[Conifers]

I'm looking for closed cell foam pad. You know the old, uncomfortable blue pads that can be cut down to size. It's thin-ish, pretty light and easy to roll up. Everyone at REI, Feathered Friends, Second Ascent knows EXACTLY what I'm talking about when I ask for this stuff, but they have no idea who sells it or when it will be back in stock. I've seen a similar material at Fred Meyer thats sold as a basic cheap camping sleeping pad, but it's thicker and harder to roll up Anyone know where to find this stuff? I'm looking for a sleeping pad to put under my sleeping pad for camping on snow, etc. Currently I am using a z-lite, but it's bulky and kinda overkill.

[Randito]

I believe Minicell foam is the term you are looking for. http://www.foamforyou.com/minicell_foam.htm

[contour5]

I have the Fred Myer blue pad- the one with the straps riveted to it (they tore out). It rolls up ok. I use it under my tent to protect the floor sometimes. You might look at the yoga mats at Freddies- very lightweight... The dollar store near me currently has silver windshield protectors... Haven't looked at Friendly Foam in a while, not sure what they've got...

[HitTheTrail]

Gossamar Gear sells it. Also, Jacks-R-Better.

[Conifers]

Not blue, but yeah thats the stuff! http://gossamergear.com/thinlight-backpacking-pads.html

[contour5]

Here's a full-on, geek-out discussion of Evazote Weight vs thermal characteristics, grey vs blue, etc.

[spamfoote]

If you want the old 1/8-1/4 thick blue foam, they still sell it at BIG5. At least last time I went through there 2 years ago.

[Blue Dome]

I believe 3/8" was the old standard blue closed cell foam pad, which REI used to sell in the regular store, apparently up until not too long ago. Both pads below are at the REI Outlet. 3/8" green - https://www.rei.com/product/868741/alps-mountaineering-foam-mat-375-sleeping-pad-regular 5/8" grey - https://www.rei.com/product/868742/alps-mountaineering-foam-mat-625-sleeping-pad-regular

[reststep]

MEC has yellow closed cell foam pads in 3 different thicknesses.

[Magellan]

Beware of those alps pads. They are not the same as standard closed cell. They collect dirt and other debris like nothing I've ever seen. They also shred quite easily. I destroyed one on a single backpack trip.

[Conifers]

So would any of the pads mentioned in this thread be better, lighter etc. than a cut up old yoga mat? Yoga mat seems somewhat dense and heavy.

[Snowbrushy]

I've heard that you can still buy the blue ones at some army surplus stores. Personally I'm becoming more and more sentimental about old gear. It must be a reaction to fast moving times.

[Snowbrushy]

I'm so sentimental that a while back I went out and bought a new Kelty Super Tioga external frame pack for hot weather in Idaho. It has two pockets on either side and one in the middle and I still remember what gear or gadget goes into each pocket. That comes in handy on a long meandering day. Pictured below the pack I got as a present as a teenager in the 1960's, the REI Cruiser. I've missed it and it's familiar "squeak."

[treeswarper]

I get the ultra cheap ones at the Walmarche. I use them for various things--knee pads, insulation, etc.--everything but sleeping.

[Snowbrushy]

While on errands this morning I stopped at a Big 4 store. They sell this: https://www.stansport.com/index.php/camping/mattresses-cots/502-b.html