Using Polystyrene Sheathing As Sleeping Pad

“Do you think you could use 1/2" polystyrene sheathing as a sleeping pad? I was thinking about cutting it into 12 6" sections and taping it together so it could be "rolled" (folded really) into itself like a stack which would be 6" tall 6" long and whatever length wide when its rolled up. Then when you extend it, it's 6 feet long, 1/2" thick, and whatever wide you decided to make it. This stuff is that really tough blue styrofoam they use to insulate walls and windows in winter. Its fairly cheap too and comes in a variety of thicknesses. Usally sheets of it come in 4'x8' sheets. Just thought I'd ask the question.”

“Might work out as an adequate insulation system in cold weather - I say might because I think it will end up being too heavy and prone to falling apart at the seams. Insulation-wise it will be great, but it won't be comfortable. You need give and it won't give. Roll on your side in bed and feel underneath yourself for how much give you need.

I've tried many pads and my favorite is the Big Agnes Air Core. Packs to a soda can size, weighs a pound, and give you inches of air for padding.”

“What colors are available?”

“The tape would nearly double the weight. The foam pads made to be sleeping pads would hold up a lot better either stuffed in your pack or strapped to the outside and drug through brush. They are not expensive.

But hey, homemade gear is fun.



My NeoAir pad kicks my Air Core's ass. It's half the weight and after a year of abuse it still holds air better than the Air Core did the first night. Price was downright painful though.”

“For a light weight solid padding I liked bevazote which I cut to the shape and size I wanted. What kinds of closed cell material do people think is the best for a pad.

The updated version of bevazote is sold as FY20 here (click "notions" then "FY20"):
http://www.owfinc.com/hardware.html - it had the benefit of coming in a nice wide sheet so the piece I cut would curl around me in a hammock providing insulation wherever my body was in contact with the hammock.
last edited: 4/18/13 5:56:07 AM”

“I think pad is the most important piece of sleepware. I love the Thermorest NeoXair Extreme. 14 oz, 2-1/2" thick, doesn't lose air, and has a 5-9 R value. Used it in 19 degrees with a summer bag and a liner and was very toasty. What is great is you can reduce the weight and bulk of a big watermelon sized bag.”

“I think pad is the most important piece of sleepware. I love the Thermorest NeoXair Extreme. 14 oz, 2-1/2" thick, doesn't lose air, and has a 5-9 R value. Used it in 19 degrees with a summer bag and a liner and was very toasty. What is great is you can reduce the weight and bulk of a big watermelon sized bag.”