Closed Cell Foam Pad  Reinvented

Nemo Equipment have ‘reinvented’ the closed cell foam pad. Agreed, it is bulky Well possibly even bulkier – at least than an inflatable) but their new 2 cm thick ‘Switchback’ pad promises much greater comfort still with a very acceptable weight (293 grams in 51″ length and 415 in 72″) and greater durability without the ever-present fear that you will spring a leak. Of course a closed cell foam pad can also be used (with the addition of a bit of string) to make a pair of flip-flops (or thongs) so that if your footwear gives out (or goes Wild -ly) over a cliff you are not left bare-footed.

They claim to have improved the ‘cut’ of the pad so that it doesn’t take up more space and the hollows allow your bag to loft beneath you to create extra insulation. There is also a reflective layer to increase this property. The result is that they claim a temperature rating of -7to 2C which is good for 3 seasons anyway. The folded dimensions are 20.0 x 5.0 x 5.5 in / 51 x 13 x 14 cm. It is certainly cheap enough too: US$ 49.95 (Apr 2019)

The full-length one has 7 folds, though presumably you could fold a shortened version double width (ie 10″wide) to create a pack frame as illustrated below. In  this configuration it would also make a comfy trail seat.

You can see how it works here:

https://www.nemoequipment.com/product/switchback/

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1 thought on “Closed Cell Foam Pad  Reinvented”

  1. I’ve been so tempted to try this style of sleeping pad but I’m a cold sleeper so I just don’t know if it’ll keep me warm enough but I love the idea of a quick set-up, no inflating, and not worrying about a puncture.

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