Reflective Tarp Under Mattress

[fike]

What do people think of the idea of putting one of those reflective space blankets under the RTT mattress? I am thinking it might help keep the mattress warm in winter conditions.

 

[PhulesAU]

Won't hurt a bit, and no weight penalty.

 

[TheFutur]

Hmm sounds like a decent idea, might have to give that a try!

 

[Yarjammer]

My concern would be the mattress getting/staying soaked from sweat/condensation and the persistent crinkling noise. What about putting it underneath the AC mat or even using the metal foil duct tape affixed directly to the base (tent side)?

 

[fike]

I was thinking of a tarp like the one linked below. I have one of these, and I don't think it would make noise. As for condensation, I can't imagine that it would catch any more moisture than the fiberglass bottom of my Maggiolina. It isn't like the rooftop tent bottom is a breathable material. I think I will try it. As for that tape, I think that would be a messy and heavy option to semi-permanently attach to the bottom of the RTT.

http://www.rei.com/product/407106/s...D=120217890000840386&lsft=cm_mmc:cse_PLA_GOOG

 

[OwyheeMagpie]

I own that exact blanket and I got it at REI as well. It's not really loud like thinner blankets at all. I've thought about getting another and cutting it to size and just zipping it in with the mattress. The first night in my tent I froze my *** off in a 20 degree bag. It wasn't my top side but the lack of insulation under me that was terrible. I now use my SOL escape bivvy to lay on as an insulator and it made all the difference in the world. I think that blanket would be perfect. FYI number one, if you don't want the red that blanket is sold in various colors on Amazon and it's from the same USA made company, FYI number two is that bivvy I use is cloth like and has the reflective material but makes zero noise. Only down side is it's only enough coverage for one person unlike the blanket.

 

[1Louder]

I just picked up Reflectix from Home Depot. Hoping to keep some of the cold out from the bottom of my mattress. 24"x25' works well with minimum trimming. Yet to be tested but I have heard others using it. $22.00 modification. CVT also sells anti-condensation matts fro around $65.00

 

[fike]

I just picked up Reflectix from Home Depot. Hoping to keep some of the cold out from the bottom of my mattress. 24"x25' works well with minimum trimming. Yet to be tested but I have heard others using it. $22.00 modification. CVT also sells anti-condensation matts fro around $65.00

I'd wake up in the middle of the night trying to pop the bubble wrap.

 

[EZE]

My experience with the cvt anti condensation mat is that it's heavy and a is a pain to keep in place. I had to install clamps to keep it from sliding straight out between the two sections when I opened it, even then it bunches. Maybe I'm doing it wrong but I wound up just taking it out and being sure to air out the mattress before putting the tent away after a trip.

 

[kai38]

I'm curious What body heat would it reflect back to you with the mattress in between you?

I placed cheap backpacking ensolite pads under my mattress for more insulation under me.

 

[R Stowe]

It hasn't gotten really cold here yet, but I thought we may just use our backpacking mats in the RTT. We have both foam reflective ones, and some inflatable versions that include insulation. However, I've slept on one of the reflective tarps while backpacking and saw a huge difference. When I'm tarp camping in the snow I even put one down under my insulated pad. I think it would provide some insulation via body heat, but I'm not sure how much.

 

[Yarjammer]

My experience with the cvt anti condensation mat is that it's heavy and a is a pain to keep in place. I had to install clamps to keep it from sliding straight out between the two sections when I opened it, even then it bunches. Maybe I'm doing it wrong but I wound up just taking it out and being sure to air out the mattress before putting the tent away after a trip.

I poked a hole on each end of the mattress and ran a zip-tie through the mattress/AC mat/and Velcro sandwich. It helped out quite a bit. I plan on putting a grommet on the Velcro strip next time I open it up to make it a little more robust.

 

[stingray1300]

I have the Tepui AC mat, and it works very well, but I'm wondering if putting the space blanket under the AC mat would yield an appreciable results. I have a 2" memory foam pad on top of my 2 1/2 stock foam pad.
.
Any educated guesses as to whether or not it would be worth the $17?

 

[EZE]

I poked a hole on each end of the mattress and ran a zip-tie through the mattress/AC mat/and Velcro sandwich. It helped out quite a bit. I plan on putting a grommet on the Velcro strip next time I open it up to make it a little more robust.

I hadn't thought about poking a hole in the mattress. That sounds a lot better than using clamps. Thanks for the insight.

 

[fredgoodsell]

I have the Tepui AC mat, and it works very well, but I'm wondering if putting the space blanket under the AC mat would yield an appreciable results. I have a 2" memory foam pad on top of my 2 1/2 stock foam pad.
.
Any educated guesses as to whether or not it would be worth the $17?

My initial guess would be to put the space blanket between the AC mat and the mattress. That way the AC mat gets circulating air and the mattress doesn't? Probably not really based in science...just my WAG.