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Path: utzoo!linus!decvax!decwrl!sun!marke
From: marke@sun.uucp (Marke Clinger)
Newsgroups: net.consumers
Subject: Re: HELP! Need info on foam pads (camping)
Message-ID: <2740@sun.uucp>
Date: Sun, 1-Sep-85 14:18:07 EDT
Article-I.D.: sun.2740
Posted: Sun Sep  1 14:18:07 1985
Date-Received: Mon, 2-Sep-85 09:17:13 EDT
References: <526@ihu1e.UUCP>
Reply-To: marke@sun.UUCP (Marke Clinger)
Distribution: net
Organization: Sun Microsystems, Inc.
Lines: 26
Summary: 

Closed foam is very important feature of pads for sleeping.  Most
stores that carry camping supplies have these foam pads that are
usually blue.  The closed foam keeps the pad from absorbing water (from
the ground, air, body).  I have used these pads for about 10 years and
they work great.  They are very thin (1/4" to 1/2"), dense and
lightweight.  They absorbe the shocks of rocks to the point it is hard
to tell they are there.  The pad also works good for insulation.  It
keeps the cold from the ground away from your back.  I have used them
when sleeping directly on a snow drift and have stayed very warm (even
in my summer sleeping bag).  The pads are very cheap also.

If you would like alittle more confort you might want to get a
term-a-rest pad( backpackers air mattress).  It has an open cell foam
core that is covered by an air tight nylon.  It does not absorbe
water.  It is self inflatable, just open the valve and air poors in.
You can adjust the firmness by adding air through the valve.  It weighs
24 ounces and comes in two sizes, 3/4 length and full body length(about
six feet).  It rolls up into a cylinder about 4 inches in
diameter(smaller than the pads talked about above).  I have used this
on rocky ground and snow.  I would recommend it over the closed foam
pads.  It is slightly more expensive, but worth every penny.


Marke Clinger
Sun Microsystems
sun!mclinger