Freezing Temps and Open Cell Foam

[Mustardman]

I'll be taping it for the amusement of all who want to watch.

Hopefully not the taking the foam clothing off part

[CITC]

Still looks like it sucks for hammock use. Not worth the money or the weight penalty, IMO. For the price of that "thing", one could get a very nice top and underquilt set for a fraction of the weight.

I understand the perception. I'm not a lightweight camper. I use a Jungle hammock (I happen to like the chest of drawers it comes with), and my bag is too big for it, it get's bunched up, but that is because I built it to accommodate the foam clothing that I wear. I can make a narrower bag that will allow the user to wear clothing that is not as bulky, and with the reduction of materials required, there would also be a reduction in weight.

And it's not a "thing" any more than your hammock is just a butt sling.

It's a high performance, long term, cold weather platform that does the job for which it was designed.

[CITC]

Still, about 9#, give or take really isn't practical for the backpacker. May be peachy keen for car camping, but its weight pretty much excludes it from backpacking use.

It depends on what you are looking for. Obviously, for you, it is not practical. I've never deluded myself that this system is for everyone.

[CITC]

My entire sleep and shelter system weighs less than 9 pounds

Could probably throw cooking and fuel in there and still weigh less

And how long have you stayed in that system without thawing things out in subfreezing weather?

I winter camp mostly without fire, so I don't require fuel and cooking.

[east_stingray]

This system reminds me of that story someone posted on here about the arctic expedition where the crews' bags weighed over 60lbs after a few weeks in because of all the ice in the insulation.

[CITC]

Good to see you joined us.

I agree about the weight guys and gals, but you have to consider that not everybody backpacks. Don't know why they wouldn't, but some don't. If these things can perform at the same level as down and you are maybe a hunter camped for a week in sub zero temps, then I can see the use. Like you said Hooch, it's roughly the same price as a JRB set.

Me, I'll stick with my light down for now. However, I know folks (non-hangers) that would view this system as a solid one.

I have many customers that agree with you, and all the reports back have been glowing. This is one of the most comfortable bags that you can buy, as well as one of the most technically sound for long term sub-freezing camping.

[Pitch]

I gotta say he has a great argument. I'd like to think that it makes sense... but I'm a scientist and data speaks volumes to me.

Documentation is what I crave here!

If this actually works I'd like to build a high-density open cell under-pad to test. Maybe a two-layer pad with multiple densities (high on the bottom-most layer and lower density on top-most layer for comfort). It may be able to be very thin and rather light (and likely less expensive than down- but equally likely to be at a weight penalty (and moisture advantage!))

Darn the burden of proof!

How can we do some testing?


I picture an ice cube in a block of foam and a block of "down" measuring the time it takes to melt... maybe...?

EDIT:

Almost forgot!

Welcome to the forum CITC !

[CITC]

Hopefully not the taking the foam clothing off part

LOL! No, I think I'll leave that part out!

[CITC]

This system reminds me of that story someone posted on here about the arctic expedition where the crews' bags weighed over 60lbs after a few weeks in because of all the ice in the insulation.

Yes, this is exactly what I'm talking about.

[Pitch]

Yes, this is exactly what I'm talking about.

Thats about 7 gallons of water trapped as ice plus the weight of the bag. Yikes!