Canadian Forces Self Inflating Mat...Experiences?

[bodhran4me]

Hey all, I am wondering if anyone has used the CF Self Inflating sleep pads. I understand they are manufactured by Mustang Survival, but outside of that I have no idea. I would like to use it in my Hennesey Backpacker UL as an insulation layer (yeah , I know get an UQ) and on the ground for insulation/comfort .

Do you know of any weaknesses or problems? Is their any R value attached to them? Would I just be better off with a couple of the ubiquitous Wally World closed cell foam pads? I have used a single, thin ccf in the Hennessey and it made a definite difference, just looking for more.....

Any thoughts or experiences would be appreciated.

[VoiceOfTreason]

A little bit late to the party, so I'm sure you've figured out your insulation situation by now. However, for future posterity, I will chime in.

I haven't used the CF "thermarest" in a hammock but I have used it many times on the...ugh...ground.

It is slow to self inflate, if it ever does, almost always requires you to inflate the majority by breath or the inflator bag, loses air quickly, is not overly comfortable and takes a long time to deflate as well compared to other inflatables. It's pros are that it is cheap (usually under $20 at a surplus store) and lighter and faster to set up than the "big black Betty" that it replaced. Even though they weighed a ton, I wish had one of those old black rubber ones for car camping.

If you already have one or can get it cheap, it'll do, but I think a blue CCF would be just as cheap and effective in a hammock and you don't have to worry about that failing on you.

[Firesong]

I had two of the thermarest
Style CF pads for the kids. There isn't any real noticeable R value to them to speak of. Just a basic ground pad. They worked okay on the ground but get limited use as we upgraded to nicer pads for all.