Windshield Reflector Underpad

[Deltair]

So I read somewhere that you can use a windshield reflector(the thing you put in your windshield to keep the sun from damaging the interior) as an underpad. I picked one up the other day at a thrift store for $2 and figured it was a sound investment. If I don't like it, it's only $2. Does anyone use a reflector this way? Has anyone had any luck in the past with one? I wanted to see what others thought before I went in the yard to test it for a nigh t(with my underquilt as backup, of course; it's COLD in the mountains!)
Thanks,
D

[oldfatguy]

I have a friend that uses these and thinks they are great.

[Dr1530]

I tried one on a cool night (60*ish) this summer and it worked ok. Don't think I would feel comfortable any colder than that. Good luck!

[bkrgi]

If you already have a UQ that works, I wouldn't even entertain the idea....In the cool/cold your likely to end up in a pool of condensation. I know for my Hennessy one I hate it and would only considering using it in mild above 60* weather.
But nothing gained nothing ventured ...you have it ...give it a test as you have nothing to loose and just adds to your tool bag of experience for doing..and that is worth something

[Datahiker]

I have one for my son, and I use a full length Reflectix pad (same stuff as the windshield reflector) when it gets cold. I have a PLUQ which only gets me down to about 50 and with the reflectix I've slept down to 30. There is a big risk of condensation depending on the weather conditions, as bkrgi said. I don't have any down, so condensation doesn't bother me - I just let everything dry out during the day.

Some people don't like how it can feel "crinkly." It doesn't bother me and it's a cheap way to keep hanging when it gets cold. Like you said, it's $2. If you decide you don't like it, don't use it.

[gargoyle]

There are various qualities of windshield reflectors.
Some are really thin and fragile, but they pack smaller.
Thick ones will be warmer, crinklier, and pack larger.

[slugbait]

For times when it might get colder than my gear is comfy at, I'll bring a windshield reflector from a Dollar Tree store. It weighs 2 ounces and folds up small. I slip it between underquilt and hammock and instantly feel warmer. There is a bit of condensation between me and the reflector but it's minor.

[OneClick]

Massive amount of condensation when I tried it once. But I still take a small 2'x2' piece just as a supplement or other random uses sometimes.

[geneaut]

I've used them, and reflectix. I really like them, and I've never had an issue with condensation as long as it was cool weather and I had some fabric in between me and the pads.

[Ragabash]

I used something like that on my first winter camp out (last year). My little DIY UQ was woefully inadequate for negative temps. I took one of the reflectors and tucked it inside of a fleece sleeping bag liner to use as a pad in my hammock. It got me through the night. I wasn't warm, but I was 'okay' even though it got down to -4 degrees. That was with a lot of fleece clothing and a 0 degree TQ. A decent UQ is drastically better.