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Why does nobody talk about how sleeping pad insulation drops off after 2 years?
I got 3 seasons out of my Therm-a-Rest before I woke up shivering at 40 degrees last fall, but the R-value sticker says it should handle 20. Is there a standard lifespan on these that I just missed, or did I get a dud?
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avery_jackson14d ago
Well, that's a heck of a question. I've had similar experiences with my own pads over the years and it got me wondering too. Did you happen to store your pad rolled up tight in a stuff sack all summer? I've heard that constant compression can really mess with the foam's ability to bounce back and insulate properly. Also, were you on a closed-cell foam pad underneath or just on bare ground? Sometimes a little moisture from the tent floor can sneak in and steal the warmth before you even notice.
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joel_clark3714d ago
Hear me out, but I think you're both maybe missing something here. I actually disagree with the idea that storing a pad compressed for a few months does much damage, at least not to the point where you'd notice a huge R-value drop. I've left my old Therm-a-Rest crammed in the back of my truck through three summers, and it still feels just as thick and warm as the day I bought it. The bigger issue might be that people's perception of warmth changes over time, or they're comparing apples to oranges with newer pads that have higher base R-values. So yeah, I think a two year old pad that's been treated halfway decent should still be fine, unless it's got a slow leak or the foam is literally crushed flat.
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Man, I gotta push back on this. Honestly, I think @avery_jackson is way off base here. If your pad is shot after two years, you probably just got a dud or you're not taking care of it right. I've had a Therm-a-Rest that's been bouncing around in my car trunk for four years, stored stuffed tight, and it still keeps me warm down to 32 degrees no problem. The insulation drops off if you're treating it badly, like leaving it out in the sun or sticking it on sharp rocks, but most pads will hold their R-value way longer than two years if you're not a total goofus.
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