Climashield Apex top quilt - 7.5 oz or 10.0 oz?

[GoneShootn]

I'm thinking of building a top quilt using the RipStopByTheRoll kit. I want it to match with my 0 degree HammockGear Econ Phoenix underquilt. The goal is to be toasty warm if the thermometer drops to 20 F or a bit below during the night. So, which Apex do I need - 7.5 oz (on sale right now) or 10.0 oz?

[jms53]

I always shoot for a little safety. Better to be warm and vent a little than to be shivering all night

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[mathineer]

I camped last weekend with a 6 oz climashield TQ and UQ, winter tarp, and hammock sock - all diy. The temp got down to 23F, and I was COLD. Not shivering cold, but barely able to sleep cold.

I think I'd need the 10oz to stay warm down near zero, but I sleep a bit on the cold side. 10oz is going to be BULKY!

mathineer

[kitsapcowboy]

The rule of thumb for Climashield Apex (CLO=0.82/oz/sq he) calculates the approximate comfort rating of the synthetic quilt made from it as 8 degrees below 70F for every ounce/sq yd of CS.

CS 2.5 = 50F
CS 3.6 = 41F
CS 5.0 = 30F
CS 6.0 = 22F
CS 7.5 = 10F
CS 10.0 = -10F

YMMV. I love CS Apex and have seen many DIY quilts with it. I tend to be a very accurate "average sleeper" when it comes to hammock quilt and usually sleep comfortably right to the advertised ratings. However, I tend to be conservative on the colder end of the above approximate ratings when it matters most, as I think the accuracy of these guidelines falls off as the temps go down. From my experience CS 3.6 works great down to exactly 40F, and CS 3.6 gets you down to the freezing mark but not all the way to 30F. I consider CS 6.0 to be the right choice for 25F and above, and I find CS 7.5 very comfortable at 20F but less so closer to 10F. I would not personally use CS 10.0 much below zero; I consider the current generation of synthetic insulation to be relatively impractical for backpacking applications once you get into negative temperatures, owing to weight and pack size. My $0.02. HTH...

[jellyfish]

I would layer quilts. Sewing the CS10 is going to be a beast. Even the 7.5 could be a challenge. The 6 is definitely doable.

I layer my top quilts and my underquilts.

[mathineer]

I would layer quilts. Sewing the CS10 is going to be a beast. Even the 7.5 could be a challenge. The 6 is definitely doable.

I layer my top quilts and my underquilts.

This is what I was planning to do! How do you attach them together? I thought that maybe you just stack the UQs, but I figured you'd need to fasten the TQ's together somehow.

mathineer

[crasmussenjr]

If you do the frontcountry kit and do the straps for closure I would love to see images. Without snaps,sewing, or a zipper I don’t see how that kit keeps a draft off your feet. I am wanting to replace my 6 pound Sierra designs bag from the mid 90’s and diy is definitely the way I am going.

[jellyfish]

This is what I was planning to do! How do you attach them together? I thought that maybe you just stack the UQs, but I figured you'd need to fasten the TQ's together somehow.

mathineer

I just keep sliding them over one another until I am cozy. 3 quilts deep!

[GoneShootn]

I would layer quilts. Sewing the CS10 is going to be a beast. Even the 7.5 could be a challenge. The 6 is definitely doable.

I layer my top quilts and my underquilts.

Apparently, RBTR only offers 5 oz and 7.5 oz in that range.

[GoneShootn]

I just keep sliding them over one another until I am cozy. 3 quilts deep!

What sizes Apex TQ's do you have, and what temp ranges for the various stacking schemes?