I totally get where you’re coming from—those closed-cell pads really are hard to beat for low-maintenance and durability. I’ve tried layering old yoga mats under a canvas tarp, which adds just enough cushion without getting bulky or hard to clean. If anyone’s worried about off-gassing from new foam pads, leaving them outside for a day or two usually helps with any weird smells. One thing I found: if you want a touch of warmth without the funk, recycled fleece blankets between layers can work, and they dry fast if things get damp. Not fancy, but it does the trick when you’re stuck waiting out bad weather.
Honestly, I get the appeal of fleece and yoga mats, but I’ve had mixed luck with those in my own shelter. Fleece is cozy, sure, but it always seems to pick up every bit of dust and pet hair, and then it’s a pain to shake out. Maybe that’s just my house, though. I actually started using old moving blankets—those thick, quilted ones you can grab cheap at hardware stores. They’re surprisingly warm, don’t slide around as much, and you can toss them in the wash if they get gross. Plus, they double as extra padding for furniture if you ever need to haul stuff.
I know some folks swear by foam pads, but I’m always wary about how long they last before they start crumbling or getting weird smells, even after airing out. For me, it’s all about stuff that’ll survive a few seasons of neglect and still be usable when you need it. Maybe not the fanciest setup, but it’s saved me a few bucks and headaches over the years.
That’s a smart move with the moving blankets. I’ve seen people spend a small fortune on specialized “shelter bedding” when, honestly, durability and easy cleaning matter way more in the long run. Those blankets are built to take a beating, and if you’re hauling them out only during storm season or emergencies, they’ll hold up for years.
I get what you mean about fleece and yoga mats. Fleece is cozy for about five minutes until it starts looking like a lint roller exploded. Yoga mats are nice in theory, but most aren’t designed for heavy use—plus, they can get slick if there’s any moisture. I’ve seen some folks try to glue down foam pads or use those interlocking garage tiles, but like you said, foam’s lifespan is pretty limited if you’re not babying it.
Honestly, the less you have to think about maintenance, the better, especially in a space you hope not to use too often. I’ve worked on a few shelter builds where people tried to go fancy with custom cushions or even carpet remnants... and within a year, they were ripping it all out because of mold or weird smells.
You’ve got the right idea—simple, tough materials that don’t mind being ignored for months at a time. If it saves you money and hassle, that’s a win in my book. And hey, using stuff that doubles for other projects around the house is just good sense. Not everything has to look like a catalog spread to do its job.
Fleece is cozy for about five minutes until it starts looking like a lint roller exploded.
That line cracked me up—so true. I’ve seen people try to “upgrade” with fancy materials and it just turns into a maintenance headache. I’ll take tough and washable over “luxury” every time, especially if the shelter’s going to sit empty most of the year. I do think some of those interlocking tiles can work if you get the heavy-duty kind, but yeah, foam’s not built for the long haul. If it can’t handle a muddy boot or two, it’s not shelter-ready in my book.
I get the appeal of just sticking with the basics, but I’ve actually had some luck mixing in a few “nicer” touches—if you pick the right materials. For example, marine-grade vinyl is surprisingly comfy and stands up to just about anything, including muddy boots and spilled coffee (don’t ask). I usually layer it over a hard surface so it’s easy to wipe down. It’s not exactly luxury, but it does make the space feel less bunker-y without turning into a cleaning nightmare. Sometimes a little upgrade isn’t all bad if you’re strategic about it.
