Pads in cooler temps

[mbal1856]

Well this past weekend, I went "camping" with my son's Boy Scout troop. I put camping in quotes because although the boys stayed in tents the adults were in lean toos with electricity, bunks and even a fireplace. I of course had to stay in my hammock. I still haven't invested in an underquilt, and used my inflatable pad I got from D!ck's sporting goods. Don't remember the name, think it was one of those manufacturers that produced specifically for D!cks. Anyway, I've been happy with it so far, the Temps got down into the mid to high 30's overnight, and I'd have to say I stayed quite comfortable. I think I could have handled another 10 degrees cooler.
Next test will be the November campout. Think I'm going to try and push it to see what the limits are of my pad before I make the next investment of an underquilt.

[Zeppo]

Do you use a sleeping bag with a pocket for your pad? I've tried a pad in my hammock and it didn't work at all for me.

[SilvrSurfr]

My low with a pad was 22 degrees (not coincidentally, the last time I slept with a pad). The colder it got, the more condensation I got, and I decided that it was time to leave pads around that temp.

[Kvothe]

I never had a problem with my pad shifting, and it was never really uncomfortable. But the great thing about the hammock for me is that it more comfortable than most beds, when used without a pad. That and the condensation issues made me switch.

[Big Sweets]

I've been down to 28° F with reflectix in the pad pocket, a army surplus wool blanket and a North Face 20° F sleeping bag. After I got a WL tq and a Ahw uq I quit worrying about the cold.

[pinballwizard]

first of all, Field and Stream. I think that is ****'s brand.

I used to use a pad, and they can do fine. I find UQ's much more comfortable, and if you ask around, that is the reason people don't go back and forth once they switch. That and the "messing with it". I found it to be like a gymnastics move to get my pad on the diagonal properly. And I have the yukon double, so I know it is a comfortable hammock; not the longest, but MAN IS IT WIDE. Meaning, a nice diagonal is where that thing gets comfy; I always found that to be a pain with the pad... Doable, just a bit of a production. Also, I found the pad to be a bit more confining as far as coverage because it was not great at getting my shoulders at times.

As far as UQ's and price, you can make an UQ from almost anything and you don't need to have great DIY skills to do it. You can make a PLUQ (poncho liner Under quilt) and not need to sew a thing, or take an old rectangular sleeping bag and use that.... Basically, anything you can wrap under a hammock and add some shock chord

[mbal1856]

I haven't had a problem with the pad shifting and have used it quite a few times. I am able to get it close to a good diagonal and so far it holds its place once its set. Pinballwizard, It's not the Field & Stream brand. I don't think they carry the brand anymore. It began with a "K" and I believe it was like a Norwegian name. It seems like it is a little wider than most pads and I haven't gotten cold shoulders yet. One of the nice things about using it on these BS trips, is with the other adults staying in these Lean-tos or cabins I can really push my equipment to the limits. I always have a place to bail incase I get too uncomfortable, although it hasn't happened yet.
I am still using my sleeping bag as a TQ. It has the full zipper on one side and a 3/4 zip on the opposite side, so i can zip it most of the way down an have like a foot box at the bottom.

An UQ is definitely going to be my next project/purchase. I am just debating whether to purchase it or DIY it.

[bradym77]

My low with a pad was 22 degrees (not coincidentally, the last time I slept with a pad). The colder it got, the more condensation I got, and I decided that it was time to leave pads around that temp.

Condensation is a big concern of mine as it gets colder. I've had my Hammock Bliss Sky Bed with the sleeping pad down to 40 and was quite comfortable. I fully believe I can get down lower and be warm but just worrying about the condensation build up.

[DuctTape]

My low with pads (closed cell foam) is MINUS 22*f. I have no issues with condensation, nor with shifting pads. In fact, I cant move them even if I wanted too.

[pinballwizard]

My low with pads (closed cell foam) is MINUS 22*f. I have no issues with condensation, nor with shifting pads. In fact, I cant move them even if I wanted too.

Lol, you said it better. When I try moving something between me and the hammock when I am in it, it's like I need the jaws of life and I can sell tickets as the worlds dumbest looking circus tumbler wrapped in a cloth