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No more lurking, I was wondering if anyone has cut multiple perforations in a ccf pad? If you laminated a space blanket and then perforated, you may be able to ease the condensation issue, gain a little warmth and lose a little weight. Holes smaller than about 4 mm should not have much convective movement and therefore act as insulation. One trick would be finding the balance of hole density and size so that compression is not increased while raising breathability.
Good question.
I went to WM to get a mylar SB to glue to a 1/8" sheet of CCF, but they were out. Using spray contact cement, I am going to attach the SB to the foam, and cut it to size, then punch holes in the glued sheet with a piece of 1/2" thin-wall conduite ground down around the end to be sharp enough to cut thru the foam when hit with a hammer on a wood block. Maybe on a 6" grid layout?
Will let you know.
I have used a mummy shaped pad of mylar SB quilted between two pieces of insultex which is very warm, light weight, and packs very small. Impressive performance, never any condensation.
Brooks Range uses about a 4" grid inside of their inflatable pad's open cell foam. After reading my heat transfer books ( haven't done the math yet), I get the impression that 1/4" holes would be better on a closer grid, like 2-3".
Ideally, you would want to cut the holes on an incline to minimize natural convection effects inside of the hole. But, since the cold is on the bottom and the warm is on top, free convection is minimal and the heat transfer is all conductive. So, just cut the holes straight.
Beware, if the pad is polyethylene foam, the contact cement won't stick and will make a mess. EVA is OK.
A few years ago I took a walmart ccf pad and cut 3/8 in holes in it, spaced about 10 inches apart. It seemed to help a good bit with condensation.
i found a mystery walmart fleece backed perforated reflective mylar material. i mad a uq out of it. and it has been woman tested down to 49* single layer. with a fleece and cotton shellQuote:
Originally Posted by metalhanger
How much colder do you think the pad was after you cut the holes in it?Quote:
Originally Posted by stevebo
Ah, yes, now that you mention it, I think I remember trying it once. And, super glue does not stick either.Quote:
Originally Posted by metalhanger
A lot of glues will break down (melt) the eva foam. In my experience hot glue is the best adhesive for it. :cool:
I didnt notice any difference in the temp rating of the pad-------and as I recall, it isnt so stiff---the holes help it mold to the hammock shape better. (its a really cheap experiment to try out and see if it works for you!)Quote:
Originally Posted by outdoorsguy
I will and report back, thanks!
Good ideas, I am going to cut some holes in my old, soon to be replaced, walmart ccf pad. I like the idea of it maybe softening slightly and maybe it will allow the ground to cool my body during the hotter months as well!