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Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 405
Campfire Member
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OP
Campfire Member
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 405 |
If you are using beneath your sleeping bag an inflatable pad such as a Therm-a-rest mattress and a closed cell pad, which one goes against the ground for the warmest configuration?
Thanks.
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 46,301 Likes: 16
Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 46,301 Likes: 16 |
I've heard people say that the closed cell foam on top is warmer. But I put it on the bottom, on the theory that an inflatable pad that keeps the air in it is warmer than one that springs a leak.
A wise man is frequently humbled.
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Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 4,870 Likes: 5
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 4,870 Likes: 5 |
Most thermarest models already have foam inside, creating the dead air space needed for insulation. Putting the CCP underneath helps with puncture protection, as Smoke pointed out. Other air pads without the internal foam/insulation do better with the CCP on top in colder temps from my experience, punctures be damned.
Last edited by SBTCO; 04/21/16.
“Some ideas are so stupid that only intellectuals believe them.” ― G. Orwell
"Why can't men kill big game with the same cartridges women and kids use?" _Eileen Clarke
"Unjust authority confers no obligation of obedience." - Alexander Hamilton
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 117
Campfire Member
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Campfire Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 117 |
I use a thermarest Xtherm and part of it warmth comes from a reflective coating that traps heat. I wonder if putting a closed cell foam pad on top would defeat this feature? I put a foam pad under my Xtherm mostly to protect the Xtherm but I also think it is the warmest configuration. I've been cold a few nights but it was not caused by my pad and mattress. I use this foam pad that weighs less than 3oz. http://gossamergear.com/thinlight-backpacking-pads.html
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 6,981 Likes: 2
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 6,981 Likes: 2 |
I started backpacking fifty-eight years ago, and I used an air mattress made of rubberized Nylon. You would think that that heavy material would be durable. But it was prone to leaks and I eventually gave it up in favor of foam pads. So I don't trust air mattresses.
I wouldn't carry a foam pad at all if I were not worried about my air mattress springing a leak. So I use the foam pad under my Thermarest NeoAir.
KC
Wind in my hair, Sun on my face, I gazed at the wide open spaces, And I was at home.
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 69,535 Likes: 24
Campfire Kahuna
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Campfire Kahuna
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 69,535 Likes: 24 |
While an air mattress might not get punctured by rocks and sticks, the pressure of something sharp on a seam will weaken it. Later failures are possible. A pad under the air mattress will protect it. A pad over the air mattress will keep you warmer. Take your pick.
“In a time of deceit telling the truth is a revolutionary act.” ― George Orwell
It's not over when you lose. It's over when you quit.
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 3,575
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 3,575 |
Closed cell pad under, if both types must be taken. I think either is adequate from an insulation point of view. Durability prize goes to the foam, comfort to the inflatable.
I do not entertain hypotheticals. The world itself is vexing enough. -- Col. Stonehill
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Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 17,927
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 17,927 |
Z lite with BA air core. Nice thing about the Z lite is folding it two sections wide to sit your tired ass on.
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