Heated sleeping pad

“Just read a story in the outside gear guide saying Pacific Outdoors is developing a heated sleeping pad, powered by 4AA batteries and weighing about 2llbs that will crank up the heat should the temperature drop below 68 degrees inside the bag. It also said their looking for some sort of solar charging system to go with the pad.

Designed as a backup should it get a little colder than planned.”

“Hmm, sounds interesting, but I'm betting one night would drain the batteries pretty good. Heating elements suck a lot of power. Still, could save your life.

Might be a bad idea on snow, though.”

“Heating the torso is most important. Maybe a vest would be a better and far more efficient method. The right bag and clothing might also work, DAHHH.”

“I always sleep cold in the spring and fall. Using those larger-sized hand warmers stuck between a couple shirts on one-s back really helps, speaking of torso. Have also put one back of my neck, which kicks @ss at warming a person up, while helping with neck/back aches.”

“Please,another useless item. Closed cell foam and another layer”

“if i've ever woke up too cold i just boil some water and put it in a nalgene then stick it at my feet. i usually end up sweating.”

“Yep, not saying I'd buy it, but it's an interesting development.”

“**I** would prolly be the one buying it. :-)

lol”

“"breaking" it you mean lizs?”

“I #&%!$ because I carry a 1 lb sleeping pad. Don't think I would be interested in a 2 lb sleeping pad.”

“nothing new here. it's a revision of something that has been around for ages: the heated sleeping bag...”

“http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jsp;jsessionid=VRAOBDJJ3UPOJTQSNOHCCOOOCJVZCIWE?id=0005479820754a&navCount=0&cmCat=srchdx&cm_ven=srchdx&cm_ite=srchdx&CM_REF=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cabelas.com%2Fproducts%2FCpod0005479.jsp&_requestid=65165


If this kind of thing was so great, we would all be using them, LOL.

Batteries are very HEAVY.”

“Y2 only started this thread because the memory of the flaming that will take place is going to keep him warm in his sleeping bag some cold night...”

“I missed the 2 pounds part. Wow!

Well, I have a warming pad on the home mattress. Mighty nice.”

“I think one of the keys is that for resistive heating clothes is that they are working in an enclosed space. I am betting gloves or esp socks don't take a lot to make heat that makes a huge difference. Still, I agree with the comments of SS. If they were great I am sure people I know who are very smart would be using them on winter trips.”

“Not ripping you personally, Y2, this is just a statement aimed at the manufacturer.

Completely useless. At best you can find AA batteries that have around 2 amp capacities (2000 mAh). Four AA's give you 12 watts. Enough to drive a very small 2-watt heating element for only 6 hours. Better to take a few of the iron-oxide based hand warmers, which will last longer and be lighter.”

“I would be happy with a Sleeping bag heater that would put out something equal to a 100W lightbulb?”

“XL will be ready for morning breakfast after quietly roasting at 350 for 8 hours. He should be tender and juicy.”

“Tech...the human body puts off the same energy as a 100 W bulb....lol, but it would be wierd to wake up and watch your shoulder roll off.”

“Yeah, take that 100W coming from you and add another 100W from an outside source and you would be roasting like a turkey on Thanksgiving. Hmmm, turkey and stuffing....


Damn. Now I'm hungry.”

“From reading it I think they idea is for it to kick in when the temperature in the bag drops to 68 and turn off when it hits 77 - and hopefully the bag will retain that heat for some time, limiting how long it needs to be actually 'on'.”

“i have my eyes on this for a while now:
http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?storeId=8000&catalogId=40000008000&productId=47878789&parent_category_rn=40001452&vcat=REI_SEARCH

weight isn't too bad for a downfilled pad, REI is giving 20% right now for one item”

“Gem - I got a Big Agnes pad, loved the thickness but wan't impressed with the "insulation" it claimed to have. That Exped looks much nicer, with down. You'll love the comfort your first trip out.”

“Gem - they really are a #&%!$ to inflate though. You have to use the stuff sack to force air in.”

“too much hassle! thanks guys :)
I think either ones comes for different temperatures.”