pads don't cut it!

[Alex MacDonald]

well, I've tried the NeoAir full length pad, the Z-Rest pad in combination with a torso-length Therm-A-Rest, and even the wally world blue pad cut to fit, and nothing eliminates the gap in the Blackbird, so...going for the underquilt!

The first night was an unmitigated disaster! There i was, watching the stars twinkle, the moon out glowing in the darkness while occasional clouds passed overhead. I got to listen to the breeze sighing in the Ponderosa Pines, making that moving whispering sound; an owl or two calling to it's make, and the coyote party animals a few ridges over, apparently enjoying a kegger! It was fantastic, and I was like a 10-year old, loving every minute and waaaay to excited to close my eyes. then I realized it was 0230, and I needed to get up at 0500!!!

[Kamper Kurt]

... nothing eliminates the gap in the Blackbird, so...

What do you mean by "the gap". I have been trying to improve the feel of my pad, so I am curious what your issue is. My biggest complaint is that with a firm foam pad, it will bunch at the top and I end up with a ridge right at my neck that makes the base of my head sore. I am hoping that an inflatable pad will fix the problem. If not, I will be looking for an UQ also.

[Scoutmaster1056]

I went straight for an underquilt, I ordered a 20 degree full length from UGQ. I have read the threads about using a pad but it just seemed like they could be a pain and move around on you. I want to be as comfortable as i can so I bit the bullet on a down underquilt. I do not think that I will regret my decision.

[Alex MacDonald]

What do you mean by "the gap". I have been trying to improve the feel of my pad, so I am curious what your issue is. My biggest complaint is that with a firm foam pad, it will bunch at the top and I end up with a ridge right at my neck that makes the base of my head sore. I am hoping that an inflatable pad will fix the problem. If not, I will be looking for an UQ also.

I got a set of ENO wings at REI, but the gap I referred to is the spot on the sides of the 20 inch pads where the hammock material is compressing the insulation on the sleeping bag. The pad needs to be about 25 inches wide, but since I'm also an ultralight backpacker, I don't want that extra weight or bulk. Can't figure a way out of this situation without getting an underquilt! i have a Neoair full length pad, and I'll see how that works when it's fully inflated. Those things are pretty thick though, and I doubt the wings will fit. I also wonder how almost 3 inches of pad will alter the geometry of the hammock when I'm in it.

[Boston]

the gap I referred to is the spot on the sides of the 20 inch pads where the hammock material is compressing the insulation on the sleeping bag.

I suggest looking at designs for a segmented pad extender to solve this issue. Or duct tape wings to the pad.

[Demeter]

...The pad needs to be about 25 inches wide, but since I'm also an ultralight backpacker, I don't want that extra weight or bulk.

I am in love with my wide Neoair Xtherm. The wide is only 5 ounces more weight than the regular, and worth every ounce of weight, IMHO. A whopping 20 ounces. I use it with an UQ in very low temps (under 20*) and sleep super comfortably. Plus, if I ever need to go to ground, I know I can survive.

Here is a link to a wide sleeping pad comparison chart I wrote about on my blog

[wagex]

since its usually the butt that everything gets compressed, perhaps try to cut a wider piece for the butt and not have it under the rest of your body maybe that would help? not sure how everyone else does it, but i usually just put my sleeping bag in the hammock and put an extra little fleece blanket folded up under my butt and im pretty comfortable but ive never slept in mine under 60f.

[DuctTape]

A ccf pad cut to the exact width of the hammock works wonders. There are many good reasons for using underquilts, but pads dont work is not one of them. For the record, I use ccf pads exclusively in sub-zero F conditions. My lowest is minus 22F

[Silock]

A ccf pad cut to the exact width of the hammock works wonders. There are many good reasons for using underquilts, but pads dont work is not one of them. For the record, I use ccf pads exclusively in sub-zero F conditions. My lowest is minus 22F

How do you avoid condensation issues?

[DuctTape]

How do you avoid condensation issues?

I have never suffered from condensation issues incthe extreme cold. The only time I had any condensation is when I first started and used the reflectix sunshade and it wasnt very cold out. I was so warm, I must have sweated a lot. If one is too warm when sleeping, there will be condensation. With a vapor barrier like ccf, it will noticeably collect. With an uq, one runs the riskvof the condensation being within the quilt. The other piece at play with the ccf, and/or reflectix is the creation of the microclimate. If the insulation creates a system where the microclimate is comfortable, but the surface (inside) of the insulation is below the dewpoint, condensation will occur readily. This is more apt to happen when the temps are not very low or when the amount of insulation is at a minimum. Like using just reflectix which allows for more conduction. Condensation will occur on the sides, away from the body and then pool.

Using ccf, reflectix, inflatables, etc... in the cold to avoid condensation is takes practice to know how each type oprates in different conditions, how they operate in concert. Bad combinations in thexwrong conditions are bad. Like most things in the outdoors, in extreme conditions one must know how their gear operates. A few trials with failure are learning experiences for the gear. It doesnt mean the gear is bad in general. I blame user error.