Regular Inflatable as Insulator?

**TheTorch** · 01-21-2011, 02:04

Hello forum,

I have a cheap inflatable pad (Coleman or something), and I was wondering if it would be suitable for hammocking. I could snap a picture tomorrow of you would like.
I'm planning on hanging in the 40's. 30's is probably WORST CASE. Would this pad work or should I invest in a ccf pad?
(I'll go into more detail about the ccf pads if the inflatable is not an option)
Thanks in advance for all the help.

**gargoyle** · 01-21-2011, 02:53

Inflatables work fine.
Adjust the air pressure for a "soft" bend, do not fill the mattress/pad firm.
Works best in a double layer hammock.

CCF pads can be had for $10-15.

**shrek** · 01-21-2011, 06:44

I use a Coleman inflatable pad. I only let it self-inflate. I do not not add anymore air to it after that. I figure the self-inflation re-lofts the foam inside, but I find adding extra air actually decreases its insulation value. As you are sleeping in a hammock, the additional inflation is not needed for padding.

**TheTorch** · 01-22-2011, 20:18

So is there a certain degree that the pad will take me down too?

**Festus Hagen** · 01-22-2011, 20:43

Is it "inflatable" or is it "self-inflating"? If it's a true inflatable with no foam in it, I'd say it's useless for hammocking. I've never used a self-inflater in my hammock but some folks have, in any case the low temperature you'll be comfortable it is hard to predict as it depends on so many variables.

**TheTorch** · 01-23-2011, 03:04

It has a valve on the bottom that you unscrew and it fills itself with air. So I guess you would call that self inflating

. So it should take me down to low temps then? Sweet! I can get a picture if you want it.

**TheTorch** · 02-02-2011, 00:05

What temperature would this inflatable pad take me down to?

**Crismateski** · 02-02-2011, 00:27

how low it will take you is all relative. are you a cold sleeper? warm Sleeper? what do you sleep in? Humidity levels, wind, it all makes a difference. I would suggest trying it out either at home, or where you have a backup and see how it feels to you.

C.

**TheTorch** · 02-14-2011, 19:07

I am a warm sleeper and the conditions are perfect (no wind, etc.). I have a Hennessy Asym expedition.

**Tire** · 03-25-2011, 15:49

I have the HH Safari Deluxe with Thermarest pad and 20deg bag. I have had no problems in the Sierra's. I couldn't tell you the temp as I don't carry a thermometer. I woke up one morning with a lite covering of snow on the ground, High 20's to low 30's?. I was wear wool socks, thermal pants and shirt with beanie. I put the thermarest pad inside my sleeping bag and I have torso pads attached to the pad (my version of a SPE). I open the valve and let it self-inflate. Then I sit on the pad and close the valve. This takes out just enough air so the pad conforms a little better to the hammock and me.

I'm going to attach zippers to the pad so I can mate the bag to the Pad/SPE and use the bag like a top quilt. This will make it easier to get in and out of the hammock. http://www.tothewoods.net/HomemadeGearSPEZipper.html

Good luck and enjoy.