Pool Float?

**SwampSloth** · 03-17-2011, 20:45

anyone ever try an inexpensive pool float between the layers of their hammock?

**JayS** · 03-17-2011, 20:58

There is nothing to stop the air from flowing inside the float which leads to heat loss Probably not very good below about 50* and only then because of the vapor barrier effect of the float's material. They are also heavy.

**ShadowAlpha** · 03-17-2011, 21:09

I thought about using these. lightweight stuff that goes over water pipes in the house

**SwampSloth** · 03-17-2011, 21:10

Originally Posted by JayS

There is nothing to stop the air from flowing inside the float which leads to heat loss Probably not very good below about 50* and only then because of the vapor barrier effect of the float's material. They are also heavy.

I was talking about the cheap inflatable floats. i was thinking the air baffles might work as insulation.

**BrianWillan** · 03-17-2011, 21:15

Originally Posted by SwampSloth

I was talking about the cheap inflatable floats. i was thinking the air baffles might work as insulation.

Air is a very poor insulator. That is why an air mattress isn't very effective insulating you from the ground in cool to cold weather. All it really does is provide some comfort. Also keep in mind that the inflating camping pads do have some foam in them and that is what provides the insulation value.

Cheers

Brian

**Hooch** · 03-17-2011, 21:20

Originally Posted by SwampSloth

I was talking about the cheap inflatable floats. i was thinking the air baffles might work as insulation.

That'd be a negative, Ghostrider. The air will take on the temperature of the ambient air around it and just end up making you cold.

**Alamosa** · 03-17-2011, 21:24

I wouldn't say air is a poor insulator. It is trapping air so that it can not move that provides the insulating value. Pads, down, etc. have many tiny air pockets which trap the heat.

The pool floats have large air pockets that allow the air to circulate causing a loss of heat through convection.

**Gqgeek81** · 03-18-2011, 10:26

Gardenville experimented several years ago with a silk sleeve that held several sections of plastic tubing like they melt into packaging. He added down to each baffle. I know he had it working, don't know what became of it though.

I've slept on a pool mattress in a tent once in the summer. Kind of noisy, went flat after a while, and was sticky since it didn't breath.

**vesteroid** · 03-20-2011, 11:51

standard 2.5" air only pad has a r value of 1

As compared to a neo air that has a 2.5

on the ground I wouldnt use my air only pad below about 60

I use my neo air down to the mid 30s and my custom down pad down to 0 or so.

**AlfonsoAlfonso** · 03-09-2013, 12:37

I never seen and done this.It is really strange idea for me.Indeed,the pool floats have huge air pouches that allow the air circulation resulting in a loss of warm through convection.And all it really does is provide some comfort.Its dead easy and pretty difficult to go wrong.But do not forget expensive one.