Shamu IX UQ Tryout

**MacEntyre** · 11-05-2010, 17:07

Originally Posted by BillyBob58

MacEntyre, is it possible(within reason anyway) to hang them too tight?

Of course, but I believe the differential cut significantly reduces the risk of losing insulation value from pulling the shock cord too tight. The required air gaps are maintained by the Torso Heater and the outer layer of IX, regardless of how tight you hang it.

**MacEntyre** · 11-05-2010, 20:15

After reviewing the pictures in Rat's posting, it appears that some Molly Mac Gear IX UQs are not made correctly. They are supposed to have darts in each corner, and two more darts in each end between the corners.

Do any of you have IX UQs that lack these darts?

- MacEntyre

**dejoha** · 11-05-2010, 20:17

I just saw your other post. I'm going to check my UQ in a few moments.

**dejoha** · 11-05-2010, 20:23

Originally Posted by MacEntyre

I don't mean to argue, Dejoha, but my experience has been the opposite of yours!

Oh, no argument here. It seems clear that I am either doing it wrong and/or my quilt lacks the darts on the ends. I think my understanding was different in that this quilt needs a little gap between the hammock and the IX. I've never been able to achieve that in practice very well, but that was my impression.

I am eager to try the quilt again over the next few days. I'm running out now to check the quilt for darts.

**MacEntyre** · 11-05-2010, 21:04

About the gap... forget about the gap.

The construction of the IX UQ makes certain that there will be a gap, no matter how tight you hang it. Just focus on eliminating openings along the edges, on the sides and at each end, so that no air spills in.

**dejoha** · 11-05-2010, 21:10

Originally Posted by MacEntyre

About the gap... forget about the gap.

The construction of the IX UQ makes certain that there will be a gap, no matter how tight you hang it. Just focus on eliminating openings along the edges, on the sides and at each end, so that no air spills in.

Thanks Mac. I'm going to try this again and worry less about the gap. My real worry now is the gap on the ends. I'll get some photos back to you tomorrow.

**MacEntyre** · 11-07-2010, 12:49

Folks, I just spoke with Darby at Tree to Tree Trail Gear. We agreed that it would be best to make a design change.

We will use a 1.1 ripstop nylon channel at each end, adding only a few grams of weight.

That will provide the solution for those who are not able to make the ends of their IX UQ close up.

**KefWalker** · 11-16-2010, 09:43

I just got back from vacation and just catching up on this thread. I had a chance to really spend time with the Shamu in an effort to adjust the hang and no matter how I adjusted it, I still ended up with a gap at one end. The temps are low enough now to feel the effect of the gap and when it is open, there is enough of a difference in warmth to be felt. I tried tightening the UQ to close up both ends, and got it so tight at one point that, although both ends were closed, the effect of the differential cut was negated and I could feel the cold through my back and butt.

My Shamu is one of the first from TTT Gear, and it is well made with the darts in each end, so that aspect of the design can be ruled out. I really think end channels would improve the hang and if I could sew, they would have been in by now. MacEntyre has designed a lightweight UQ with plenty of potential to go lower than the mid-40's--I just think it needs a design tweak to make it even better.

I'm glad you're trying the end channels, MacEntyre. I think they will make a difference in hang, by letting the Shamu's differential cut work at optimum while allowing the UQ ends to close up. Please let me know if I can get them added to the Shamu I have.

**MacEntyre** · 11-16-2010, 11:13

Originally Posted by edbeteze

I'm glad you're trying the end channels, MacEntyre.

First, we are trying Draft Dodgers. They are a lot simpler.

Originally Posted by edbeteze

Please let me know if I can get them added to the Shamu I have.

Hold tight, Ed! I'm not certain under what circumstances they are necessary.

Let's wait to hear from the half dozen folks who have dodgers.

**KefWalker** · 11-16-2010, 12:14

I'm holdin'...

I truly believe the Mac IX UQs have not been tested to their full potential. I think the Shamu, for example, can get me down to the low-40s/high-30s without a problem if I can only get the hang/fit right. With the IX insert that I have and a good fit, I should be able to get down to the low-30s, maybe low-20s for only 12 oz. plus maybe an ounce or 2 for mods--that's an excellent weight/warmth ratio!