The problem with the foil/bubble wrap insulation is that it is designed as building insulation not as a sleeping mat. It is not really rugged enough to go between you and the ground. You will end up punching holes throudf the foil and popping bubbles. But it does work great as an add on bottom layer for a hammock. But as someone else said it is a bit bulky.

By the way I know about both cases becauuse I had the same idea a while ago and tried it. Ended up with a Swiss cheese mat. Which is not that much padding to start with. Not that comfortable at all. As lower insulation for the bottom of a hammock it works especially in winter camping. But not any better than a space blanket. The spase blanket contributes much less bulk to the sleeping system.

honestly, after years of trying to do it on the cheap, my vote goes for thick (1.5") or more thermarest or REI brand sleep pad. as soon as i can afford it i'm upgrading from my thick foam pad. sleep is very important. at least to me. but then agian, i always carry a full size pillow in a compression sack when i backpack so i might be a little biased for comfort.

"Lightweight" and comfort are, as a general rule, contradictions. I use a proper, full sized Thermorest. Closed foam mats are really designed for soft ground or for use on snow. CF's come in different weights. They are graded from light 1-2 season summer use to 5 season Artic/Mountain use. And are priced accordingly.

I'm for the Thermorest (or similar). I've used on for years, including as a bed on a daily basis (I never replaced my bed that was destroyed in a flood 7 years ago). I was very comfortable until my dog attempted to eat it. Needless to say it soesn't work as well anymore, but I will be getting another one. I consider it to have been one of my best purchases for camping. (Along with a litle pot grabber - I love that thing!)

Alot of good recommendations here. I'm in North Central Wisconsin if that helps. It's about a 20% chance that the ground will be frozen solid. At the very least it will probably be quite damp. That's why I thought of the foil/bubble stuff, seeing it's waterproof. At least until I puncture it.
Money isn't really an issue here, just weight, bulk and comfort. I don't mind paying for the good stuff.

Dave--

Spring for the Thermarest (or something very similar). You can get full sized, or 3/4 length. I have both, & wouldn't trade either of them. I've slept quite comfortably in the low 20s.

Get a patch kit, too...though I've never used mine.

David

Hmm.
For some reason I didn't get a notification about this post. <img src="/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />
Anyway, I am fairly certain its this item at REI.

Ah. Thank you...

Sorry, I'm an Old Guy, I use a pad that is basically 1 1/4 in. thick X 3 ft. X 7 ft closed cell foam covered in heavy canvas. It doesn't roll up very small, but keeps the old bones off the ground.

I've used a Ridgerest closed cell pad for many years of backpacking. It looks like it's been chewed up from enduring miles of bushwhacking but it still pads and insulates.
My regular hiking buddy is too soft for just a ridgerest so he also carries a Thermarest (self-inflating) pad. Trouble with the t-rest is that it loses a lot of its function if punctured.
The RR takes up some space but is indestructible and weighs nearly nothing. That's my choice.