uses for Thermoflect and other shiny materials

[AaronAlso]

That brings up another question. Shiny surfaces not only reflect radiant heat, they also emit radiation less than dark layers. Which side of the Thermoflect blanket is intended to be facing the patient? The ad copy says there's "a soft layer" next to the patient. Is that the blue stuff or the very thin layer of clear plastic over
the aluminum side?

Well,
The garments are sold both with the blue side out & with the shiney side out. So I don't think it matters.

I did some testing of my own lastnight. While not quite as scientific as WV's I felt the results were favorable.

I used the single layer IX insert for my UQ and a single blanket while sitting outside in the wind. I had a heavy fleece jacket on and only wrapped my legs in the IX/Thermoflect. I was only wearing a mesh athletic pants & the outside temp was ~40F*. I stayed outside for about 10-15min without the insulation to get a reference. Then, I wrapped both layers around my legs and tucked everything in as best I could.

I noticed the difference almost immediately and infact my legs stayed warm the entire 40-45min I was outside. However, on my left leg, which was exposed directly to the wind, I did notice a cold spot. I can only assume that this was from convective heatloss due to the wind contacting the Thermoflect directly. It wasn't bone chilling, but definitely noticeable. I suspect that under your tarp protected from the wind it should be much of a problem. That's just my initial impression.

-A.A.

[sargevining]

I slept on one draped in the hammock. Those parts of my body that were in contact were warm (55* night). The problem, of course, is that it bunched up mightily as I moved around, and soon became useless. I also used it as a top quilt and was warm underneath--although I did not nap as long as WV did.

I'm thinking of sewing it onto the Crazy Crib hammock I use with my Poncho Liner as a PLUQ, then putting snaps along the edges, and snaps on the poncho liner. This would give a degree of modularity: "underhammock" alone, "underhammock" with Poncho liner, and "underhammock" as a rain cover fora traditional UQ.

[OutandBack]

Gringo is not a government.

I was thinking about a vestibule for a wood burner a la out and back's project.

HaHa, Yep I'm watching this thread closely. Hoping to learn as much as possible.

Been drool over WV's Aluminized ripstop since he posted this picture.

[WV]

HaHa, Yep I'm watching this thread closely. Hoping to learn as much as possible.

Been drool over WV's Aluminized ripstop ....

Wondered where those spots came from.

The fabric came from DIYgearsupply.

[OutandBack]

Wondered where those spots came from.

The fabric came from DIYgearsupply.

HaHa, thanks for the link David.

In looking at this thermoflect material.
It looks like a great replacement for IX.
More breathable, a little IR reflection, probably more durable than IX. I like it.

I could see it used to make a breathable winter sock, summer TQ/UQ,
inside layer for a UQ. Breathable UQ protector, SB/TQ liner to extend temp range.

Nice find you guys.
I wish I had the DIY talent.

[WV]

OutandBack,
Nope, not. I've got an overheated vacuum cleaner to prove it. Still looks a very useful fabric, though. I'm looking forward to seeing your stove vestibule.

[Boothill]

so if a person was to use a blanket in conjunction with an UQ to try and gain a few degrees

would a person want to put it between the hammock bottom and on top of the UQ or put it on the outside of the UQ

which would be more effective and not cause condensation

this stuff can be kinda confusing some times.......

thanks

boot

[WV]

Boothill,

I don't know for sure. That's what this thread is about. In your clear statement of the question, you have designed an elegant scientific experiment. That is, there aren't too many variables, so it ought to be possible to find out. Don't get me wrong - there are still possible problems (i.e. - other variables besides blanket location), namely the weather and the individual's metabolism, both subject to considerable variation in the real world.

We need a number of people to try both placements on two successive nights with similar weather predicted. I will volunteer as one subject. We expect similar weather here tomorrow and Monday, so I'm all set. Who else is in?

[HappyCamper]

I'm trying on outside of underquilt tonight. But like you say, different people different metabolisms. I'm not someone who sweats a lot even on a ccf. Not sure when I can two nights with similar weather and temps.

I'm someone who is sensitive to cold spots on torso. I'm interested to see if this makes a difference. I've been using a thin 3/16 ccf torso pad with underquilt as a solution. Am hoping this works as it will pack down smaller.

[OutandBack]

OutandBack,
Nope, not. I've got an overheated vacuum cleaner to prove it. Still looks a very useful fabric, though. I'm looking forward to seeing your stove vestibule.

Hi David,
Just because you can't suck air thru it doesn't mean water vapor can't pass thru, does it?
DWR nylon is considered breathable but I'll bet it would fail your vacuum cleaner test.
Just from your picture it sure looks breathable.
I see many holes in the silver thermal reflective side and the blue side just looks like a woven synthetic cloth.