Heard a guy at REI say foam pads are better than inflatable ones for cold weather, now I'm torn

I was in REI last weekend picking up some fuel canisters and overheard this older guy telling his friend that closed-cell foam pads are way better because inflatable ones pop or lose insulation when it gets below freezing. He said he slept on a Therm-a-Rest in 20 degree temps and woke up cold because the air inside got cold too. But I've always used an inflatable pad and thought foam was just for people who want to save weight. What do you guys think, is foam actually warmer or is it just personal preference?

3 comments

3 Comments

the_piper25d ago

Are you seriously telling me foam is warmer than air trapped by your own body heat?

elizabethn5624d ago

Wait have you actually tried foam? I was skeptical too until I switched to an insulated foam pad last winter. My old air pad would leave me cold even with a good bag, but the foam traps heat way better in my experience. Plus it doesn't shift around as much when you toss and turn. It's just more consistent warmth for me.

elliotadams25d ago

Exactly, man. Tried foam years back and woke up way colder than my old bag setup.

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