GG Thinlight vs Nightlight

[bonsaihiker]

Posted this in another thread but it kind of got lost in the conversation.

I've been looking at the Gossamer Gear pads, but had a question. What is the difference in insulation between the "Thinlight" (Evazote) and the "Nightlight" (EVA Polyolefin)? From a "pad thickness" point of view it sounds like the EVA would be more insulating, but I'm not familiar enough with the characteristics of the materials to say that for sure. My heels tend to get sore from pressure anyway, so a softer pad might me more comfortable for me, and the egg-crate surface might make that possible. I'm thinking the torso-sized pad might be a good thing. However, insulation would be the higher goal. Any thoughts?

[bonsaihiker]

BUMP--any ideas on this?

[Quoddy]

I used the NightLight for quite awhile as a pad in my pack and also for sleeping on (ground). After about a month's use, the egg crate was beginning to flatten. It probably wouldn't flatten much in a hammock. Warmth wise, it was equivalent to about a 3/8" ThinLight. Until very recently I used a SitLight for my lower legs and feet area in the WBBB, and as a back pad in my pack. For winter, I've since switched to a 3/8" ThinLight, trimmed to match my hammock shape, for my lower legs and feet.

In answer to your question... a ThinLight will work as well as the NightLight if you use at least a 1/4", and preferably a 3/8" if you're using it under your body, too.

[animalcontrol]

Scott,
IMO, "egg crate" pads add to the comfort on the ground. In a hammock, the pad is simply insulation...the comfort is provided by the hammock.
~According to GG, the base of the egg crate is 1/4". When you lie on the pad, you compress the higher points (which is why it adds comfort on the ground). Unfortunately, you only get the insulation value of the thinnest point (the 1/4" sections).
~ The "egg crate" pattern will be bulky compared to the Thinlight for the same insulation

Do you put anything under your knees at night in your hammock? Maybe your heels are sore because the rest of your legs aren't supporting your legs? just thinking out loud...

[bonsaihiker]

For winter, I've since switched to a 3/8" ThinLight, trimmed to match my hammock shape, for my lower legs and feet.

In answer to your question... a ThinLight will work as well as the NightLight if you use at least a 1/4", and preferably a 3/8" if you're using it under your body, too.

That helps a lot, thanks for the reply. I'm leaning toward the thicker pad.

Scott,
IMO, "egg crate" pads add to the comfort on the ground. In a hammock, the pad is simply insulation...the comfort is provided by the hammock.
~According to GG, the base of the egg crate is 1/4". When you lie on the pad, you compress the higher points (which is why it adds comfort on the ground). Unfortunately, you only get the insulation value of the thinnest point (the 1/4" sections).
~ The "egg crate" pattern will be bulky compared to the Thinlight for the same insulation

Do you put anything under your knees at night in your hammock? Maybe your heels are sore because the rest of your legs aren't supporting your legs? just thinking out loud...

Feel free to continue thinking out loud...that's what I'm asking for!

I suspected what you said above about the base thickness, just didn't know what the real world experience was as far as insulation.

Regarding the heel soreness, I just don't carry enough extra stuff to put under both my knees and lower legs, too. I don't really want to bring my sweaty pack into the hammock, but I may have to consider that.

More the issue, though, is I don't think my HH Explorer is big enough for me. There's too much "lift" at the feet, if you know what I mean. The fabric is lifting toward the suspension at that point, so I get quite a bit of pressure on my heels unless I have a lot of stuff under my legs. I'm so much more comfortable in my Kalisto cheapie that I'm really wondering why I spent what I did on the HH, and I think one of the reasons is because its longer, maybe also because there is no bug net lifting the side of the hammock. What I know is, I really don't have nearly the issue with knee hyperextension in it as I do in the HH.

Watch me become a bridge hammock convert soon...

Anyway, if the insulation was nearly the same, I'd consider trying the eggcrate style for the comfort factor. I was wondering more whether the materials (EVA polyolefin vs Evazote) were any different as far as insulating value.

[MacEntyre]

What is the difference in insulation between the "Thinlight" (Evazote) and the "Nightlight" (EVA Polyolefin)?

Evazote = EVA Polyolefin = EVA = ethyl vinyl acetate = copolymer of ethylene and vinyl acetate

The differences are in how the foam is blown by each manufacturer, which makes for differences in density, rigidity, heat transfer and other properties. I don't know which is better for insulating, but you could easily discover the answer by experiment. EVA is not generally used for it's insulation properties, except by campers.

- MacEntyre

[srestrepo]

i've been watching this thread for a bit. what does everyone prefer to use under their feet in a blackbird... just curious as to what that kind of foam would be

[Quoddy]

i've been watching this thread for a bit. what does everyone prefer to use under their feet in a blackbird... just curious as to what that kind of foam would be

I'll show you the tapered piece of 3/8" ThinLight... 30" long tapering from 19" to 11" when I see you this weekend. It's my winter setup.

[animalcontrol]

Watch me become a bridge hammock convert soon...

IF you do, I might have a bridge to sell you!

[bonsaihiker]

Evazote = EVA Polyolefin = EVA = ethyl vinyl acetate = copolymer of ethylene and vinyl acetate

The differences are in how the foam is blown by each manufacturer, which makes for differences in density, rigidity, heat transfer and other properties. I don't know which is better for insulating, but you could easily discover the answer by experiment. EVA is not generally used for it's insulation properties, except by campers.

- MacEntyre

Thanks for the explanation. I could experiment, you're right. Just thought someone may have figured this out already so I don't have to reinvent the wheel.

IF you do, I might have a bridge to sell you!

Hmmmmm......