uses for Thermoflect and other shiny materials

[Knotty]

"So results are pretty much what you would expect for a non-breathable material." -HappyCamper

Exactly!

IMHO the problem with non-breathable systems is they work in some conditions but not others. With some people but not others. Just not consistent enough for me to count on when backpacking.

[OutandBack]

Great report HappyCamper. Thanks so much.
I would probably use this item as a reflective backing for a long fire and not part of my sleeping system.

IMHO you could never punch enough holes in that material to get it to breath.
Breathable fabrics have millions and millions of holes to allow water vapor to escape.

[WV]

We'll see. I just spent half an hour at the sewing machine without thread.
I folded the Thermoflect, so I was punching holes in six layers at a time, and I used a #19 needle, so the holes are big. Used 8 holes to the inch x 48 inches across x 240 rows = 92,160 holes. Sewing is a lot faster without thread.
---------------
OutandBack, I'm guessing that you're correct that reflective materials may be better used as reflectors for a fire, but still hopeful that perhaps an ultra-light summer top quilt might come out of this project, too.

[OutandBack]

We'll see. I just spent half an hour at the sewing machine without thread.
I folded the Thermoflect, so I was punching holes in six layers at a time, and I used a #19 needle, so the holes are big. Used 8 holes to the inch x 48 inches across x 240 rows = 92,160 holes. Sewing is a lot faster without thread.
---------------
OutandBack, I'm guessing that you're correct that reflective materials may be better used as reflectors for a fire, but still hopeful that perhaps an ultra-light summer top quilt might come out of this project, too.

I think that's very do-able David.
In summer temps a little condensation would not be an issue for me.
An UQ would also work well in place of a CCF pad. Easier to pack, and probably just as warm.

Please don't let my fire reflector comment deter you from your project.
It's dead of winter here in Colorado right now so keeping things dry in the woods is on my mind more than usual.

-Bob

[JohnSawyer]

Slept out last weekend with my AHE lost river UQ. I always seem to have a case of CBS, so I folded one of these in fourths, slid it under my butt and I was toasty down to below 37... (it was 37 when I went to bed...)

John

[sargevining]

Slept out last weekend with my AHE lost river UQ. I always seem to have a case of CBS, so I folded one of these in fourths, slid it under my butt and I was toasty down to below 37... (it was 37 when I went to bed...)

John

I can't beleive I'm saying this, but

Could this thing be worn like a diaper for CBS?

[oldgringo]

I can't beleive I'm saying this, but

Could this thing be worn like a diaper for CBS?

You go first.

[inspectorguy]

You go first.

Just don't try to re-sell it.

[gmcttr]

I can't beleive I'm saying this, but

Could this thing be worn like a diaper for CBS?

How about as a radiant barrier for your Depends (worn strictly for the insulation)?

[HappyCamper]

OMG, this isn't even off-topic, but it has that "feel"! Why not loose fitting shirt and sleep shorts, blue side in. Loose enough to vent, but that something extra to keep you warm. I thought I saw medical shirts on one of the websites. I'll have to recheck.