Using a sleeping pad in a hammock

[Hangdang]

So I just purchased the WBBBXLC double layer 1.7. I'm completely new to hammocking and so far I have taken it twice to the local park. The first time I didn't use any kind of pad or underquilt and it was fantastic of course it was relatively warm so none was needed. The second time I used a Therm-a-Rest Trail Pro pad. The pad was very comfortable but really takes away that hammock feel in my opinion.

It has been suggested to Santa Claus that I'm in need of an underquilt.





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[pgibson]

Most of us prefer underquilts. They don't distort the feel of the hammock the way a pad does. Not much beats a hammock in the warm weather though.

[Hangdang]

It's just funny because as much as I read before I bought my hammock the feel thing had never come up and I was very surprised.

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[Carcajou]

I've only ever used a pad in a hammock, other than daytime naps. I bought an underquilt for my Ridgerunner to see what the fuss is about (and on very cold trips I can use the quilt+pad.)

I've always enjoyed the feeling of a pad in a hammock... it's like sleeping on air. But I can't directly compare it to sleeping in a normal GE hammock without a pad.

[OlTrailDog]

I started with a WBRR and migrated to a hammocktent 90 degree Gamma UL and a Exped Ergo (that arrived today and tonight will be the first of many nights). Since I came from a background of using inflatable insulated pads in hammocks, it was only natural to use a pad in my DH Raven too. I have an UQ for it, but I actually prefer to use one of my pads that I can climb in and scooch the pad into the appropriate diagonal. Never had a hint of calf ridge, and enjoyed many a good nights sleep. If it would ever get too cold for the pad (Exped Downmat 7 UL LW or Thermarest Xtherm MAX L), I could sling a 3/4 Phoenix UQ under the Raven or insert one of my DIY down IQs in the pad pocket of the 90 degree hammocks and I'm good to go. Not for everyone, but it suits me just fine...HYOY.

[Tikker]

Exped Ergo (that arrived today and tonight will be the first of many nights).

pics yo

[TrailSlug]

Yea, if you can afford an under quilt then by all means get one as it is the most simple way of keeping warm in cool to cold weather hanging. Many like Wooki as it fits the XLC like a glove.
https://www.warbonnetoutdoors.com/pr...y/underquilts/

[Mogollon Monster]

For a gathered end hammock I suggest an UQ. For bridge hammocks and 90 degree hammocks a pad works great and is often required. I just ordered an Exped Synthmat 9 for winter camping. Its big and heavy, but keeps you warm down to stupid low temperatures.

[hutzelbein]

For a gathered end hammock I suggest an UQ. For bridge hammocks and 90 degree hammocks a pad works great and is often required. I just ordered an Exped Synthmat 9 for winter camping. Its big and heavy, but keeps you warm down to stupid low temperatures.

+1

Don't mix up hammock designs. Gathered end hammocks and pads are not a good match. Bridge hammocks can be used equally well with pads and quilts. All 90° hammocks I have seen structurally need a pad to some degree, and - unless you do an integrated underquilt - it's very difficult to fit an underquilt to the design.

The XLC is a gathered end hammock, and the best under-insulation for it is the Wooki. Period.

[OlTrailDog]

I'm not desiring an argument, but the thread title is "Using a sleeping pad in a Hammock". And the OP specifically is using a GE. And to validate and agree with the OP's observations, yes, it is possible to use a pad in 90*, bridge, AND GE hammocks. Some folks even are sufficiently satisfied using a pad in a GE and eschew UQs. I use a pad in my DH Raven even though I own a UQ that I could use instead. I agree the best over all insulation for a GE can be achieved with a UQ or a combination of a UQ and pad. However, I don't agree that using a pad in a GE is an unpleasant experience. In fact, using a pad can mitigate the dreaded calf ridge, a common complaint voiced by many GE users. However, that is not the reason I choose to use a pad in my GE.