Minicel, Polyethylene, Volara or Neoprene Rubber?

**DivaB** · 01-02-2012, 20:17

Lets start with 1/4" of any of these pads, with the possibility of layering: Minicel, Polyethylene, Volara, or Neoprene Rubber. Which one wins at the best insulator, flexability/comfort in a hammock, weighs the least, and packs or rolls better?

Is there one winner?

**MacEntyre** · 01-02-2012, 20:21

At 1/4" thickness, PE Foam won't win... no way to pack it down.

**zukiguy** · 01-02-2012, 21:09

I can't find it at the moment but I seem to remember a thread where the R-value and weight for various foam types was listed. I personally went with the Volara based on price (it was on sale at the time). It seems to work well for me but may not be the "best".

**DivaB** · 01-02-2012, 21:15

Neoprene is pretty heavy isn't it?

**FLRider** · 01-02-2012, 22:35

Originally Posted by DivaB

Neoprene is pretty heavy isn't it?

For the thickness, yes. I don't know how well it insulates; I've only seen it used for wet suits and gaskets.

**Acer** · 01-02-2012, 22:43

Neoprehe is not breathable. don't know about the others.

**wisenber** · 01-02-2012, 23:13

Originally Posted by DivaB

Lets start with 1/4" of any of these pads, with the possibility of layering: Minicel, Polyethylene, Volara, or Neoprene Rubber. Which one wins at the best insulator, flexability/comfort in a hammock, weighs the least, and packs or rolls better?

Is there one winner?

From my recollection, evazote is the best ccf followed by Minicel then Volara. I recall Brandon from Warbonnet saying that Volara would work, but the other two are definitely better at keeping you warm.

**ShadowAlpha** · 01-02-2012, 23:23

I got this stuff. use for a footpad. fold it to pack
http://www.closedcellfoams.com/minicel.html

**oldgringo** · 01-03-2012, 05:21

Diva, if you haven't already done so, read the thread that is stickied at the top of this forum. Don't skip the links that are provided. It's a pretty good primer on pads.

**DivaB** · 01-03-2012, 08:30

Originally Posted by oldgringo

Diva, if you haven't already done so, read the thread that is stickied at the top of this forum. Don't skip the links that are provided. It's a pretty good primer on pads.

To be honest...I read it, I clicked on every link possible, I read all about other pads, other links, lead to other threads..more links, lots of book marking, terrible shipping, walmart pads, yoga mats, blah, blah, blah...and after 5 hours, or possibly even more of endless pad reading, "KA-POW"...my brain exploded