compression : down Vs. IX

**JPsax** · 01-03-2012, 01:24

I am going to get working on a small UQ for myself only a 3/4ths or maybe less. I would like to know how much more Down feathers compress than Insultex

Im really going to push into the light backpacking field and in florida i dont need much heavy insulation but would like compactness for the space in the bag.

**Bubba** · 01-03-2012, 01:34

Down compresses a lot more than IX. Can't tell you how much but it's a fair bit.

**JPsax** · 01-03-2012, 01:46

youve got me sold then! Im on edge with how big my sleeping bag is right now so Im going to move to this down bottom and probably a down top.

**TinaLouise** · 01-03-2012, 10:19

Something else to consider is the humidity problem you will be dealing with in FL. And then think about down vs IX with humidity thrown in the mix. The IX does not compress into a tiny little package like the down will, but it's a whole lot less maintanence.

**JPsax** · 01-03-2012, 12:35

Well I would only be using this in temps in the 40's and below and the humidity normally would only be in the 30% to 20% range. Is this to high for down? would a silnylon shell solve this?

**FLRider** · 01-03-2012, 12:45

Nah. As long as there isn't dew (and you're not having to deal with long-term sub-freezing temperatures where your body moisture is condensing and freezing inside of the quilt) on the outside of the quilt, you should be good to go. Especially with an underquilt, as most of your body moisture rises (since it's warmer than the surrounding air) rather than falls.

However, if you ever wind up using this anywhere where it's cool and damp (the Smokies come to mind), the down might be an issue. I've used my PLUQ in 50 to 55 F weather while it's been raining/rolling fog in and had no problems with the insulation. And that was here in FL.

If you intend on using the quilt above forty-ish, in Florida, I'd recommend going with something other than down. If not, down is absolutely perfect for our neck of the woods.

**Redoleary** · 01-03-2012, 12:46

I can't remember who it was now, but somebody had posted pix of their down gear compressed and their IX gear compressed and the two items being equivalent to each other in size and function, compressed to roughly the same dimensions with a compression sack.
The nice thing about IX is that its ability to function well even if you neglect it. You can store it compressed, you could probably throw it in the lake 5 min. before bed, shake it off and still keep warm.
Also I would not use a sil shell on your down quilt, it need to breath.

**JPsax** · 01-03-2012, 13:00

could I get away with just 2 layers of IX ? I read scott ( of DIY gear supply) instructions for a three layer quilt and it said it would work to below freezing so would 2 layers add up to our areas weather?

**FLRider** · 01-03-2012, 13:12

Originally Posted by JPsax

could I get away with just 2 layers of IX ? I read scott ( of DIY gear supply) instructions for a three layer quilt and it said it would work to below freezing so would 2 layers add up to our areas weather?

I honestly don't know. I've yet to try an IX quilt myself, so...

I should have an answer for you by February, though, since that's going to be part of my complete hammock system that's currently waiting on a sewing machine repair to begin. Sorry.