Best insulating sheet material?

Well, I have the remains of a roll of 3/16″ closed cell foam floor underlayment. I have cut some of it to match my winter air mattress outline.

So I’ll make a sit pad of it. On snow or a log it might be enough – or not. I’ll report back.

Found this on BPL from a couple of years ago. Could probably use some updating.

The links still worked.

is not a bad option. 10mm is not very thick, but it’s a start.

“The other material that comes to mind is Aerogel. I have read some mention of poor performce with regard to moisture though. Anyone know more about that?”

I bought a roll of aerogel a bunch of years ago, hoping to make some practical use of it. While its hard to describe, I don’t feel like (what I got) was ready for prime-time. It seemed flimsy, the silicone “poofs” out pretty easily, and it’s hard to wash off my hands. I do think it might be useful contained inside of a fabric liner. Currently, my wife is sewing some 3″x6″ rectangular “panels” to insert inside of my mitts.

Regarding rigid insulation, I spec a bunch of  of it for homes, but I’d never consider using it for hiking. Its not comfortable and the thinner rigid products would snap apart if your not careful. Reflectix could be an option but it becomes very slippery if your on snow (makes a great sled!).

In the meantime, EVA CCF foam is probably still your best bet.

Here’s an interesting one you could easily cut down. Real thin but it has a high R value given its thickness: http://www.exped.com/usa/en/product-category/mats/multimat-uno

I’ve always just used a cut down piece of Thermarest z-lite pad. They also make the z-seat. I mostly use it for winter trips and ice climbing. Snow and mud don’t really stick to it very well, and you can easily shake it out. I bought the kind that has a silvery side to it, but I’m not sure that really makes an awful lot of difference.