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Thread: Synthetic UQs?

  1. #1
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    Synthetic UQs using UP?

    Is anyone aware of any vendor opting for "UP" as an insulator as an alternative to down? I realize it would save nothing in material cost and labor but the difference in cost of the filling sounds appealing.

    I guess my curiosity extends to TQs as well.

    (Edited to add "UP" to thread title.)
    Last edited by TominMN; 07-01-2022 at 18:36.

  2. #2
    sideshowraheem's Avatar
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    Cedar Ridge Outdoors makes UP synthetic quilts I believe, and LocoLibre use to at least.

    I have a few made with Apex and have really enjoyed those. I have a 45UQ/TQ set that I use in the summer and they perform really well. At that temp its not a whole lot of a weight penalty and they're just very slightly bulkier.

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    Quote Originally Posted by sideshowraheem View Post
    Cedar Ridge Outdoors makes UP synthetic quilts I believe, and LocoLibre use to at least.

    ...
    Thanks.

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    Following are some companies that I know make synthetic UQs (there may be others):
    - Arrowhead Equipment
    - Cedar Ridge
    - DD Hammocks
    - ENO
    - GO! Outfitters
    - Hemlock Mountain Outdoors
    - Outdoor Vitals
    - Simply Light Designs
    - Sierra Madre
    ~ All I want is affordable, simple, ultralight luxury. That’s not asking too much is it?

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    There are quite a few more companies that make synthetic TQs.

    Plus (and I hesitate to mention the obvious elephant in the room) there are literally dozens of Chinese mass-produced options on Amazon. Personally, I wouldn't touch an Amazon UQ with somebody else's 10-foot pole, but there's a lot more wiggle room for TQs in my opinion. I've heard about folks having decent luck with cheap, warm-weather, synthetic TQs off Amazon.
    ~ All I want is affordable, simple, ultralight luxury. That’s not asking too much is it?

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    Quote Originally Posted by PopcornFool View Post
    There are quite a few more companies that make synthetic TQs.

    Plus (and I hesitate to mention the obvious elephant in the room) there are literally dozens of Chinese mass-produced options on Amazon. Personally, I wouldn't touch an Amazon UQ with somebody else's 10-foot pole, but there's a lot more wiggle room for TQs in my opinion. I've heard about folks having decent luck with cheap, warm-weather, synthetic TQs off Amazon.
    Tallest Pole I ever met was well under 6'-6".

    I should have been more specific in the thread title. I've modified it. My main interest here is UP, rather than Climashield but thanks for the input.
    Last edited by TominMN; 07-01-2022 at 18:37.

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    I have a Cedar Ridge UQ 20° with UP and have been happy with it. I have used it in the twenties, and it kept me warm.

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    Quote Originally Posted by TominMN View Post
    Tallest Pole I ever met was well under 6'-6".
    Too funny!!

    Quote Originally Posted by TominMN View Post
    I should have been more specific in the thread title. I've modified it. My main interest here is UP, rather than Climashield but thanks for the input.
    Sorry. I missed the complete context. Of the ones I listed, most use ClimaShield APEX or their own proprietary branded insulation. Only Cedar Ridge uses UP. Outdoor Vitals uses LoftTek which is supposed to be very similar to UP, but I don't know of anyone else using any other similar, loose fiber, synthetic, imitation down. Looks like you might be limited to Cedar Ridge unless you go the DIY route.
    ~ All I want is affordable, simple, ultralight luxury. That’s not asking too much is it?

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    Quote Originally Posted by PopcornFool View Post
    Sorry. I missed the complete context. Of the ones I listed, most use ClimaShield APEX or their own proprietary branded insulation. Only Cedar Ridge uses UP. Outdoor Vitals uses LoftTek which is supposed to be very similar to UP, but I don't know of anyone else using any other similar, loose fiber, synthetic, imitation down. Looks like you might be limited to Cedar Ridge unless you go the DIY route.
    If the UP product is as good as it seems, I guess I'm a bit surprised that many of the vendors of down TQs and UQs don't offer it as a cost savings option. I understand it's bulkier (requiring a bit more loft) and a bit heavier overall (as a result) but it seems like it might be a great alternative to going the Climashield route.

  10. #10
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    I have a 0, 20 and 40 degree UP TQ from Cedar Ridge Outdoors and I am incredibly happy with them. They don't stuff down as much as down, but they are just as warm and quite a bit less expensive.

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