating - not a waterproof fabric like sil - for that very same reason. Some downs may be hydrophobic, but you still need to let that moisture continue on out.
    73 de W4BKR

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  7. #7
    Senior Member HoosierT's Avatar
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    My focus is entirely on weight so I have used Membrane 10 or argon 67 for all my quilts and am very happy with the material. HOWEVER, I think that one of the best material options for the outside shell of an UQ is the WPB Robic 7D from RSBTR. It's very light weight, fairly tough due to being Robic, and very water resistant due to the microporous PU coating BUT it's still breathable, albeit not quite as breathable as standard non-coated fabrics I still believe it's breathable enough. It is expensive but you would only use it on the outside of the UQ so 2-3 yards is all you'd need to buy. The only reason I didn't use it on mine was the limited color choices.

  8. #8
    Member
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    I used 1.0 HyperD CALENDARED and I'm very happy with the results. Smooth, soft and easy to sew.

    Make sure to add the baffle height to both sides of the outer layer to keep the down from being compressed.

    2017-07-30_18.01.14.jpg
    Last edited by ScooterInVegas; 11-02-2017 at 01:31.

  9. #9
    Member
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    Hahaha I'm also glad you asked I'm looking into the same thing as far as making an UQ.

  10. #10
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    I have experience with MEMBRANE 10 and calendered HyperD 1.0 for down quilts. I would not use HyperD 1.0 anymore because it loses down more than MEMBRANE. This isn't shocking since MEMBRANE 10 has a higher IDFL rating than calendered HyperD (5 vs 4), and the down loss isn't problematic with HyperD, but having seen the difference I would go with MEMBRANE 10 going forward. I've also found MEMBRANE 10 and 15 (which I've used in a CS quilt) to be more than durable enough for my needs. Any down quilts I make going forward will be MEMBRANE 10.
    Caminante, son tus huellas el camino y nada más... - Antonio Machado

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