Zeppelin – CUSTOM

SHELL CONSTRUCTION

We use our M10T or MRS20 fabrics for the outer shell of our ZEPPELIN Quilts.  M10T is used for our inner shells because of its superior finish and satin feel. For those seeking the lightest possible finished product, M10T is the best option for both inner and outer shells when weight is of utmost concern. For a more durable outer shell MRS20 is the perfect combination of wgt and durability..  M10T and MRS20 fabrics have been given exceptional ratings in independent testing by the International Down and Feather Laboratory (IDFL).

Each down chamber is constructed using Ultralight Nano-mesh baffles between the chambers to allow for maximum loft. This also enables thermal convection between the chambers. The vertical design of the torso chambers allows for heat transfer between your core and extremities. The size of the inner chambers varies from 4-5″, resulting in less down shifting than other larger-chambered designs.

The location of each Nano-mesh baffle is integral to the function of the quilt. Using advanced design and construction, the down is concentrated in those areas that need it most. This functional approach results in a quilt with maximum warmth for minimum weight.

Every ZEPPELIN Under Quilt has an over-sized draft collar located on both the head and foot end. The draft collars helps to ensure a snug fit on the ends to prevent any drafts. These are made from the same inner shell fabric as the quilt and filled with the same fill power down.

SUSPENSION OPTIONS

The ZEPPELIN offers two primary suspension sizes, either 3/32″ or 1/8″. The default selection is 3/32″ which works well for most quilts. We offer 1/8″ as well due to a tendency for elastics to “RELAX” in cold conditions. If you are purchasing a 10*F (-12*C) or 0*F (-18*C) we recommend you upgrade the primary suspension to 1/8″ to provide extra lift in colder temperatures.

Both the head end and foot end of the quilt include a 3/32″ elastic draw w/ mini cord locks to provide for adjustment of the draft collar seal. Snug these to seal the ends of the quilt to your hammock and open these to vent your quilt in warmer weather.

3/32″ Secondary suspension is provided and each end as well, this is white in color for easy reference as all other suspension is black in color. The secondary suspension is used to position the quilt along the primary suspension and hammock. The secondary suspension also prevents the quilt from compressing along the primary suspension through the night, it helps hold the quilt “OPEN” to it’s full length.

All ZEPPELIN quilts are equipped with both a left and right Pack Hook Shoulder Lock (PHSL). These PHSL allow you to clip the quilt to your hammock guy out on your outboard shoulder, either left or right from centerline of the hammock. The PHSL prevents “Quilt Creep”, this is the condition where during the night the quilt walks off the hammock from left to right or right to left depending on the lay of the hammock.

PACK HOOK SHOULDER LOCK

You’ll notice two pack hooks on the outer primary suspension channels, these are at the shoulders of the quilt. If your hammock has a guy out on your outboard shoulder (for a right lay hammock it is your left shoulder and for a left lay hammock it is your right shoulder) you can attach the pack hook to the guy out effectively “LOCKING” the quilt on your shoulder preventing quilt creep. Quilt creep is a quilts behavior some users experience where the quilt will “WALK” off the user during the night.

TO PREVENT DAMAGE TO THE QUILT DO NOT USE BOTH PACK HOOK SHOULDER LOCKS AT THE SAME TIME.

ULTRALIGHT FABRICS

M10T is our ultralight 10-denier breathable, calendared DOWNPROOF taffeta nylon.  Our M10T was developed to be a great all-around UL fabric that offers excellent wind/water resistance, has an incredibly soft hand feel, and is highly down proof (both in lab tests and in field use) all at a great price point.  It has a finished weight of only 0.66 oz/yd2, making it one of the thinnest/lightest taffeta nylon fabrics on the market. M10T has a Durable Water Repellant (DWR) finish applied to the face side of the fabric, protecting you and your down from environmental moisture. M10T has received a 5 out of 5 score on the International Rotating Box Down proof Test (a score of 3 is considered average). M10T is best suited for the inner shell of a quilt and the outer shell of a quilt for those looking for the lightest possible quilt but at the sacrifice of some durability.

MRS20 is our ultralight 20-denier breathable mirco-ripstopped, calendared DOWNPROOF nylon. It has a 20-denier nylon thread woven into a micro-ripstop pattern, resulting in an exceptionally strong fabric with a finish weight of only 1.1oz/yd2. MRS20 has a Durable Water Repellant (DWR) finish applied to the face side of the fabric, protecting you and your down from environmental moisture. MRS20 retains a high level of breathability, allowing moisture from your body to pass through the quilt, preventing excessive condensation inside the down chamber. MRS20 has excellent color depth, giving your quilt a rich, luxurious look and feel. MRS20 has the softest feel of all our outer shell fabrics including HD1.0. MRS20 is an excellent combination of weight, durability, and value. MRS20 has received a 5 out of 5 score on the International Rotating Box Down proof Test (a score of 3 is considered average). MRS20 is the best overall outer shell fabric for weight, durability, and down proof score.

OutdoorINK® fabrics are our line of lightweight custom printed patterns on a 20d 1.1 oz breathable, double-calendared polyester micro ripstop (MRS20-P) with DWR applied. Like M10 nylon taffeta, these fabrics combine breathability, wind/water resistance, and exceptional down proofing with the softest hand feel on the market. To make OutdoorINK® fabric, we start with a custom woven, 20d 1.1 oz/yd2 fabrics high thread-count polyester base material with a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) coating. In addition to adding durability, this reduces moisture absorption compared to a nylon base. MRS20-P has received a 5 out of 5 score on the International Rotating Box Down proof Test (a score of 3 is considered average). MRS20-P is the best overall outer shell fabric for weight, durability, down proof score for those looking to have a unique printed quilt.

PRYM1® Patterns are digitally printed using the same process as OutdoorINK® on a 20d 1.1 oz breathable, double-calendared polyester micro ripstop with DWR applied. This fabric is DOWNPROOF  and suitable for use in down gear/projects. Similar to 1.1 oz ripstop nylon, but with less stretch, increased UV resistance, and a micro-ripstop grid pattern. MRS20-P has received a 5 out of 5 score on the International Rotating Box Down proof Test (a score of 3 is considered average). MRS20-P is the best overall outer shell fabric for weight, durability, down proof score for those looking to have a unique printed quilt.

HEXCAM® Patterns are digitally printed using the same process as OutdoorINK® on a 20d 1.1 oz breathable, double-calendared polyester micro ripstop with DWR applied. This fabric is DOWNPROOF  and suitable for use in down gear/projects. Similar to 1.1 oz ripstop nylon, but with less stretch, increased UV resistance, and a micro-ripstop grid pattern. MRS20-P has received a 5 out of 5 score on the International Rotating Box Down proof Test (a score of 3 is considered average). MRS20-P is the best overall outer shell fabric for weight, durability, down proof score for those looking to have a unique printed quilt.

Made To Order quilts and tarps ordered with OutdoorINK®, PRYM1®, or HEXCAM® are not returnable unless due to an error on our part or a defect with the product.

OUR DOWNS: Ultima800DD / Ultima850GD / Ultima950GD

Our ZEPPELIN Quilts allow you to choose from three types of down: Ultima 800 fill power duck down; Ultima 850 fill power goose down; or for even lighter weight and superior performance in severe conditions, Ultima 950 fill power goose down. The combination of our DWR shell materials and UltimaDOWN will give you the perfect balance between moisture control and breathability. All our down is third party tested and certified for fill power, down content, species, and cleanliness. Learn more about down testing and standards HERE

Our commitment to using Responsible Down Standard (RDS) certified down means that the whole story of the down we source is monitored by the independent and highly respected Textile Exchange. With the rigid standards of the RDS, you can be confident that the down in your UGQ product is not only the highest quality available, but was also ethically sourced from humanely treated animals. Each phase of down sourcing is monitored and audited every year. Paired with tracing capabilities, the origins of down have never been more transparent. Learn more about the Responsible Down Standard (RDS) HERE

UltimaDOWN is not a hydrophobic treated down. Although we have offered hydrophobic treated down in the past, we have weighed the benefits vs. drawbacks carefully, and have recently stopped offering WR down. The benefits, which are marginal at best in real world scenarios, are offset by lower loft, intra laundering clumping, and the need for more down to offset the lower lofting and possible clumping. Effective April 11, 2016, we will no longer use hydrophobic down in our products.

INCLUDED ACCESSORIES

All ZEPPELIN Quilts include Over-sized Draft Collars, 40d Silpoly Stuff Sack, and complete suspension system with s-biners.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE

PRODUCT CARE

Q:  How should I clean my down items?  Is it safe to wash down?

A:  Washing down items is a great way to extend the life of the product and return the down to its original loft.  Use only low-sudsing, down-safe detergents, and extend the rinse cycle to ensure that no soap remains in the down.  We recommend you place your quilt in a large heavy duty commercial style laundry bag. This will protect the quilt from any sharp edges in the washer/dryer as well as any hot dryer parts. Do not use an agitator-style washing machine,use a front loader tumble style washer,  use only cold water on the machine’s gentle cycle.  Make sure you dry your down quilt completely on low heat.  Use dryer balls to break up any clumps of down, and to fluff up the plumules.  Do not use high heat, which can damage the down and nylon fabrics.  Never store your down until no dampness remains.

Purchase ALLIED DOWN WASH

Q:  How do I know if my down product is dirty?

A:  Down quilts and garments should be cleaned when they start to accumulate too many oils from your body, hair, or from lotions/cosmetics that you use.  If your product has started to lose loft, or if the fabric is starting to look discolored, it’s time to wash it.

Q:  I just got home from a backpacking trip.  What’s the proper way to store my down quilt?

A:  The way you store your down quilt between uses will affect its lifespan.  When you get home from a trip, begin by airing out your quilt (turned inside out) for a couple of days to ensure that it’s completely dry.  Then store it in a large breathable storage sack such as the ones we sell separately; do not store your quilt in a tight stuff sack, as this will damage the loft in the long term.  Do not use waterproof storage sacks, because condensation can accumulate in them, and cause your quilt to develop mildew.  In short, store your quilt so that it is adequately lofted, with plenty of cool, dry ventilation.

Q:  I store my down quilt in a compression sack.  Is that a bad idea?

A:  Never leave your quilt in a compressed state for an extended period because that will eventually reduce its loft.  Down can be stored partially-compressed in a breathable sack; never in a non-breathable bag.  Our advice is to store your quilt in the provided large mesh sack, or in a king-size cotton pillow case, in a dry place that has a fairly consistent temperature.  Do not expose your quilt to sunlight except to dry it out, because excessive heat evaporates the natural oils in the down.

Q:  I remember when my quilt was brand new and super-fluffy.  Will that level of loft ever return?

A:  Yes, a quilt’s loft often returns to its original value with proper air circulation, warmth, and moisture.  Some of those conditions can be met simply by using your quilt.  In addition, proper care, storage, and cleaning of your down items can help return maximum loft.  Another way to maximize loft is to gently shake out the product before using it (increasing air circulation), or tumble dry the item to add warmth and air circulation.

Q:  How long can I expect my UGQ quilt to last?

A:  With proper care and cleaning, your down quilt will remain functional longer than you will!  You will definitely get your money’s worth so get out there and go camping!