Thermatex Bedding Blanket

[InspiredRamblings]

For some reason I can never post comments on Stu's reviews, so thought I'd ask here instead.

Is there any reason you couldn't use the Thermatex bedding blanket under an air mat to reduce heat loss to the ground? Also, where did you get it from? I googled but only found horse blankets..!

[Bearbonesnorm]

Is there any reason you couldn't use the Thermatex bedding blanket under an air mat to reduce heat loss to the ground?

I'm not sure yet, everything seems to indicate that it's designed to go over the top but I can't really see a reason why it can't go underneath. It may lose some insulating properties but it must still be an advantage ... I've been talking to the manufactures, so will ask them directly.

www.thermartex.com

[InspiredRamblings]

Cool. On another note, why can't I post comments to reviews? Does anyone else have the same problem? It seems to let me log in with my Wordpress account but then when I submit the comment it just goes back to the blank box, ready for me to try it again...

[Bearbonesnorm]

I got thinking last night after I went to bed ... most of the heat loss to the ground is going to be via conduction rather than radiation or convection. So, I emailed and asked the question this morning and have been told that although the blanket hasn't been tested as a 'thermal groundsheet'* and isn't designed to prevent conductive heat loss, it should help reduce it to some extent.

It was suggested that it's used silver side up, as it should work better and help protect the silver coating too.

*My description not theirs.

PS. I've no idea why you can't post comments on the reviews but I'll try and find out.

[Hoojum]

I'm really interested to hear how this performs. It could make a great MYOG sleeping bag cover for coldies like me.

Keen to hear more Stu..

[Hoojum]

Any further update on this potentially magic blanket?

[Bearbonesnorm]

Any further update on this potentially magic blanket?

Something by this time next week

[Hoojum]

Have you tried the wonder blanket yet Stu?

[Bearbonesnorm]

Have you tried the wonder blanket yet Stu?

5 nights so far.

I does seem to do what it's meant to, although trying to quantify it, is quite difficult. Besides sleeping under it for 5 nights, I did conduct a series of (semi) scientific tests but the results weren't very conclusive. Once I have a way of proving (or not) that it works I'll post something on the blog.

[InspiredRamblings]

Put a cup of hot water under the blanket, another under the blanket but also with part of the blanket between it and the ground, and a third without any blanket, and measure the temperature of the water at set time intervals?

Need three jugs and three thermometers tho...

[Bearbonesnorm]

Put a cup of hot water under the blanket, another under the blanket but also with part of the blanket between it and the ground, and a third without any blanket, and measure the temperature of the water at set time intervals?

Need three jugs and three thermometers tho...

Oh we've had far more indepth tests already

[InspiredRamblings]

Ok cool... . I just want to know if it will be any good to supplement my air mat on the ground...

JUST TELL ME IF I SHOULD BUY ONE!! ;-)

[Bearbonesnorm]

Ok cool... . I just want to know if it will be any good to supplement my air mat on the ground...

You'll lose way more heat to the ground by way of conduction, so something that actually insulates would be a much better option ... I'm not saying it won't help, it will, but not that much.

[InspiredRamblings]

Hmm. Back to the foam mat then...

[Bearbonesnorm]

Hmm. Back to the foam mat then...

What kind of mat are you using that requires extra insulation?

[InspiredRamblings]

Have a Klymit Static V. Tough and packs small. But I've been cold on thermorests in autumn / spring before and got an EXPED downmat. I just find it a faff to blow up and pack and don't trust it's longevity for a long trip. So would be good to supplement the Klymit with a little extra for when it's colder.

[Hoojum]

How does is compare to a silk liner?Given that my my silk liner weighs 100g, I'm thinking I could use one of these instead and gain some warmth.

[Bearbonesnorm]

How does is compare to a silk liner?Given that my my silk liner weighs 100g, I'm thinking I could use one of these instead and gain some warmth.

I'd certainly use one above a liner. Besides the added warmth (which should actually be noticeably greater than a silk liner) the blanket's much more versatile ... handy for wrapping round yourself while round camp, etc. One concern I had that's turned out to be unfounded, is how well it stays on top of you through the night. I thought it might be difficult to keep in place but it's big enough that it can't slide off.

[nobby]

Cool. On another note, why can't I post comments to reviews? Does anyone else have the same problem? It seems to let me log in with my Wordpress account but then when I submit the comment it just goes back to the blank box, ready for me to try it again...

Happens to me as well. Are we the only two?

[johnnystorm]

I'll always still take a liner to stop getting the bag dirty. If this means I can use a tiny silk liner for that and insulation from this both combined would appear to be smaller than a fleece liner.