Has anyone tried using a roll of bubblewrap instead of a foam pad? I know that bubbles will lose air after a while, but I'd think they'd be good enough for a few trips.
Yes, and the larger 1" bubles are toughter than the smaller 1/8" diameter ones IME. But only for real Summer backpacking in hot weather. Reason being the air in the bubbles gets cold as the ground at night and will thus suck heat from you while you attempt to rest. So it might not be yer age, creaky bones, or rocky uneven ground that kept you from getting a good night's rest <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />
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PEPPER SPRAY AIN'T BRAINS IN A CAN!
It would be a lightweight solution if it weren't so bulky, didn't pop bubbles every time you moved and provided some insulation. Another cheap suggestion that was offered by someone on this forum was the use of the thin CCF that is used for packing material. I have yet to try it but plan to use some as underquilt insulation for my hammock.
That would'a been me Chaz <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" /> Works for an underquilt, but being 1/8th thick not really good on the ground <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> Free with every recliner ya' buy for the after hike relaxzation <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
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PEPPER SPRAY AIN'T BRAINS IN A CAN!
I was'nt looking fer the kudo on that one Chaz <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />, rather, I had JUST taken some meds and had a clear thought <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> Geeze, that was it for yesterday <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> Trying for another today but no luck so far <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />
I always carry an index card to scribble down notes on gear ideas when afield. Since the card is more durable than a regular sheet of paper, I find the notes make it home in the pack intact. Cheap as the dickens in packs too!
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PEPPER SPRAY AIN'T BRAINS IN A CAN!
Jim M
member
Registered: 11/23/03
Posts: 419
Loc: Kitsap Peninsula, WA
Ya, I remember REI selling it and I used bubble wrap (BW) for a short time. It was cheap and it did the trick until I could purchase some an insulite pad to replace it. I was tough then, didn't need any padding, just insulation. Mythbusters used bubble wrap and duct tape to make a sleeping bag and slept at below 32 deg F in them; several layers I'm sure. I'm always looking for something light weight to carry snowshoeing if I get stuck over night. I carry a thin CCF gray pad 48" long, but it would sure be a pleasure to have a 72" piece of bubble wrap, one more layer between me and the snow would have to be a good thing. I'm going to experiment with sitting on BW on the ice and snow this winter and let you know how it insulates.
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