PPEF replaces Insultex for items made by MacEntyre

This does not affect any Molly Mac Gear made by Tree to Tree Trail Gear.

I used the last of my roll of Insultex yesterday. From now on, I will make insulated hammock socks using 1/32" Perforated PolyEthylene Foam (PPEF).

Insultex is made using the same 1/32" PE Foam, sandwiched between polypropylene scrim and quilted. Since PPEF has no quilted polypropylene scrim on each side, I will use an inner nylon lining. The inner nylon lining weighs a little more than two layers of polyproylene scrim, but PPEF is a lot lighter than Insultex. It's a trade off with a slight weight gain.

The PEF is Perforated so that when you stuff it, the air will have somewhere to get out.

Having used a PPEF Baby Orca for a year, I find IX and PPEF to be indistinguishable in performance. It's the PE Foam that does all the insulating. The specs for Insultex are the specs for 1/32" PE Foam.

If you have any questions about PPEF, please feel free to ask!

- MacEntyre

P.S. I have made more uninsulated canvas and nylon hammock socks than insulated nylon socks lately!

Do you sew the inner nylon layer to the foam like the scrim?

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Originally Posted by Jazilla

Do you sew the inner nylon layer to the foam like the scrim?

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My UQs are built inside out. I sew all the layers together around the edges, turn it right side out and close it up.

The Insultex polypropylene scrim is quilted to both sides of the polyethylene. I do not do that, but it would work fine.

Oh I'm not interested in doing more steps than necessary.

What purpose does the nylon layer do. Does it help take the stress off the PPEF by pulling on that instead of the foam. And if so would it do the same it put as the outer layer against the hammock instead?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Jazilla

What purpose does the nylon layer do. Does it help take the stress off the PPEF by pulling on that instead of the foam.

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Yes. The PPEF tears easily, so it must be covered on both sides.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Jazilla

And if so would it do the same it put as the outer layer against the hammock instead?

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:confused:

I've been using closed cell PE foam for years but only recently really knew what it was.
I get mine from work, it comes as part of the packaging for many items we have shipped to us. Everything from 1/8 inch sheets (roll material) to 1 1/2 inch panels.

I use the thin stuff as bottom insulation in my double layer hammock & wrap my video camera in it - the thick stuff I cut into sitting pads for use on top of logs or rocks around camp.
I can certainly see the value it has as an UL insulator.
I will check out your gear.

Keep your tarp tight - Mike G