| Radiant Heat Pads Unfortunately, Reflectix pads are fragile and easily damaged, especially if used on the rough ground. In hammocks, they may function properly only a few weeks and thus are best suited for short cold-weather trips. %t'hile less heat efficient, similarly sized closed-cell foam pads are better suited for longer wilderness trips. Since it also reduces the escape of body vapor, using a wide full-length pad inside a hammock may cause excessive condensation in your sleeping bag. Removing the bug net, using a sleeping bag with breathable fabrics and air-drying it as much as possible each day may alleviate this problem. When colder temperatures result in greater conductive heat loss, fold thin pads double, switch to thicker foam or inflatable pads, or use a combination of pads, such as a thirty-inch wide full length pad (1/4" foam or 5/16" Reflectix) and a thicker three-quarter length foam or inflatable pad. Again, there are many possible choices in the battle for warmth. A Better Way to Warmth The
wilderness traveler concerned with pack weight and bulk must carefully
judge which sleeping bag/pad combination is right for him/her. Rather
than carrying the heavier pads, I've found some other cold-weather techniques
that work well and save weight. One is to hide from the wind by setting
up on the lee side of a hill or ridge; another is to rig my sleeping bag
completely around the hammock!
|
||||||
| [+] |