Quilt Making Question

Hi, I've found such marvelous suggestions on this board about quilt making that I'm ready to tackle them myself, but I've a couple of questions first.

Can or should a waterproof fabric be used on the outside of the quilts?

The reason I ask is that I have a large double coated dog that will be sharing my tent. If he gets wet all the shammies in the world aren't going to dry that dog off. I have to weigh off the possibility of my quilt getting wet from contact with him as opposed to letting the fill breathe.


The other question is: should I think about using one of the synthetic fills as opposed to down, simply because it would be much more practical with the dog (machine washable etc).

Unless you are taking the quilt out in harsh, unforgiving arctic conditions, a waterproof shell is overkill and unnecessary. Regular three season backpacking in most of the continental US, a breathable shell is fine. Many quilts use a Durable Water Resistant shell which is more breathable (making it easier to avoid buildup of moisture in the insulation). Unless your dog brings a bathtub full of water in with him, you're probably not going to wet out the quilt. I learned after one wash of my down quilt that it is going to take a lot more water to wet out down than you think - it took me a while to get all my down wet in a half full bathtub.

If the shell gets dirty, wipe it off with a damp towel. If the quilt starts to lose loft, here is how to wash your down quilt without damaging it.

Synthetics don't last as long as properly-cared-for down, but if you are washing it often, and don't care that you will be buying new synthetic quilts every so often, that might be easier.

Also be aware that sharp items pierce nylon, no matter what the fill, and quilts often have lighter weight nylon than manufactured sleeping bags, so won't be as resistant to dog's nails.

Thanks Lori

Your answer brings up more questions


You speak of 'waterproof' and 'Durable Water Resistant' as if they are two different fabrics? 'splain please!!

And yes, a wet Collie that's been hiking in the rain or paddling in the shallows (he doesn't swim) WILL bring in buckets of water and if he's been lying around the campsite wet, also a couple of pounds of mud.

Since sewing and designing is not a problem, I'm leaning towards a pair of fiberfil quilts that can be thrown in a commercial washer and dryer whenever necessary.

For Dog nail resistance and easy of cleaning combined with two and half season weather, what would be a suitable combination.

Again, I doubt the dog would wet it as much as you think... it is really really hard to soak a down quilt. I would be more concerned about the dirt/mud, myself. You could easily order some Goretex and make a removable additional shell for the quilt. I have one that I made to add to the kit while tarping on the ground in rainy, humid or windy conditions. That would also help as protection against dog nails, since the two ply, lighter weight Goretex from OWF (outdoor wilderness fabrics) is still pretty tough stuff. This would allow you to remove the Goretex and air out the quilt, maintaining the loft of the down without sacrificing the protection.

A cheaper way to do it - get a DriDucks poncho, about 12-15 bucks, and you have a double use item - a rain poncho AND a cover for the quilt that is more breathable than anything else you'll find. The only downfall is that DriDucks are fragile, but this will allow you to keep the water off the quilt, keep the dog claws at bay, keep dirt off the quilt... and be lighter than Goretex, tho less permanent a solution.

DWR means that regular nylon has been lightly treated with something to make it water resistant, not waterproof. A waterproof fabric will be given a more thorough treatment - many, like Goretex, are much heavier as a result. Polyurethane coatings are nonbreathable and probably the most waterproof of all - also heaviest. Fabrics like Epic, Event and Goretex will be somewhat breathable and waterproof (or water resistant - I don't think Event is really all that waterproof, but it's more so than DWR).

Technically, all fabrics are only waterproof to a certain point - for general camping purposes, some are waterproof enough.

Have you tried searching for more info? The search function sort of works. Another place for info might be Backpackinglight.com - they have articles on various fabrics in outdoor applications. Unfortunately you have to pay to get them, but they are a good source for technical info on a lot of backpacking gear. It might be worth a year subscription to sign up, if you are researching geeky details about gear.

I second everything Lori says, including the Driducks poncho (she beat me to that one). About down's water resistance: just remember, it comes from geese who live on the water, much of the year in the arctic. Down resists water, you bet. Washing removes the natural water repellant oils. Just wipe off the outside of the quilt. I use rubbing alcohol or plain water - no detergent whatsoever.

DWR treatment makes fabric easier to wipe clean.

Thanks to both of you!!

And yes, I've been following link after link after link doing the 'research'!

Good thing it's the dead of winter here and I'm a wuss or I'd have jumped in with both feet and little planning. Hibernation mode has allowed me the opportunity to read for hours.

I'll be making a seriously water repellant overlay for the top quilt!

I'd rather carry a little extra weight and know that I have dry sleeping gear than have to sleep in the 'wet spot'!

Just a suggestion. It may have been mentione previously on another forum, but it is worth searching the discount bin at walmart. Every now and then they drop the price of their Ripstop nylon, DWR nylon )water resistant) and Silnylon (waterproof) fabric. If you're not in a rush, it might be worth a hunt.

A good suggestion, but in other forums with a high percentage of DIYers it's been noted that many Walmarts are discontinuing the bargain bin as well as the fabrics section. Great if the local one still has it, but not a guarantee.

Unfortunately, all of the Canadian Wal-Marts that I've been into lately have NO fabric department at all.

Maybe 5 years ago the US W/M's started making a move to pre-cut yard fabrics only. A very strong protest from their customer base convinced them to rethink their position.

Having lived in the US for 15 years before moving back to Canada I was appalled at Canadian prices (2 to 3 times the US price).

The only fabric store of note within 100 miles of me is Fabricland and I'd guess that 90% of their fabric comes in with the tag 'contents unknown'

I basically have to depend on shopping trips to the US and/or online ordering....sigh.

It really depends on the Walmart. Walmart (like any store) caters to the locals. If the local population supports the fabric section, it stays, if not, it goes. My local Walmart has one. Anyways, buying ripstop nylon is a real hit and miss. Sometimes they have it, mostly they don't. I have been fortunate to find it a couple times. I bought all they had when I found it.