TQ Foot Boxes

**jbo_c** · 11-01-2010, 19:06

Why does it seem all the DIY(and, for that matter, "commercial") TQs have insulation all the way around the foot box even though we all know the insulation on the bottom doesn't really do anything?

Wouldn't it make more sense for the foot box to be just a single layer of material rather than wrapping insulated baffles around?

Seems like an easy place to shave down cost and (an admittedly minimal amount of) pack space/weight.

Am I missing something simple?

Just askin'.

Jbo

**wisenber** · 11-01-2010, 19:15

If the baffles surround the foot, the down can be shifted to the top of the leg. It would actually take more baffling to exclude the bottom of the feet which would add more weight than the weight saved by less down.

**Hooch** · 11-01-2010, 19:18

Originally Posted by wisenber

If the baffles surround the foot, the down can be shifted to the top of the leg. It would actually take more baffling to exclude the bottom of the feet which would add more weight than the weight saved by less down.

What he said.

**jbo_c** · 11-01-2010, 19:49

I can't imagine a way it would take more baffling unless you made the quilt the same, but blocked the down from getting around to the back side. That would just be silly.

Why not just make the baffles only as long as the top part of the footbox?

Jbo

**Hooch** · 11-01-2010, 19:53

Originally Posted by jbo_c

Why not just make the baffles only as long as the top part of the footbox?

Sides. You forgot the sides.

**pgibson** · 11-01-2010, 20:07

Also if you are like me that sometimes lays side and sometimes back and sometimes one leg bent a little, sometimes the other on and on

the areas not covered by your feet can loft and provide some insulation around your feel. Not having any insulation under may be fine in some spots but when you sift a good bit and then end up with nothing in one area leaves you with more potential cold spots that a fraction of a ounce of down or an oz of synthetic may fill in the gaps otherwise.

**Youngblood** · 11-02-2010, 08:54

One thing I think you might be overlooking on the 'not needing insulation on the bottom at the footbox scheme' is just how much area you are talking about. It isn't much... and you need for the insulation to tuck underneath a ways to prevent drafts through uninsulated fabric. I don't think there is enough there to go after, so to speak. How much are you thinking of removing, a 4 inch strip?

The classical way of saving weight in the footbox area is to reduce the inside volume in that section. Bags and quilts with footboxes that take that approach essentially hog-tie your feet together. While that saves weight and is more efficient since you don't have as much volume to warm up, it can be uncomfortable for some folks.

**Lonely Raven** · 11-02-2010, 09:02

IMHO, your legs/feet need as much insulation as they can get. Even though you're compressing some of it, making sure you're as covered as possible is important. Especially in 32F and below.

**millarky** · 11-02-2010, 09:02

I use a striped down synth Montbell bag as TQ. It has a foot box. It keeps the back of my feet and ankles warm. A little can help a lot.

**lori** · 11-02-2010, 09:19

In the case of multi use quilts with omni tape to create the footbox on demand, you want the baffles all the way around. When you don't have it in footbox mode it makes a nice blanket. When used as a full length underquilt it provides great coverage. And when you make the footbox, it's a nice warm place to stash your water supply when it's below freezing, and your water filter, and your GPS and anything else electronic so you don't waste the batteries.... I use the insulation in the footbox.