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Where can I find said "spreadsheet" link. Sorry if I missed it.
Oops found it
I'm late, but to offer this advice:
Priority Mail, when they are so light? USPS 1st class envelopes can be as heavy as 13oz anywhere in the country for $3.30.
Well, this is my very first post I think, though I have been an observer for a few weeks. I have a hike coming up on the AT at the end of March and would like to get some of this to try out before then.
Anyhow, I would be willing to purchase a box and do the same for others, or be a part of some other purchase. That said, we should wait to hear the results of the stuff first!
Waiting is a good idea. When the time comes, I'm in for 3.
Crud... I have to DO something with these? I'm no magician... Illusionist? maybe... Heck, I got you fooled!
Yes, these are pretty light. Best I can tell it's a spun poly fabric that's been aluminized. They're "ok" warm, but IMHO, So Far, not as good as Insultex, but we'll see.
I have a test-bed UQ (ok, an UQ sized envelope of ripstop with drawstrings) I'm going to slide one in and see how warm it is... More to come...
Using the "breath test:" I don't think they're a vapor barrier, but pretty close, similar to IX, I think they'll breathe, but very little. more like a vapor resistor...
OK, Some details: the one I have is 4'x4', with rounded corners and a cutout for your head. If I ignore the cutout, and square it off, it's 16-sq ft = 1.78sq yds. Weight: 2.4oz. Oz/sq yd = 1.34oz. Of course with the missing fabric, it's probably more like 1.4-1.5oz/yd... so, yes, it's light, but not as light as 1.1 nylon.
Ideas for use:
If I had to guess, this will likely be similar to a space blanket when used between the hammock and an UQ, but with better breathability and a heck of a lot quieter. I'm wearing it like a cape, and it's definitely warm. It is hard to describe. It's not like having a blanket on you, it's like wearing a weak radiant space heater...
I wouldn't lay ON one of these, conduction will out-run reflection any day of the week. Reflectix has the advantage of being radiant reflector, and having some "loft" in a built-in air gap (ok, it's bubble wrap)... Try sitting on a space blanket on concrete... you'll still be cold...
Given their limited breathability, using one as an overcover (as sugessted above) will likely work well, but you'll need to leave SOME air holes to release moisture and get some air exchange.
In a survival situation, one of these built into the back wall of a lean-to would reflect fire-heat and keep you really warm...
I am going out on a limb here, but I am thinking this will work best when there's a small air gap between it and you. Super-form fitting and you will get conduction through the material. With an UQ, it would be best between the UQ and you, unless you're dealing with a lot of wind, then this on the outside would block the wind from robbing the heat from the UQ.
I like the Thermadrape UQ or TQ idea. I wonder how low you could go with just one, maybe 2 layers of this...
John
Other ideas?
Well John,
Based on the AMK Thermolite Bivy this stuff, when used correctly, should give 10F* extra warmth to a sleeping bag.
I've been pondering a TQ that wil be IX, Thermoflect, Ripstop, one layer of each. If my calcs & guesstimates are correct; it should come in around 12oz and be comfortable to 35-40F*
Just so we cover all the possible permutations, I'd suggest ripstop close to you, then Thermoflect, then Ix. The ripstop is to prevent conductive heat loss from contact with the Thermoflect. Of course that may be duplicating the function of the thin fabric layer in the Thermoflect itself. I've been wondering how thick a layer you need to prevent conductive loss to other aluminized materials such as the shiny cuben or space blankets. (The Ix is just there to mess things up by being a vapor barrier on the outside. :laugh: )
Aaron, I'm looking forward to trying my own combinations. Thanks for making this opportunity possible.
John, thanks for the measurements and ideas in Post #97 - exactly what we needed at this point. Can't wait to see what you make out of the larger sheets.