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  1. #1
    Senior Member Cold Butt Stephen's Avatar
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    A Comparison of Synthetic Insulations

    Hey y'all,
    What is your favorite type of insulation for applications like an underquilt? I know that down would be ideal, but the cost is prohibitive, so unless I luck into some really cheap salvage source synthetic it is.

    The ones I was thinking over are insultex, climashield, and thinsulate. That said, if there are any contenders I missed, please tell me about them. I am looking to use these in a winter underquilt, so max warmth is a huge factor.

    Any ways, if any of you have used these in an underquilt or similar application, please weigh in with your opinions.

    Thanks

    PS: I was looking at insultex and it seems like it has different properties depending on the sides as far as breathability and waterproofing. Can anyone comment on this?

    __________________________________________________ _______________

    CBS (Cold Butt Stephen)

  2. #2
    Senior Member dejoha's Avatar
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    I like the Insultex. I have used some in a PLUQ I've made, and I'm currently working on testing a full-size IX quilt. I've used it successfully down to 50°F, and I'm sure it can go lower when I can figure out how to best seal the underquilt.

  3. #3
    Senior Member Bomber's Avatar
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    I use IX as well and find i breathes just right for sleeping. And when it comes to waterproofing its a beaut on a recent trip we experienced a severe rain storm(that flooded many roads - and our basement) but my IX uq kept me dry and warm....
    One off the advantages of IX is that its not sensitive to moisture, a big + on kayak trips where everything has a habit of getting moist and damp.

    /Bomber
    /Bomber.LTD
    Member of the infamous "Hyperborean Hang Gang"
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  4. #4
    Senior Member bigbamaguy's Avatar
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    CBS:
    I have insultex, KAQ UQ & TQ (synthetic Climashield HL), DIY KAQ UQ bought form a kit at Arrowhead Equipment (synthetic Climashield HL/ $90 and a couple of days to make it), and a recently purchased Down quilt from a fellow member. I have to admit I like KAQ as an all around weather UQ/TQ. They are good, for me, to about 30 degrees if they are hung correctly. I am looking to supplement the KAQ's with a layer of IX to take them even lower.

    I read in another post that you are in Louisiana..........if this is the case I would go with the Synthetic insulation or IX. What type of hiker are you: UL, SUL, a 110lb pack and 30miles of swamp are no problem?????
    Par Si Vis Pace Para Bellum

  5. #5
    Senior Member tbone's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by bigbamaguy View Post
    CBS:
    a 110lb pack and 30miles of swamp are no problem?????
    What do you want to do after lunch ?

  6. #6
    Senior Member sturgeon's Avatar
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    No one has mentioned Prima-Loft. I've got a nice light primaloft jacket and have thought it would make a great insulation material for a UQ (if i knew how to sew!)

  7. #7
    Senior Member mountain_man_mike's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by sturgeon View Post
    No one has mentioned Prima-Loft. I've got a nice light primaloft jacket and have thought it would make a great insulation material for a UQ (if i knew how to sew!)
    I love the Climashield we used a few years ago when our BSA troop made a bunch of quilts, tarps and other ultralight trekking gear. I was really fortunate to find a company that donated a roll of it providing we picked it up and that saved the troop a bunch of money. There are some wonderful vendors out there that support outdoor programs. One of the most important things we tried to achieve was to get the boys overcome their insecurities and learn a new skill. The project went over very well and the gear I made then I still use today.

    Happy Trails,

    Mike

  8. #8
    Senior Member Cold Butt Stephen's Avatar
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    Well, I guess I would say that I am getting more into ultralight, but I know that the cost of that is pretty hefty and I am content to schlupp a few more pounds to save money. Also, I will be somewhere in the Appalachian mountains, not Louisiana this winter. Temps will be in the low double digits or the single digits at night with strong winds, most likely.
    ------------------------------------------------------

    CBS (Cold Butt Stephen)

  9. #9
    Senior Member Alamosa's Avatar
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    Well I am hoping the right answer is Climashield as that is what I just ordered and received to make a TQ and UQ out of.

    My wife is allergic to down so I decided there was no reason to bring it in the house. Looking at some very cold campouts coming up (down to -20*F or so), so I am hoping this works very well.
    We must, indeed, all hang together, or assuredly we shall all hang separately. - Ben Franklin
    (known as a win-win on this forum)

  10. #10
    Senior Member JohnSawyer's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by PGSoft View Post
    Well I am hoping the right answer is Climashield as that is what I just ordered and received to make a TQ and UQ out of.

    My wife is allergic to down so I decided there was no reason to bring it in the house. Looking at some very cold campouts coming up (down to -20*F or so), so I am hoping this works very well.
    -20? Holy cow that's cold... Check out Shug's videos, one of them shows his setup where he hit -26... 3 pairs of socks, down booties, SPE, UQ, Down top quilt, lots of hot cocoa and a hot water bottle... I swear that man has antifreeze in his veins...
    "Do or do not, there is no try." -- Yoda


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