Cheap Inflatable Question

**CajunHiker** · 10-22-2008, 09:26

I received a Exped Downmat 7 Short from MooseJaw yesterday (Yeah Me!). Well, I actually ordered it for my son (Yeah son!).
Anyways, as I was going through my garage, I saw a cheap beach raft inflatable. Now, I remember using a BSA branded inflatable when I was in scouts, but never in a hammock. This would only be for until I get some quilts made, but I currently out of time & funds.

Has anyone ever used one of these in a hammock?
If so, what was the setup?
How do the uninsulated BA pads differ from the cheapies?

Thankee

**warbonnetguy** · 10-22-2008, 10:22

will probably work fine, won't be as warm as an insulated one obviously, and it is starting to get colder at night (at least here), but if it's warm enough use it. it's probably not as durable, the BA's are probably a tougher fabric for use on the ground, but in a hammock you don't have to worry as much about punctures.

**CajunHiker** · 10-22-2008, 10:37

The low temp is forecast to be near 50 deg F, no rain. I may take it as a backup. Thanks.

**slowhike** · 10-22-2008, 10:38

Originally Posted by CajunHiker

I received a Exped Downmat 7 Short from MooseJaw yesterday (Yeah Me!). Well, I actually ordered it for my son (Yeah son!).
Anyways, as I was going through my garage, I saw a cheap beach raft inflatable. Now, I remember using a BSA branded inflatable when I was in scouts, but never in a hammock. This would only be for until I get some quilts made, but I currently out of time & funds.

Has anyone ever used one of these in a hammock?
If so, what was the setup?
How do the uninsulated BA pads differ from the cheapies?

Thankee

Using an uninsulated air mat in a hammock will truly provide you with the "cold as a suspended bridge" experience.
I have found that using even the Insulated Air Core by BA starts feeling cool to lay on (for me) when the temps drop into the low 50s & especially the 40s(F).

I haven't found the Exped DAM to feel cold yet.

But I wouldn't even consider using a plain old uninsulated air mat unless it was going to be a pretty warm night.

You might get away with it though by putting a ccf pad on top... between you & the air mat.

As far as the difference between the cheap air mat & the BA uninsulated, I would think your chances of having a leak would be a lot better w/ the cheap one.
Most (but not all) leaks can be patched, but it aint much fun when it's bed time<G>.

If you want to get the extra comfort of the inflatable air mat, I would suggest that you use it in conjuntion w/ a ccf pad. If anything happens with the inflatable, you'll still have the ccf pad.