Favorite Foams

[Just Bill]

I am looking into some CCF (with weight in mind) and looking to pursue a foam pad in a sleeve in lieu of an UQ for my next bridge prototype.

I am thinking 40* would be a nice bottom end-
so Question 1- 1/8", 1/4", 3/8" what is your experience with various thicknesses and rough temp ratings?

Question 2- Weight-
REI blue foamy- looks like about .6ounces per sq foot- http://www.rei.com/product/848717/bl...ular#tab-specs
Gossamer Gear- 3/8" foam thinlight to compare- looks like closer to 1oz/sf for their foam. http://gossamergear.com/sleeping/thi...tion-pads.html

Question 3- intangibles-
I only have experience with them on the ground- 1/4" and 3/8" always having been plenty warm- just not comfy. Since comfort isn't the issue, just insulation- thoughts turn back to the foam.

Gossamer Gear foam has a great reputation, REI pretty decent. Thermarest foams seem comparable and the Z series has the reflective coating for a bit more R-Value.

Any other concerns or general "favorite foams" in regards to hammock use.

[bowl-maker]

I have yet to find anything I like better than a bubble windshield reflector

[Roche]

Width; a standard 20" CCF pad will be too narrow.

[murphyw]

I've found the thinlight (evazote) stuff to be very warm. Perhaps the 1/8 or 1/4 would be more comparable to the blue-wally-foam for warmth?

[pgibson]

I spent several years testing out foam from a dozen different manufactures before selecting the foam we stock as the best for weight, and warmth. For core insulation to 40 and a bit below the 1/4" we stock would work.

[psyculman]

I have yet to find anything I like better than a bubble windshield reflector

Same here, they are cheap, very pliable, quiet and have the shiny side to reflect heat. The large truck size is plenty big.

[hutzelbein]

I have yet to find anything I like better than a bubble windshield reflector

Tried that, and also a camping mat that was very similar - it was OK for protecting my shoulders in summer. Too cold for the other three seasons and for keeping my torso warm. My 5mm Evazote foam pad was much warmer and didn't really weigh a lot more.

[Just Bill]

I spent several years testing out foam from a dozen different manufactures before selecting the foam we stock as the best for weight, and warmth. For core insulation to 40 and a bit below the 1/4" we stock would work.

Paul-
Not to pick on you but-
"Available in 2 thicknesses: 1/8" provides good insulation down into the mid to upper 30°s for torso and low 30°s for legs. The 1/4" thickness would provide torso insulation into the upper teens and lower leg insulation into the mid to lower teens."

This looks like the kind of info I was looking for, I'm guessing the website info is the more accurate info?
Also- what does the foam you use weigh?

[Just Bill]

Overall-
I put this post in the fabric forum first because I'm basically thinking along the same lines as Paul-
Which actual foam works best (as a material/fabric)- then I can worry about finding the right sheet sizes.

It appears that the evazote is a general winner, with the minicell (REI BLUE FOAM) a close runner up.
Yes the various wally world style foamies are cheap- but I would consider most of them out of the running when looking at performance, bulk, weight.

Also- what thickness for what temp.
I realize that 1/4" or 3/8" is "safe" for most three season uses.
But interested to hear from those who use 1/8" and 1/4" and to what temps they feel good too.

As thoughts turn to spring I'd like to be ready to go, but as current temps are still winter it's a bit tricky to experiment, lol.

Thanks!

[Deathstar77]

gossamer gear has a 1/4" evazote pad that measure 39" wide by roughly 59". I found it to be surprisingly warm.