Closed Cell Neoprene

**jeepthangjim** · 10-19-2010, 23:01

Has anybody ever used closed cell neoprene (wetsuit material) as sleeping pads before? Here's a link to a company who sells the stuff from 1/16" all the way up to 2" thick.

http://www.closedcellfoams.com/neoprene.html

You can get a sheet measuring 24" x 80" x 1/4" for less than $20. I think it may be more than warm enough compared to most other foam pads, more conforming to your body, not any more of a vapor barrier than a regular foam pad, and much more compact when rolled. It would also slide around much less if it's just bare neoprene for those of you who don't have hammocks with pad pockets. It's just a thought and when I searched the forum for this topic I didn't get anything so I figured I would bring it up. I may get me a sheet of this stuff. It might make a great foot pad.

**beep** · 10-19-2010, 23:06

Neoprene is extremely heavy for its insulation value.

A better lightweight choice would be Thinlight Evazote pad from Gossamer Gear.

I'm not saying neoprene wouldn't work, but for its insulation value it is relatively heavy.

**jeepthangjim** · 10-19-2010, 23:25

I can agree with the heaviness but I'm not really a backpacker so weight isn't always an issue for me. I wouldn't mind doing some kind of a test though to figure out how it would stack up to other insulators. I'm a scuba diver and I find that stuff pretty amazing. I have a 20" x something blue sleeping pad from Walmart now. It works ok but it's extremely bulky so I wonder what thickness of neoprene would be equivalent to the Walmart pad in insulative qualities. I'm interested in this Thinlight Evazote pad though. It looks pretty cheap too.

**Rob_** · 10-23-2010, 09:35

I emailed the guy a few weeks ago asking what has the highest R value for the same thickness: neoprene, minicell or Volara foam.

He told me it was Volara.

**Trooper** · 10-23-2010, 10:06

I found this old thread by accident. It discusses using neoprene as a pad, but it was determined to be too heavy.

JRB sells a torso-sized Evazote pad for $10. I just bought an Evazote pad at MEC, the Canadian version of REI, for $16 and split it with my buddy.

**jeepthangjim** · 10-23-2010, 10:13

Cool. I was just curious because I have 6mm of wetsuits hanging in my closest. Thanks for the replies! I might just get one of those JRB Torso Pads.

**Trooper** · 10-23-2010, 10:33

It would likely be a good investment at $10. Most folks seem to be going with partial underquilts, so we still need a small pad under our feet. It can also be used as a sit pad, and I use mine around the house when I'm working on hardwood floors or in the driveway.

I think Sgt. Rock uses pads exclusively because of the weight/warmth ratio. Medicineman had a hammock rip on him, but he also carries a pad. There are just too many reasons not to get a torso-sized pad.

**greggg3** · 03-26-2011, 09:00

Originally Posted by Rob_

I emailed the guy a few weeks ago asking what has the highest R value for the same thickness: neoprene, minicell or Volara foam.

He told me it was Volara.

Thats R value per thickness, but what about R value per unit weight?

It seems implied in several threads that evazote is the best r value per lb, is that right? Its probably here but I can't seem to find a thread that discusses which ccf offers the best insulation for lowest weight. I'm wondering how minicell and volara compare to evazote?

And what exactly is the walmart blue foam?

Thanks in advance for any help.