John N. sent me this review on email...has anyone on this side of the pond tried this pad? Similar to a windshield reflector but John thinks it's better.
It's about 70" x 23.6" and 3.5 oz.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/HIGHLANDER-A...1914839&sr=8-1
One thing that most people do not seem to grasp is that sleeping mats are primarily for insulation and not for cushioning. Generally speaking, the more the mat is cushioned, the bulkier and heavier it is. This mat weighs practically nothing - OK, 100g, which is insignificant, and it also folds up into a really small package. The great thing about the aluminized surface coating is that it reflects heat in the same way that it reflects light (elementary physics!), thus reflecting back the heat from your body while keeping out the cold. There is also a thin layer of foam between the aluminized sheets in the mat's construction and this contributes to its insulative qualities whilst also providing a modicum of cushioning. I've used this item both on the ground and within a hammock and I have no hesitation in saying that this is far superior to a normal closed cell mat system. For added comfort and insulation I use a self-inflating mat, thus enjoying the best of both worlds. This mat is inexpensive, light, waterproof, compact and comfortable, and possesses highly efficient insulation. You could, of course, use a car windsheild sun reflector - it's made of the same stuff, but this mat is longer and you haven't got a cut-out half way down to allow for a rear-view mirror! Highly recommended.
And:
This review is from: HIGHLANDER ALUMINIUM FOIL CAMPING SLEEPING MAT ROLL PAD (Misc.)
I bought this to use in a camping hammock, so comfort provided by cushioning wasn't an issue - you can't get better comfort than just the hammock. However, you really do need to have your underside protected from the cold. Your sleeping bag will be compressed and lose its loft, plus wind-chill becomes a problem. I found this mat to be excellent. Its insulative properties are superlative, given the thin mat is aluminised on both sides. You only have to place your hand on the thing to see how warm it is going to be - heat is reflected straight back, and, of course, there's no wind-chill. The only reason I've only given this four stars is the shipping costs! It weighs practically nothing and it stays sandwiched between the double layers of the bottom of my DD hammock, and if you have to pack it away then it folds up really small to put back in its elastic straps, but come on! Three quid for the almost weightless and unbreakable product, and then four quid postage! This is borderline rip off. Having said that, I would still recommend it. It has served me well, it's warm, durable, and is bendy enough to easily slip into the hammock without removing it. Just lower the shipping a tad and you'd have got five stars. PS: My apologies to the provider! Either they've lowered the shipping cost or I hadn't been paying attention in the first place. Sorry if that was the case. Anyway, great value and it's now got five stars. Highly recommended. An update review is on the other seller's site, this being after I've used this mat in many and various situations, both on the ground and in a hammock.
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