I was searching my local Joanne Fabric for material and ran across this fabric. I have no idea what it is, but, I thought it might make a good insulating fabric, possibly like an underquilt. Anyone know what it is, or have any experience with it?
I was searching my local Joanne Fabric for material and ran across this fabric. I have no idea what it is, but, I thought it might make a good insulating fabric, possibly like an underquilt. Anyone know what it is, or have any experience with it?
Izzat $28.99 the price per yard?
Climashield APEX @ $16.34 a yard from Thru Hiker is definitely less expensive, and likely more effective.
It looks like this:
http://www.warmcompany.com/wwtech.html
I have a pad I made from it. It worked down to about 40F but if you are hiking, it is not worth the bulk or weight. I use it with a PLUQ (open so I can slide the WW pad in it).
It's window lining that's made with an insulating value. People make 'window quilts' with it. They're usually put on rollers like a shade.
I would be hesitant to use it for something that's going to be packed and crushed and manhandled...seems like the insulation isn't built to withstand that kind of treatment.
The other problem with it is that it's got a reflective layer inside so it's going to act like a vapor barrier part way through the fabric.
It's one of those cases where you're better off using something that's intended for what you want to use if for rather than trying to improvise.
Wow, thanks for the quick (and informative) replies. I'm very new and really appreciate the help!
I use this, and while it is expensive by the yard, it is 6 ft. wide. I use it between the double layers of my hammock when camping below zero. It has a mylar layer in the middle, but condensation has never been an issue because of the mylar sandwiched between the layers. I really like it, it adds 20-30 degrees to my UQ. I would not use it backpacking. I simply fold it and roll it. Works well car camping or canoe camping. I also use it for a dog bed for my dog. Enclosed it between 2 layers of breathable ripstop. She loves it.
“Isn't it enough to see that a garden is beautiful without having to believe that there are fairies at the bottom of it too?”
― Douglas Adams, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
Look for insulbright, punched mylar, sandwiched between insultex like material, used for pot holders and such...
It is good insulation. But, this stuff does not compress, so takes up some space in a pack. I have used it between layers in a double layer hammock. Works great. In the cold, it is just breathable enough to work. Not real light. Kind of bulky. Not too expensive. Does not require quilting or baffles.
If you don't put it inside some sort of cover, it will generate static electricity and pick up every small leaf, twig, and fiber within 10 feet.
I love the unimproved works of God. - Horace Kephart
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