Closed-cell foam pads are the cheapest options on the market. Different technologies can further reduce thermal conductivity for a given density. In addition to weight, the other primary characteristic backpackers care about is insulation. While not as comfortable as other options on the market, closed-cell foam pads have evolved over the years to maximize comfort while maintaining an ultra-lightweight design. The direction of the conveyer where the foam expands can also be orientated vertically instead of the traditional horizontal orientation, which affects how the cells form in the foam. The bulkiness is not a … If you're anything like our testers, your first sleeping pad may well be a closed-cell foam pad, and rightfully so. You can roll it up or fold it to save space. Some pads are also laminated with a thin layer of aluminum to reflect body height. Next in Part 2, I will survey the many ccf sleeping pads available in the US market and present compiled data comparing them. The hot liquid-gas mixture is then extruded onto a conveyer at atmospheric pressure where the gas quickly expands to form bubbles and the polymer cools into a solid, trapping the gas in interstitial cells. Insulating yourself from the heat-sucking ground and providing comfort from your bones grinding into the hard ground or tent platform are critical to have a good night’s sleep when backpacking. I opt-in to a better browsing experience. There are two main types of LDPE foam used in pads: extruded and cross-linked, with cross-linked being further subdivided whether it is chemically cross-linked or physically cross-linked. For a given type of foam, thermal conductivity generally increases with greater foam density. However, this Big Agnes model is also available in two size options, which allows you to choose the appropriate length for your height. Change ), You are commenting using your Facebook account. Outbound Ultra Camp Sleeping Pad features a 5/8" (1.5 cm) closed-cell foam centre for added comfort on hard surfaces; Recommended for a single user; Water-resistant surface provides protection from cold, wet surfaces while the ribbing helps to keep a sleeping … Check out our, Quick Answer - The Best Foam Sleeping Pads, Comparison Table - Best Foam Sleeping Pads, THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING A FOAM SLEEPING PAD, For more of our top backpacking gear recommendations, check out the, While your primary reason for purchasing a foam pad is probably for sleeping purposes, they are also ideal for sitting on around camp. Switchback™ features hexagonal nodes, which are molded with our dual-density Axiotomic™ foam to create Hypnoelastic™ zones that conform to your body in a perfect balance of comfort and support. Endless Utility: Sleeping pad, sitting pad… There are endless varieties of proprietary blends and processes for making different types of cross-linked polyethylene. This not only maintains any heat you generate, but assists in reflecting it back to you during the night for a more restful night’s sleep. Note you will sometimes see a CCF sleeping pad’s material listed as polyolefin foam – this is not very descriptive as polyolefin can refer to polyethylene or any of a wide range of other plastics; in these cases, I would assume the pad is made of LDPE. The Switchback is no exception. Many sleeping pads in the past (as well as exercise and yoga mats still today) were made of polyvinyl chloride/nitrile rubber (PVC/NBR or Ensolite); these pads deteriorated under extended UV exposure and are no longer used. They are also easily cleaned. And many backpackers use a combination of both: some put the CCF pad below their inflatable to provide protection from punctures, while others put the CCF on top to get the most insulative benefit (discussion of that is beyond the scope of this article, but trust me that all things being equal you will sleep warmer with the CCF pad placed between you and the inflatable than between the inflatable and the ground). Functionality and price point are prime reasons why it’s chosen time and time again by both outdoor enthusiasts and everyday individuals alike. This site uses cookies to provide and improve your shopping experience. Sleeping pads come in 3 main types: closed cell foam (CCF) pads, inflatable pads (air mattresses), and self-inflating pads. Aside from choosing the right shelter to protect you from the elements, your sleep system may be the most underrated piece of gear for hitting the trail. Obviously, you can get a little too creative and some of these uses may void your warranty, but it’s worth for a little extra comfort sometimes. REDCAMP Closed Cell Foam Camping Sleeping Pad, 22" Wide Lightweight Folding Camping Pad for Hiking Backpacking, 72"x22"x0.75", Blue/Grey. These pads either roll, collapse or fold up. When packed, the average inflatable sleeping pad takes up around 1 liter of space in your pack. A foam pad cut to a square shape or folded in half can also be utilized during longer breaks on the trail to provide a dry sitting option or at the climbing crag to switch from approach shoes to climbing shoes so you don’t have to get your feet dirty or your butt wet. Winter camping: An insulated, high R-value air pad works well for cold air temperatures. NEMO redefined the classic closed-cell foam sleeping pad to deliver more thickness and plush comfort into an industry-leading packed size. Closed-cell foam is used to produce mats that can be used without requiring any inflation. While your primary reason for purchasing a foam pad is probably for sleeping purposes, they are also ideal for sitting on around camp. Free shipping on orders over $49 for closed cell foam sleeping pads and camping mattresses, along with other outdoor gear and apparel. If you want to carry multi-purpose gear to save weight, you’re hard on gear or want to save money, closed-cell sleeping pads provide many advantages over inflatable and self-inflating pads. Polyurethane foam (PU) is still very occasionally used; it is heavier (more dense) but does usually provide more insulation per inch of thickness. 44 $9.44 $ 9. Shop online. Foam pads are often easier to attach to the outside of your pack due to their bulkier size. NEMO redefined the classic closed-cell foam sleeping pad to deliver more thickness and plush comfort in an industry-leading packed size. Materials with low thermal conductivity are good insulators, with things like argon gas or perlite under vacuum having extremely low conductivity (thermal energy passes very slowly through space with few atoms). We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. This trapped air provides extra insulation. Extra Durable: Virtually indestructible, the proprietary closed-cell foam provides lasting, economical comfort. These pads are an excellent choice for those getting into backpacking because they are lightweight and super affordable. Many thru-hikers pick a “short” or “3/4 length” foam pad to save weight (you can lay your empty pack or extra clothing under your feet for a bit of insulation if needed). Many backpackers choose to sleep on a CCF pad because they have had bad experiences with punctures in the past using inflatable pads, while some simply are able to sleep comfortably enough on a CCF pad and choose it for its low weight and cost. Polystyrene (Styrofoam) is another type of closed cell foam we are all familiar with. Polyurethane is a plastic material commonly used to build insulation panels in houses. ( Log Out /  When you realize how hard on your body they can be, you don't have to chuck it, just save it for an extra layer of warmth during winter camping. Closed-cell foam pads are your best bet. $2.00 coupon applied at checkout. Two of the most popular proprietary foams used in pads are Evazote and Plastazote produced by ZoteFoams. Very low density CCF (<1.5 lbs/ft3) is sometimes used as sheets in packaging. Closed-cell foam pads are the most durable, lightest, and cheapest options on the market. Big Agnes closed cell foam sleeping pads provide a firm, insulated barrier between you and the ground. The egg-carton pattern design of this sleeping pad helps to increase comfort and adds an extra layer of insulation by helping to trap warm air under your sleeping bag. These work in tandem with your sleeping bag for maximum comfort. We cut foam sleeping pads into individual "sit upons" to carry in our day packs. Here is my best attempt at ranking the types of foam from highest conductivity to lowest conductivity as: non-cross-linked > chemically cross-linked > physically cross-linked (horizontal) > physically cross-linked (vertical). Shop for Closed-cell Foam Pads at REI - FREE SHIPPING With $50 minimum purchase. It easily packs outside of your pack, bike or boat. Open cell foam has air pockets that are interconnected, resulting in a spongier foam that is generally less dense, less insulative, will absorb water or allow it to pass right through, and is usually relatively easy to damage. Closed-cell foam sleeping pads are quite popular with long-distance and ultralight backpackers who want to shave every ounce from their gear list and need gear that can’t fail. This is a comparison of foam vs. air sleeping pads or mattresses for backpacking, camping, and sleeping outside on the ground. On the flip side, cushioned tread pattern helps provide stability on the tent floor and extra cushioning for a better night’s sleep. X. The nitty gritty on this pad is that it’s a no-frills closed cell foam pad that is great for backcountry pursuits, car camping, or providing a pad option for that extra guest. Sleeping Pad Weight Regardless of the season, the thermal reflective film reflects heat back to your body, preventing heat loss while you sleep. Unlike the Therm-A-Rest RidgeRest Solite above, the Z Lite Sol is a folding model. They can provide protection while cooking by allowing you to sit on the pad versus wet or cold ground. With this setup, the two pads won’t slip around against each other as sometimes happens when you combine two inflatable pads with slippery surfaces. Laminating foams together and aluminizing the foam can further reduce conductivity. The ridges also make this pad softer and more comfortable that closed-cell foam pads that have a smooth surface. Unlike self-inflating and air mattress options, the closed-cell foam pads … More delivery & pickup options. Closed Cell Foam Mats available at Ultralight Outdoor Gear with FREE UK+EU Delivery, product reviews, full tech specs and advice . The most basic type of sleeping pads is the closed cell foam pad. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Even stored, they will always be ready to be called back into service at a moment’s notice. I’d been using this sleeping pad (in Regular size) from 2013 to 2016. Known for pushing the envelope in tent design, NEMO took the next step several years ago and utilized their technology to create a line of pads and sleeping bags that continue to revolutionize the outdoor experience. Help. 4.4 out of 5 stars 282. The die-cut sections on the top surface help trap warm air, thus providing more insulation. COMFORT. You can easily cut closed cell foam pads with scissors. Chemically cross-linked polyethylene (abbreviated as PEX, XPE, or XLPE) involves adding chemicals that create bonding in the liquid polymer before initiation of the foaming process, resulting is smaller cell size and a smoother surface to the foam. They are often called "closed-cell pads" because they are made of closed air cells. His works have appeared in outlets including TheManual.com, Matador Network, Dirt Rag, Elevation Outdoors, as well as numerous gear outlets over the last 15 years. ( Log Out /  R value is related to a material’s thermal conductivity – this is a measure of how fast heat passes through the material and has the units Btu*in/ft2*h*F.  R value is calculated by taking the material’s thickness in inches and dividing its thermal conductivity, with the units ft2*h*F/Btu. However, as we will see later, the lower density foams have the highest warmth to weight ratio. AIR PAD. The folding accordion-style design allows for a quick unpacking and packing of the pad. Extruded polyethylene (abbreviated as PE, PEF, or LDPE) is produced by blending molten polyethylene polymer with a gas under high pressure. Whether rolled or folded, closed-cell foam pads don’t pack down small. Some pads are formed in an egg crate shape; this should not affect the conductivity of the foam, but may allow insulation in your sleeping bag, quilt, or jacket to loft underneath you and further reduce conductivity. The slightly reflective surface also assists in creating a warming effect as it helps to radiate back your own body heat that might be lost to the ground below. The beauty of foam pads is that they can usually be cut to size. Since the foam inside the pad is closed cell, it is usually quite bulky and takes a good amount of space. In the UK, pads are often rated by tog value: 1 tog is equal to 0.57 R value (US). Sometimes the R value for 1 inch of material is given, which will remain constant for a given material, being simply the inverse of its thermal conductivity. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best foam sleeping pads on the market so you can rest easy. Denser CCF is too hard to sleep on and difficult to roll, while less dense foam is softer but less tear resistant. Almost all CCF sleeping pads sold today use low density polyethylene (LDPE) because of its flexibility, low weight, durability, and moderate softness. This can be advantageous on cold nights. This is by far the most durable sleeping pad on the market. REDCAMP Closed Cell Foam Camping Sleeping Pad, 22" Wide Lightweight Folding Camping Pad f… Save $2.00 with coupon (some sizes/colors) Get it as soon as Fri, Sep 11. These pads are great for 4-season use. With a vast array of different sleeping pads on the market, you can expect to pay anything from $ Other options on the market will likely pack down smaller and some may even weigh less. Many backpackers choose to sleep on a CCF pad because they have had bad experiences with punctures in the past using inflatable pads, while some simply are able to sleep comfortably enough on a CCF pad and choose it for its low weight and cost. A technologically advanced closed-cell sleeping pad, offering very good warmth and lightweight in this class. Regardless of the temperature, they perform the same and will protect you from the cold ground. Whether rolled or folded, closed-cell foam pads don’t pack down small. Earn up to 10% back in Moosejaw Reward Dollars on every order. They don't compress very much when you lay on them, but you cannot blow air into the cells to expand them. For more of our top backpacking gear recommendations, check out the Best Backpacking Sleeping Pads. Change ), Low-moderate durability, large cell size and difficult to roll, standard material used in foam swim tubes, Physically cross-linked polyethylene (horizontal foaming), Physically cross-linked polyethylene (vertical foaming), Similar to horizontal foaming, possibly lower thermal conductivity, Layers, improved durability, often more difficult to roll, Softer rubbery feel, standard material used in floor mats, Type of IXPE, less durable, available in low densities, Type of XPE with very small uniform cell size, soft smooth surface, Take up little volume when deflated and folded, Need straps to secure rolled up (unless foldable-style), Confusing variety of different foam types used, Hard to find and repair punctures in the field, Need to be inflated (adds up after many nights), Need to be deflated (pushing all the air out every night adds up even more). 100% Satisfaction Guarantee Foam makes a comfy bed when you need to take a nap during a canoe trip! Some of the models in this roundup have multiple sizes available. The egg-crate construction allows for a nesting effect when folded to provide a more compact option for packing and storage. Some foam sleeping pads are covered in a thin reflective film that can provide the benefit of helping to reflect back some of your body heat. Open cell foam usually compresses more and is more comfortable to sit on; it is used in mattress and seat padding and inside some inflatable and self-inflating pads. Die-Cut Section in Top Layer (helps trap warm air), Ridge and Valley Construction Pattern Traps Dead Air, Thermal Reflective Film (reflects heat back to your body). Closed-cell foam pads are the cheapest options on the market. This folding model utilizes a highly efficient hexagonal nesting pattern that allows for greater comfort without increasing packed size. Like other models in this roundup, this ALPS Mountaineering pad folds just like an accordion. 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