Inflatable pad or Foam?

[Cogbill]

I recently got a double layer Blackbird and I'm looking for some under insulation. I'm gonna be going to Academy to get myself a pad but I don't know what is better, an insulated pad or a foam pad. I need something to stuff between my layers. It's gonna be around 50 degrees when I'll be using it. What do you guys think?

[Labrador]

I personally like the Exped Downmat UL inflatable. It is light, warm and packs down small.

[Cogbill]

Is that something I'd have to order online or can I pick it up at Academy or Walmart?

[Knotty]

Is that something I'd have to order online or can I pick it up at Academy or Walmart?

Not familiar with Academy but you definitely won't find the pricey Exped Downmat at Walmart. They are available at REI.

Many use the basic blue closed cell foam mat from Walmart. I use Under quilts but if I did use a foam pad I'd try scoring the underside of the pad like a cut mango to help it flex.

[HappyHiker]

Depends on what you need out of the pad.

If you're just looking for insulative value, hands down just a blue pad. Inexpensive, light, bombproof (insulative value depends on the thickness of the pad).

Inflatables work pretty much the same, and if you already have one, by all means use it. Personally I wouldn't buy one for hammock use unless I planned on actually using it on the ground (I have several and still chose CCF when I used pads in a hammock). Heavier, more expensive and can leak.

Just keep in mind that most pads are far too narrow at 20" to provide full coverage to your sides. you will need to add "wings" (see SPE) or add more foam/reflectix (cut another pad to lay crosswise under your torso) to have full coverage. The WM waffle pad and some inflatables are wider at 25-26" but still not quite wide enough for full comfort, IMO.

[PDA]

You will need to experiment to see what works most effectively for you. The Expead mat may be marvellous, but good grief it is really expensive. Start of with two Walmart blue foam pads at $6 each and play. Here is a really good explaination of types and styles of insulation
http://www.tothewoods.net/HammockCampingWarm.html#Pads

One of Shug emery's vids covers insulation.

[Danalex]

Not familiar with Academy but you definitely won't find the pricey Exped Downmat at Walmart. They are available at REI.

Many use the basic blue closed cell foam mat from Walmart. I use Under quilts but if I did use a foam pad I'd try scoring the underside of the pad like a cut mango to help it flex.

You put the cut side up or down?

If down it opens the cuts and decreases in the insulating values I assume.

[gunner76]

I have used the waffle pattern blue pad from Wallyworld as it is wider at 24" vice
20" for the smooth blue pad. Cost a bit more at $12. Weighs 15oz. Can be used down to the 20's depending on how you use it.

[richtorfla]

A lot of people have had good luck with the blue W mart pad. I have used one and it was okay for me. I have a thermarest prolite 3 and 4 that are leftover from "on the ground" camping that I partially blow up and have had real good success using. they are some what light weight for me, pack down well. A lot of people order the gossamer gear foam pad cause of its high density and light weight. Good luck on your choice.

[nothermark]

Walmart no longer lists the pads on their web site, or they did not this morning. It's catch as catch can. Gossamer gear has wide foam. If you can find a local flooring or packaging company that uses Volara foam it's the same stuff and comes in a 60 in roll.