New way to use sunshade reflector?

I have been using my poncho as an undershield/garlington insulator for years now. It is amazing how this multi-use piece of gear extends the range of my sleep system. I have also used my sunshade reflector in my claytor as well as other pads as the conditions warrant. As with others, I have experienced the condensation of the reflector in some situations. I have also been thinking about how to maximize the sunshades reflective abilities and minimize the condensation and conductive loss.

After reading a bit about how the reflective nature requires space for maximum effectiveness and also remembering the early garlington experiments with space blankets crumpled into the garbage bags, I tried an experiment. I simply placed the sunshade between my poncho and the hammock! This simple idea allows for space between the reflector and hammock to maximize that ability. It also eliminates conductive heat loss and any condensation will no longer wet the hammock/quilt etc... The one experiment was a success, but more are needed to see if this is an improvement. Anyone else ever tried this?

Used one under my feet in 20 degree weather last night. Found it at the goodwill for 2 bucks. Didn't do a darn thing. If anything the reflector got cold and only aided in the chilling of my feet. But my feet are cold anyway and i have a 3/4uq and my quilt is only rated to 35°f, ymmv.

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Originally Posted by Nihilist Voyager

Used one under my feet in 20 degree weather last night. Found it at the goodwill for 2 bucks. Didn't do a darn thing. If anything the reflector got cold and only aided in the chilling of my feet. But my feet are cold anyway and i have a 3/4uq and my quilt is only rated to 35°f, ymmv.

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Is that similar to reflectix? I hope thats not the case for it as well

NV, The problem you describe is due to the conductive heat loss which is why I have created the separation from the body.

2Tall, basically it is the same. The reflective pad is not the same as a ccf. It must be used differently. If one just wants a foot pad to set their feet on, ccf is the best choice.

Ah! I see now. Do you think I'd be able to accomplish this by putting a thin bit of pad in the hammock with it between the reflector and myself? I don't have any quick and easy was to attach it to the outside of my hammock, but I've never experienced the condensation issues you mention.


Maybe shockcord the corners and make a foot uq...

A piece of ccf for your feet INSTEAD of the reflectix. I rarely get the condensation with the reflective pad, my purpose for moving it to between the poncho and hammock was to maximize the reflective properties. I am wondering if just a space blanket would do just as well attached to the inner of my poncho.

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Originally Posted by DuctTape

A piece of ccf for your feet INSTEAD of the reflectix. I rarely get the condensation with the reflective pad, my purpose for moving it to between the poncho and hammock was to maximize the reflective properties. I am wondering if just a space blanket would do just as well attached to the inner of my poncho.

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DucTape how low have you taken this system and what were you using as a tq?

-22*F with no wind, -11*F with 20mph winds. When I get to subzero, I use a mummy sleeping bag. Seals up better. I do not find getting in/out of a sleeping bag that much of an issue, at least the warmth overrides any annoyance. I unzip the bag almost all the way, put my butt right where it will stay, pivot in and zip up.

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Originally Posted by DuctTape

-22*F with no wind, -11*F with 20mph winds. When I get to subzero, I use a mummy sleeping bag. Seals up better. I do not find getting in/out of a sleeping bag that much of an issue, at least the warmth overrides any annoyance. I unzip the bag almost all the way, put my butt right where it will stay, pivot in and zip up.

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There's no way I'd even want to be outside in those temps. I sometimes zip my bag too just to seal the drafts. I'm wondering how much lower I can take my uq by adding one of these. You definitely must be a warm sleeper

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Originally Posted by deerfu39

There's no way I'd even want to be outside in those temps. I sometimes zip my bag too just to seal the drafts. I'm wondering how much lower I can take my uq by adding one of these. You definitely must be a warm sleeper

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When I get to these temps, I put away my UQ and use pads exclusively. Can't beat the weight to warmth ratio. It is likely I am a bit more acclimated to the cold being a NY'er. Though I have noticed I am slightly more annoyed by the cold this year due to not spending every weekend out in the yard.