There has been some threads about air mattresses talked here, but not really systematic review about how they cope with sub-freezing temperature. I have now tested two air mattresses in sub-freezing temperatures and with bad experience.
In both cases the problem seems to be air circulation. Part of the mattress is always in area where it will get exposed to freezing cold air, that area will freeze, after that air moves and my back gets chilly, I myself do not move at all. Chilly is never so cold that it would freeze me, but after few hours of constant regular chills in my back every 5-10 min it gets Me eventually. In my last experiment I did get warm in a minute after I deflated the air mattress and slept warm the rest of the night (had also UQ).
Is there difference in mattress fill? Should the mattress be left half empty to make air circulation harder?
As You can guess my theory is that in tent use temperature difference is so small that thermal pump effect does not happen.
Please keep this thread a sub-freezing temperature only. The colder the better!
First example -8 F:
GEAR: Thermarest Trailpro Large (open cell foam filling with web like cut holes to make mattress lighter)+ Hennessy winter double system (2 x pads and two undercovers) + synthetic winter sleeping bag under me + 3-season down bag over me + over cover.
RESULT:
Back chills but feet and upper side very warm.
Second example 19 F:
GEAR: Exped synmat 9 Deluxe pump, Warbonnet winter Black mamba TQ, Warbonnet winter Yeti UQ.
RESULT:
Back chills but feet an upper side very warm, after 2 hours instant warmness after deflating mattress practically empty while laying on top of it.
In my opinion open cell foam mattress without those cuttings is too heavy.
MY NEXT MOVE?:
Should I get Exped DOWNMAT 9 deluxe pump or settle with closed cell foam pad? (I think in winter time some kind of pad is always needed for emergency and cabin use. Exped would mean smaller back size and better sleep in cabin but more money spent)
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