Reflectix Sleeping Pad

I've never used one as my primary pad, but I have used one as a supplemental pad to my uninsulated Klymit Static V. You'll slide around on the reflectix material.

Also, probably won't be very comfortable I'd it's your only pad since it's so thin.

I think some dots of silicone on the reflectix would be in order, to stop the sliding.

How heavy is a 6-foot (or torso-sized) sheet of reflectix, anyway? Is it a good "weight deal" or not?

EDIT: Answer, 6.3 oz for 6 ft. Poster thought the reflectix added +10 degrees of comfort.

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=62688

Yes.

I have also used it as a ground cloth under my tents in the winter, because it is "cheap" and I have extra amounts of it (due to remodeling projects.)

Adding the silicone drops is a great idea, since it is so slippery. It's not the same R value is the closed called foam, and it's heavier. It does make for a good protector of a fragile air mattress as well.

I don't know if I would go out of my way to get it, since a 1/4" closed called foam pad may do all the above, and not be cost prohibitive.

I made Reflectix sleeping pads for my sons (8 and 10 years old). They really like the Reflectix pads and use them directly under their sleeping bags without a secondary pad.

My issue is that the pad seems to be do a really good job of trapping water vapor. When the ground is cold the boys wake up with their sleeping bags noticeable wet for the portion sitting on top of the Reflectix pad.

Any suggestions on how I might deal with the condensation/water vapor? The boys seem quite comfortable with the thin sleeping pad and can't beat the weight+price. If the sleeping bags were just a bit damp then it would be fine but – on a cold night – I am finding that the bottom of their sleeping bags need to be dried out for some time before we can break camp. Is there another material that might be a bit breathable yet still light+cheap?

A second layer of the same? The condensation is due to cold, so if you increase the R value, you might get the temp above the dew point.

Dirk, this is because Reflectix is a vapor barrier and doesn't breath.

My suggestion (if you want to try to make this work) would be to lay down a piece of wicking fabric between the bags and reflectix, wide enough to be exposed to the air on the sides…My mindset is that this fabric would absorb the moisture from the bags and the wicking properties would spread it out to the exposed edges where it can evaporate…no clue how well it'd work though.

I used one last winter in combination with a ggtorso and knee to ankle pad. It is heavy for it's r value, mine was 7.8ounces and I think 1 to 1.5 R value. for less weight I found that two gg 1/8" pads, polycro and a ggtorso were far more comfortable and less sliding. plus if you use one gglite flat and one doubles over for the legs, you can stick your bag between the fold and get more from less.

On the bright side for using a window cover, the folds make a nice stiff back panel.

A Ridgerest zlite sol is probably a better way to go, and doesn't cost much. It's durable, and has a decent insulation value for the weight…bulky but you just strap it outside your pack.

I experimented a bit with reflectix for an underpad in a hammock. I attached two layers together. As I recall each layer is R1 so two layers together gave an R2 rating. R value is additive so it can be used effectively to supplement the pad you already have. I'm guessing here but against the ground with two layers it perhaps would be 'effective' down to 50f / 10C. But not comfortable enough on it's own against the ground I'd say.

Like a foam pad it's bulky. It's not as durable as a ridgerest. The reflective surface begins to wear off with repeated folding and abrasion. The bubbles can pop.

It reflects something like 90% of radiant heat, so as far as I understand this property works best when close to your body and need to sleep against it for best results.

If you have a buddy who's been renovating or does HVAC work you can probably get some pieces for free to experiment with. It's great stuff for experimenting with, especially if you can get some for free. It's great for making pot cozies and sit pads!

"It reflects something like 90% of radiant heat, so as far as I understand this property works best when close to your body and need to sleep against it for best results."

If that IR reflective layer is directly against you, conductive heat transfer will make that reflective layer the same temperature as you so radiative heat transfer doesn't matter. You need to have an air space adjacent to the reflective layer.

Like, a space blanket wrapped around you works because the reflective layer is on the outside, and outside that is the air.

Or a Neo Air works because there's a reflective layer inside the mattress with an air space adjacent.

I've used a thinner reflecting auto sunshade for insulation under a Klymit Inertia X-Lite pad during summer, it seemed to work well enough. It's basically a thin CCF sandwiched between reflecting foil and weighed less than 2 oz, but was essentially only a torso pad. I can no longer use CCF alone, so I don't think I could use reflectix or a sunshade either by itself. I need a bit more cushion.

"this is because Reflectix is a vapor barrier and doesn't breath."

None of the products we use for pads or ground cloth breathes. It gets wet because it gets cold enough to condense the vapor. As others found, it can be good to supplement a regular pad.

I'm liking this auto sun shade idea for a supplimental/emergency pad.
Looks like lots of options out there…can you link the one you use?

I don’t really have a link as I just buy them at the 99 Cents Only store. I’ve seen them at other Dollar stores as well. This is what I have:

They last fine if you use a groundsheet or bivy sack underneath it, which I would anyway as I don’t like my feet or quilt in the dirt when I sleep. They weigh very little and they do add some insulation, but its not a lot so it was only for summer use.

I carry the sunshade in my daypack now as an emergency use pad because its light and it packs small, but for overnighters, I trimmed one of these down (see link below) and use it as protection/extra insulation under the Klymit or the Neo-Air X-Lite pads. My trimmed down pad weighs 2.5 oz.

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=103142