Bridge hammock stability when using an inflatable pad?

[tbebee]

Just went for an overnight and used a Neo-Air mattress with a bridge hammock. My intention would be to use a pad in place of one of my UQ's in the warmer weather. Temperature went down into low 50's so temperature was relatively warm and the sleeping pad worked fine in regards to keeping me warm underneath. I inflated it about 2/3 full and found the hammock kind of “tippy” right out of the gate. I let out enough air so that it was about ½ inflated, that it was better but still somewhat unstable. However I slept the rest of the night like that. I will do some more experimenting this fall, but wondered if anyone had experienced their bridge hammock being a little unstable with a sleeping pad in general. Could be that it is a inflatable pad (such as a Neo-Air) will be an issue regardless of inflation or maybe I need to continue to let more air out and it will work? I have an older self inflating thermarest that I can try, but backpacking with that it not an option (size and weight).

Any opinions or feedback would be appreciated.

Tom

[Passinthru]

I am using a 30" wide Klymit pad in my Ridgerunner. I have also shortened the suspension to match the length of the spreader bars. I have not noticed any change in stability, although, in theory, both should have had an effect. Perhaps I am hanging at more of an angle than you are so the stability is not as effected.

[tramos55]

I used an xtherm with a Ridgerunner last night. If you are using the same hammock try leaving out the middle section of the head spreader bar. It will stabilize everything. Hanging at a slightly steeper angle will also help.

[tbebee]

Yes, it is a Ridgerunner and glad to hear you have had success with the xtherm. I will try both removing the middle section of the header bar and also increasing the hang angle. Thanks to both of you guys for the feedback.

[tramos55]

No problem. The first time I tried it, I left the middle section of the spreader bar in and I sat (for my taste) way too high in the hammock and it had a "recliner" feel to it. Wasn't a fan of that as my back likes a really flat lay. It's my preferred setup, but the simplicity and ease of using my DIY Climashield UQ keeps the pad at home most trips.

[Hawk i]

Just got my wife a WBRR and she prefers the lay and feel with my XTherm pad in it. She doesn't feel as squished. She still thinks the middle part comes inward on her but that I assume is the deisign. I guess the pad gives the bridge a "forced" width rather than the body doing it. That said I have used the pad and reflectix in my hammock down to 26* with warm success and hope she sees the same result.
Question, taking the middle pc out of the spreader bar doesn't that make the hammock squeeze more? Sounds like we need to hang it up in the bedroom and do some experiments on different configurations.

[dakotaross]

I was using a thick downmat with my RR and yes, I experienced tippiness with that setup, as well as my knees going right into the rigid sides while sleeping on my side. Don't have a RR anymore.

[tramos55]

Question, taking the middle pc out of the spreader bar doesn't that make the hammock squeeze more?

Since the Xtherm adds a few inches of height, it evens out any shoulder squeeze you might get from removing the middle spreader bar. It's actually quite roomier IMO.

[tbebee]

I did some experimenting in the cellar and first increased my hang angle. That was definitely better than what I experienced out in the field with the same Neo Air pad. Then I took a torso length rectangular pad (Neo Air 25" wide) and that was even better as it basically consumes the width of the RR (it was inflated almost totally). I will keep the spreader bar option "in my back pocket" and do all this same experiment when I go out in a couple of weeks.

Tom