I have some sewing experience tarps a simple tent a bivy but nothing as complex as a quilt I want a 800fp down. Quit in the 40ish temp range with a footbox any patterns out there? What shell material would work best and how hard is it to make ? Also what would 6ounces of 800fp down cost ?

Or for the temp range would it be eaiser to use synthetic insulation like apex or primaloft since I wouldn't have to baffle it ?

William,

It is not that difficult if you are doing a synthetic.

Check out this thread on making a synthetic quilt.

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=46712&skip_to_post=398443#398443

And if you are feeling adventurous and really want to pursue a down quilt check out this other link.

http://www.lytw8.com/uploads/LytW8_Summer_Quilt_Instructions.pdf

Party On,

Newton

Hi William,

I've made both synthetic and down quilts. You will be much happier with the down quilt. Recommend a baffle height of 2 1/2" for most 3 season use.

Here is another link for instructions:

http://thru-hiker.com/projects/down_quilt.php

Tony

You can get 800 fp down for $6.50/ounce here and here.

Edited by catalyst81 on 05/01/2011 00:11:17 MDT.

It sounds like you have a lot more sewing experience than I did when I made my first down quilt, and it still serves me well. There is a lot of good info out there and plenty of people willing to answer any questions you might have along the way.

Good luck!

I finished my first synthetic quilt a couple of weeks ago, a summer bag with 2.5 oz Climashield Apex and I am right in the middle of a 3-season bag with 900 FP down. If you've already successfully made a tarp and things, then you can definitely make a good quilt. Synthetic quilts are very easy, and so far the down quilt has been rather labor-intensive but not too difficult. Just a lot of long, straight seams. Way easier seams than apparel or some backpack seams.

I got my materials from Thru-Hiker - Momentum90 nylon, noseeum mesh, and down. They're nice to work with.

I second the links others have posted. Jamie Shortt's article is great. I've also been referring to the Neatoman quilt article:

http://home.comcast.net/~neatoman/quilt.htm

You can definitely make one...go for it!