Questions

**Hikingbear** · 12-21-2009, 09:42

Okay I will get this silly question out of the way first:
What is the difference between open cell and closed cell pads?

Also, has anyone used or know if they could be used the figure 9 thing for hanging a hennessy?

Thanks

**canoeski** · 12-21-2009, 09:50

The inherent bubbles in the foam, which trap air and provided insulation, are enclosed in CCF, like Swiss cheese. The OCF, is like a sponge where air and moisture can move through more freely. Car seat foam and upholstery foam, IIRC, is OCF. The HH under pad is OCF; most thin foam camping pads are CCF, which is preferred on the ground because it is waterproof.

Oh, and welcome Hikingbear!

**Pastorus** · 12-21-2009, 09:53

[QUOTE=Hikingbear;184038]Okay I will get this silly question out of the way first:
What is the difference between open cell and closed cell pads?/QUOTE]

One likes new ideas and the other doesn't ? ? ?

Here is the difference on Wikipedia:

Open cell structured foams contain pores that are connected to each other and form an interconnected network which is relatively soft. Open cell foam which will fill with whatever it is surrounded with. If filled with air this could be a relatively good insulator, but if the open cells fill with water, insulation properties would be reduced. Foam rubber is a type of open cell foam.

Closed cell foams do not have interconnected pores. Normally the closed cell foams have higher compressive strength due to their structures. However, closed cell foams are also generally denser, require more material, and consequentially are more expensive to produce. The closed cells can be filled with a specialized gas to provide improved insulation. The closed cell structure foams have higher dimensional stability, low moisture absorption coefficients and higher strength compared to open cell structured foams. All types of foam are widely used as core material in sandwich structured composite materials.

**Mrprez** · 12-21-2009, 09:58

Probably one of the best resources available for learning about hammock camping is here:

http://www.tothewoods.net/

I've been using hammocks for 7 years and STILL go there and learn something new. Some of the links are a bit dated, but the information presented is still very valuable. Reading through this site could possibly save you a lot of time, frustration and money!

Thanks Jeff!!!

**oldgringo** · 12-21-2009, 10:04

I don't know that I would want to hang on a Figure 9. In fact, now that I've typed that, I'm quite certain I don't. Newp.

**Just Jeff** · 12-21-2009, 10:10

Closed cell is the waterproof material that normal camping pads are made from. Open cell is the sponge-type material that Walmart egg-crate bed toppers are made from.

Glad you still like the site, Mrprez. I plan to do a full update once I get settled in after this move...lots of technique/technology advances to add, new cottage makers and products, etc.

**Mrprez** · 12-21-2009, 10:13

Funny, I just found a whole section of stuff that I haven't read before! Plenty to keep me busy over there!

**OldMan** · 12-21-2009, 10:14

Originally Posted by Hikingbear

Also, has anyone used or know if they could be used the figure 9 thing for hanging a hennessy?

Thanks

The biggest of them have a load limit of 300 pounds (150 pounds with the built-in carabiner). So maybe, but I wouldn't risk it.

**Knotty** · 12-21-2009, 17:59

I believe someone here did testing on the 150# Figure 9 and it broke at over 900#. However, to me it still doesn't make sense to use something beyond it's rating. An individual test doesn't provide statistical data and doesn't take all things into account, like metal fatigue from repeated use.