First attempt at an underquilt

**Kayak_Medic** · 02-05-2018, 17:58

Well, after much procrastination, I finally decided to go through with my plans of making a down under quilt. I originate only planned on making one with about 3" of loft, but decided to use my 3.5" baffle material instead of my 2.5". I plugged in 3" baffles and 3" max chamber height into the differential cut calculator, and it gave me the numbers, but I guess reality is different, because I ended up with about 4 to 4.5" loft. I stuffed more down than the calculator suggested, because the chamber volume was larger than expected, and I was worried that the insulation wouldn't be as effective. So, I don't know what a quilt with 4.5" of 950FP down would be rated to, but I'm sure it's capable of going much lower than I'm ever going to realistically camp in. I know many folks like to push their limits, and camp in extreme weather conditions, but I like enjoying all aspects of camping, and sub zero temps just isn't that enjoyable. Anyway, here are some photos. I used Membrane 10 from RSBTR, filed with 950FP white goose down from Rose Feather. Dimensions are 79" x 44", and the weight without the suspension is 28 ounces and some change.

**Cabmanhang** · 02-05-2018, 18:11

That is a work of art!

Looks professionally made.

Let me know when you get ready to sell it.

**coachhahn** · 02-05-2018, 18:40

Wow. Great job. That things gonna be cozy!

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**kitsapcowboy** · 02-05-2018, 18:51

Looks very good.

**LuvmyBonnet** · 02-05-2018, 19:07

That looks great! Nicely done. Was it as difficult as it looks?
Do you still have down flying around the house?

If you want to know the quilts real capabilities, send it up to me I'll report and send it back in the Spring.

**Kayak_Medic** · 02-05-2018, 21:43

Thank you! It was by far the most complicated thing I've made so far. Prior to this, my DIY has consisted of an apron for my wife, a double layer hammock, two Climashield Apex blankets, and a few round bottom stuff sacks. I have worked on the quilt over the weekend, and estimate I have maybe 10 to 12 hrs labor. I can't say I'm looking forward to making another, lol. I don't know how the cottage vendors make these things and sell them for anything less than $500, lol. I'd love to know their secret for putting one together in a cost effective amount of time.

What I love about down is how compressible it is. That huge, bulky quilt stuffs into a sack that's 7" diameter by 12" high, and could be compressed even more. I just finished this stuff sack a bit ago.

**jgreenewv** · 02-06-2018, 12:52

B-E-A-Utiful quilt. If that doesn't keep you toasty, nothing will.

**Kayak_Medic** · 02-06-2018, 19:10

So, I have a question for the experts. Did I mess up by using Membrane 10 for both the inner and outer layers? I assumed that since it's certified down proof, that it would be more wind resistant, similar to calendered ripstop. Apparently that's not the case. While I haven't actually used the quilt outside, I have put the fabric against my mouth to see how easily I could blow through it, and it doesn't take much effort. I am concerned that this may not be the most efficient at holding trapped body heat in breezy conditions. Are my concerns unfounded, or do I need to make a quilt protector out of a wind resistant fabric in order to stay warm?

**PharmGeek** · 02-08-2018, 19:19

Hey man!! I caught this on Facebook - excellent work!! I’m not familiar with membrane 10 but if it’s downproof I’m sure you will be fine!

I always thought downproof was almost always calendered ....

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**Kayak_Medic** · 02-10-2018, 19:56

Originally Posted by PharmGeek

Hey man!! I caught this on Facebook - excellent work!! I’m not familiar with membrane 10 but if it’s downproof I’m sure you will be fine!

I always thought downproof was almost always calendered ....

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https://ripstopbytheroll.com/collect...affeta-nylon-1

Oddly enough, I notice they have membrane 10 as one of the choices if you shop for fabric that's considered to be windproof. All I know is, the blankets I've made with climashield apex using calendered hyper D 1.0 almost act like a plastic bag if you cover your face with it. The membrane 10 seems to 'breathe' better. I think I may just make an underquilt protector just to be safe. I'd hate to find out it doesn't keep me warm if it's windy the first night I use it.