Freezing Temps and Open Cell Foam

**Pitch** · 10-20-2009, 15:48

I was searching for alternatives to what people would "normally do"... mostly because I am a firm believer that there is always a better (or at least 'another') way of doing things.

I ran into this website and associated video and felt that you may find it interesting and cause for discussion.

So... Here it is!

http://www.foamsleepingbags.com/faqs.php

**Mustardman** · 10-20-2009, 16:02

I'm incredibly skeptical of any sleep system that provides no specifications for packed size or weight. I'll let someone else be the first to try this one out

**Knotty** · 10-20-2009, 16:35

It's open cell foam, so the under side will compress and offer no insulation. Would have to be used with an insulated pad.

**Cannibal** · 10-20-2009, 18:39

I sent him an email with a couple of questions and he responded quickly. The claim on the compressibility is that the bottom foam is more dense and is capable of keeping a sleeper warm. Winter weight....ready?, 9lbs.

Might not be ideal for hiking, but maybe for those a little less concerned with weight.

Oh, by the way, dude is one of us. He might even already be on the board, don't know. I do know he mentioned sleeping at 38F in his hammock. He has been invited to join us if he isn't already among us.

**Mustardman** · 10-20-2009, 18:43

9 pounds???? Yeah, I'll stick to my down sleeping bags, thanks

**gRaFFiX** · 10-20-2009, 19:14

went through the ordering process a little and picked the expedition and the 1" pad with 1/2" foam liner and the total was already $677.99. I closed the laptop, pulled my knees into my chest and just shook few a few minutes.....

**Cannibal** · 10-20-2009, 19:37

Originally Posted by gRaFFiX

the total was already $677.99.

Yikes!

Here is the email he sent me:

There is nothing that prevents compression, however, the pad
(moisture handling pad (MHP)) is a denser foam than the foam that
makes up the bag. It's important that the MHP allows the moisture
through, otherwise you would find the ice building up in your
sleeping bag cloth, then the foam of the bag, and then you are
losing insulation.

The system works. -4F in the 1/2" foam clothing and the bag in its
Winter configuration, no tent, no cover, just laid out on the snow
with a ground cloth under the pad. Slept warm and well.

The weight of my bag in its Winter configuration is 9lbs. Expect
heavier loads in Winter. The liner, which can be used as a Summer
bag is just under 3lbs, making the outer bag at about 6lbs for the
Fall, Spring and cooler weather. (Just last week, I used the 1"
outer bag in 38F weather with sweats and t-shirt. Slept fine in my
hammock with the pad under me.)

I hope that helps.

John

I still think it is an interesting concept for 'campers'. At that price and weight, I wonder if they are using that Memory Foam stuff?

**Hooch** · 10-20-2009, 19:37

Also, bear in mind that since it's open cell foam that if it gets wet, it's gonna stay that way for a while. Add that to it's horribly cumbersome weight and being way overpriced, I do believe we can safely say this system is a no-go.

**Ramblinrev** · 10-20-2009, 19:42

Open cell foam is not, in and of itself anathema. The Super Shelter uses open cell foam very effectively. It is no where near the thickness and weight of this system. But used properly it can be a very effective component of a hammocking insulation system. I can't see the money, or the weight in this case. But that's me. For less money I would go with a JRB underquilt.

**Hooch** · 10-20-2009, 19:46

Still looks like it sucks for hammock use. Not worth the money or the weight penalty, IMO. For the price of that "thing", one could get a very nice top and underquilt set for a fraction of the weight.