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“Blue” CCF vs EvazoteVolara

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Michael Ray BPL Member
PostedJan 11, 2010 at 10:08 am

This thread suggests the R value of these is essentially the same. Is the advantage to Evazote/Volara that they are slightly lighter and more durable then? The blue stuff seems plenty durable & light to me and much cheaper. However, one downside for it is lack of packability IMHO unless you cut some reinforced slits so it can be folded like a Z-rest.

I need to get some more padding soon for my son and am trying to decide if Evazote (eg, GG Thinlight) is worth almost 4x the cost of blue from Walmart. I believe in that same thread Richard Nisley indicated the “better” blue foams will spring back after compression – I was surprised the stuff from Walmart did this.

Roger Caffin BPL Member
PostedJan 11, 2010 at 1:20 pm

There's not a lot of difference between them. It may be worth while trying the cheaper version (subject to basic checks!) at first, just to see.

Cheers

Michael Ray BPL Member
PostedJan 11, 2010 at 1:26 pm

So people are spending 3-4x on Thinlights mostly to save a few grams? I guess I also understand they are somewhat stickier, which helps bags from sliding around. Blue doesn't have this property.

Nia Schmald BPL Member
PostedJan 11, 2010 at 3:09 pm

Yep. A quick check comparing the Gossamer gear 3/8" and REI blue foam has the gg at 6.0 – 6.4 oz/sq yd and the blue foam at 7.2 oz/sq yd.

I don't see it as being drastically more expensive though. Walmart.com lists their 72" length 3/8" sleeping pad at $20. The slightly shorter 60" pad at gg is also $20.

Michael Ray BPL Member
PostedJan 11, 2010 at 5:53 pm

> Walmart.com lists their 72" length 3/8" sleeping pad at $20

Wow. It's gone up a lot then. I bought that last June for <$6.

John S. BPL Member
PostedJan 11, 2010 at 6:15 pm

Walmart still has the $6 pads. Not sure what pad Nia is speaking of.

PostedJan 11, 2010 at 6:56 pm

All: I have and use both, mostly as 'sitz' pads in camp or on day hikes, also Evazote as a full-winter pad under a Thermarest LE.

All of my foamies come to me used, some with much use, and the Evazote is clearly superior over the longer haul; it is harder to rip and to crease by folding. It is also more reliable (and warmer!) below -25C where most plastic products get dicey.

Your experiences may vary!

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