Save the $50+ for the double layer and put it towards an underquilt.
Save the $50+ for the double layer and put it towards an underquilt.
I think, pads don't work well enough in GE hammocks. If you would like to keep a pad in your set-up, look at 90° hammocks (Amok Draumr or Cross Hammock) or a bridge hammock. Both types work well with pads. GE hammocks work best with underquilts.
I have used both and while the Synmat is comfortable enough, it is not near as comfortable as my UQ.
My suggestion is if you are just starting out and $ are tight, buy the single and use your mat in it the way Shug's video suggests. If $ is not a problem then get that super comfy UQ to start out.
Deb
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As you've seen, it's a well-trod path that nearly always leads to UQ when it comes to GE hammocks. I tried an air mat early on and found it totally unacceptable. If I go on a backpacking trip where I'm primarily hammocking but go-to-ground is inevitable, I'll just carry a 47"x25" air mat, in addition to UQ, and take the 10.4oz hit.
But mode of travel was not mentioned, so if you're car camping you can remove weight and bulk as considerations.
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Thank you all. Very helpful.
I have a single layer Blackbird. I use pads or underquilts interchangeably, because I often choose to sleep on the ground. The UQ is definitely more comfortable, but the pad works just fine for me, and the UQ is no good when you go to ground. I haven't tried a pad in a double layer, but it works fine in a single. I've used both inflatables and self-inflating pads (not CCF).
The self-inflators still provide quite comfortable insulation even if they spring a leak - the air pads won't. Whether I'm using a pad or UQ, once I fall asleep in the hammock, I don't wake up until the sunrises.
In my experience, adjusting a pad after climbing in the hammock (which you will always have to do) is far easier in a single layer than a double.
Over the past year or two i have been experimenting with going back to a pad (insulated inflatable) so i would have more flexibility on a long hike in the rain when shelters are available, but avoid the weight penalty of carrying both pad and UQ. I don't toss- and- turn in a hammock so don't have the issue of the pad popping out.
I got a double layer gathered- end thinking it would be like my double layer bridge and hold the pad exactly where I wanted it. I was so wrong. That thing would slide around all over the place inside the layers and was hard to keep track of. It did get somewhat easier with (a lot of) practice, but not to the point where I could just "set it and forget it," which is always my goal for camp set- up. Like Rolloff said, you have to get out of the hammock to adjust the pad in a double layer, which becomes a big PITA especially during midnight trips to pee, and especially so when it's cold.
If it were me, I would try your current hammock with a pad to see how it works for you. To compare the comfort of that setup to a UQ, just take the pad out. A UQ will feel exactly the same but warmer. Then decide which direction you want to go.
Good luck!
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Granted. If I can't hang, I'm not going camping. If I have to go to ground I will just bail. I could survive a night or two on the ground but probably wouldn't do it. I started hiking again due to the change to hammocks in general. After many years on the ground, I don't even own a tent anymore. I'm not carrying a pad just in case.
That Klymit pad costs 170 dollars. Add the 50 dollars for the double layer hammock and we're already @220.
https://klymit.com/products/insulate...31722980442202
JRB Greylock4 0 degree UQ $229.00 << This is how I stay warm in the snow in a hammock w/o a pad.
https://www.jacksrbetter.com/product/greylock-4/
The Klymit pad is a great pad but for 9 bucks I'll go downy goodness.
Here's a discussion on the Klymit V
https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/...od-idea-or-not
Last edited by Rolloff; 09-25-2021 at 12:37.
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I like the WB Lightweight Double Eldorado. It is only 6 oz. heavier than a single. The HH Heat Reflecting Double Bubble Pad XL works well with the Eldorado. I get some moisture build up if temps are above ~65° F. I like the 40d/20d fabric configuration. It is more supple than the 30s/30d fabric in my HH Deep Jungle Zip XL.
I now have two underquilts: SLD Trail Winder UQ 40° and a brand new JRB Greylock 3. Both are reasonably priced underquilts.
Another reason to consider a double layer hammock is to address a larger body mass. Dream Hammock Knowledge Base has some informative articles in the Choosing My Hammock category.
Thanks again guys. I already have the Static V2 so I'm not spending anything for that. But ...it sounds like the general trend is away from pads and towards UQs for a number of reasons.
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