DIY Insultex Top Quilt

[NFA]

I slept out two nights in the High Peaks of the Adirondack Mountains last weekend using just the IX single layer topquilt in my GT nano, with a HH tiny-sized tarp overhead...

I layered up with long underwear and balaclava and socks and fingerless gloves, and the best I can say is that I lived...it was in the 40s both nights and I was cold!

Jamie - nfa

[AaronAlso]

Just had a thought, what about baffles made from 3D spacer mesh; maybe 3" strips with 3" open spaces between each. Would this provide enough air gap for IX to work properly?

[G.L.P.]

an IX TQ is fine for temps above 50F other then that it's only good for a layer system...
i also found that a sewn foot box = condensation ... i would wake up and my socks would be wet .. so keep that in mine
IX works better as an UQ than it does as a TQ from what i found

if i were you i would at least have a puffy jacket or a fleece blanket on hand just in case next time
glad to hear you survived ...

[MAD777]

I slept out two nights in the High Peaks of the Adirondack Mountains last weekend using just the IX single layer topquilt in my GT nano, with a HH tiny-sized tarp overhead...

I layered up with long underwear and balaclava and socks and fingerless gloves, and the best I can say is that I lived...it was in the 40s both nights and I was cold!

Jamie - nfa

That is the same as my experience. In my book, IX top quilts are for true summer nights at sea level.

Glad you made it back safe & sound!

[Desiel]

I made a double layer IX TQ with a ripstop outter shell and a fleece inner lining with footbox and draw collar at the shoulders, too hot to use for anything above 30f , your right they don't breath well

Wanna sell it?

[canoebie]

I have a 2 layer IX top quilt with breathable 1.1 oz ripstop on each side. I use it in the summer, in winter I use it as a sock over my hammock, works great. I leave a vent. The stuff is clammy as a TQ no matter what. Works great as a UQ though.

[SteelerNation]

Yeah, loved the idea of it, but my IX TQ was just way too clammy. Ended up going with a lightweight down summer TQ instead. . .

[Captn]

I sewed two layers of cllimahield to the bottom edge of the IX such that the footbox is only climashield and 1.1 ounce nylon. Two layers of IX in the rest of the quilt .....

This makes the quilt a lot less clammy feeling, but I still wouldn't use it in less than 50 degree temps.

[Moose]

I would make sure you have someway of staying warm just incase.

[Captn]

I've used it down to 45 degrees .... Certainly not my first choice for under 50 degrees ...