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  1. #1
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    Boxed or Draw-Cord TQ Footbox

    I'm awaiting materials to make a top quilt. I have pretty much decided on most parameters, but I can't make up my mind on footbox closure method. I know a fully insulated sewn is the warmest, but I'm not interested in dealing with its inherent added complexity. What I'm torn between is a sewn "boxed" footbox vs. a draw-cord "cinched" footbox (with pillow-plug) and zipper.

    For a "boxed" design: I'm worried the seams around the fooxbox would be like a "sewn-through" quilt and cause cold spots. I went with a cinched footbox on my climashield quilt and haven't had any problems with drafts.

    With a "cinched" footbox: I like the idea of being able to open up the quilt for some ventilation or to use it as a regular blanket in warmer conditions. I haven't utilized this benefit with my climashield quilt because I mostly use it in a layering system in cold weather, so I don't know how well venting/blanket-mode work.

    Other details: I'm aiming for a 20 degree rating but I would like the quilt to be as versatile as possible for 3+ season ground and hammock use. I've decided on 55" wide tapered to 40", horizontal baffles filled with the new UP insulation, and horizontal baffles.

  2. #2
    FLTurtle's Avatar
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    If you're worried about the hole in the cinched footbox, UGQ came up with a brilliant idea:

    https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/...FOOTBOX-UPDATE

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    I'm leaning towards a sewn footbox. Does anyone know if the seams would be a problem if I just did a boxed design? Or an easy way to make it fully insulated?

  4. #4
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    Quote Originally Posted by FLTurtle View Post
    If you're worried about the hole in the cinched footbox, UGQ came up with a brilliant idea:

    https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/...FOOTBOX-UPDATE
    I've never seen either in person, but how similar is this to the way the Katabatic quilts cinch the footbox?

  5. #5
    FLTurtle's Avatar
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    Looks quite similar, actually. They have some videos on the Katabatic site and it clearly shows a snap system.

  6. #6
    Senior Member hutzelbein's Avatar
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    I offer a third solution: just use a longer zipper and have it go around the footbox. In my opinion this is the best of both worlds. You get the versatility of a zipped footbox but don't loose length for cinching the end. And there is no hole to plug. I have been using several sleeping bags with that type of footbox for 9 years now and wouldn't want to use anything else.

  7. #7
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    I will never willingly get a cinch tq again. I hate the buttons or zipper under my legs and a boxed foot box just offers me more room.

    That said, I have not once felt the need to vent a tq or open it back up like a blanket except for home use.

    I find making a boxed end easier then a cinched, but I'm probably the minority.

    As far as sewn through, iv only made tq from clima, and where its sewn through, there usually is a large bunching of material. I'd wager my sewn thru seams are warmer then the rest. The same wouldnt apply to down and baffles though...

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    Quote Originally Posted by hutzelbein View Post
    I offer a third solution: just use a longer zipper and have it go around the footbox. In my opinion this is the best of both worlds. You get the versatility of a zipped footbox but don't loose length for cinching the end. And there is no hole to plug. I have been using several sleeping bags with that type of footbox for 9 years now and wouldn't want to use anything else.
    That's an interesting idea. The downside I see is that unless I added a draft tube/flap to cover it (like a sleeping bag has), the zipper would be a bigger cold spot than a sewn through seam. The end product might be nice, but it would be a bit over complicated for my taste; sewing zippers is a pain to begin with.

    Quote Originally Posted by chapinb View Post
    [...]
    I find making a boxed end easier then a cinched, but I'm probably the minority.

    As far as sewn through, iv only made tq from clima, and where its sewn through, there usually is a large bunching of material. I'd wager my sewn thru seams are warmer then the rest. The same wouldn't apply to down and baffles though...
    I'm liking the simplicity of a boxed design. I'm trying to think of a solution to the sewn through seams.
    Last edited by jabraso; 11-22-2019 at 01:04.

  9. #9
    Senior Member hutzelbein's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by jabraso View Post
    That's an interesting idea. The downside I see is that unless I added a draft tube/flap to cover it (like a sleeping bag has), the zipper would be a bigger cold spot than a sewn through seam. The end product might be nice, but it would be a bit over complicated for my taste; sewing zippers is a pain to begin with.
    This hasn't been a problem with any of my two sleeping bags. One has a narrow draft collar along the zipper. With the other it looks like the zipper was simply sewn a bit on the outside, which creates kind of a draft collar on the inside. Both solutions don't seem particularly complicated. Adding a draft collar means a couple of extra steps; moving the zipper location means a bit more planning if I imagine the construction correctly. For me, the result is totally worth it.

  10. #10
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    Quote Originally Posted by hutzelbein View Post
    This hasn't been a problem with any of my two sleeping bags. One has a narrow draft collar along the zipper. With the other it looks like the zipper was simply sewn a bit on the outside, which creates kind of a draft collar on the inside. Both solutions don't seem particularly complicated. Adding a draft collar means a couple of extra steps; moving the zipper location means a bit more planning if I imagine the construction correctly. For me, the result is totally worth it.
    I think I can picture it better now; I tend to over complicate things in my head. I do like the concept, but the more I think about it the more a sewn footbox appeals to me.

    95% of the time the quilt would be zipped/cinched up. Being able to open the quilt up might be nice during an unexpected warm night, but I've only had that happen once. I already have a couple of down throw TQs that I would use instead when I knew it would a be warm night.

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