How much pad do you need for 20*?

**sherpaxc** · 01-15-2008, 09:41

I'll find out this weekend on my first real hang. A big cold front is blowing through and I'll be riding/sleeping in it. I'm a little nervous because not only will it be my first true hang, but it's going to be below freezing. I've tested out my full length thermarest Prolite 4 with 20 degree down bag. I was quite comfy in it but it was in the 40's not upper 20's. I was thinking of bringing a windshield reflector just in case. I'll be wearing all my clothes, including rain jacket and rain pants so I'll have 3 to 4 layers on without restricting blood circulation. Hopefully this will get me through!

**BillyBob58** · 01-15-2008, 18:58

Wow, very interesting results, with quite a range. I don't know if there are still a few more to respond, but a solid 1 out of 3 vote for zero and below! That is impressive. But a wide range, with at least one voting for only 35*. And about 50% falling between 10 and 25, so far.

I'm figuring Neo is good for at least minus 20*, considering he is counting on minus 10 with his new pad of less than 1". So imagine: the range between different folks is 55 degrees!

In sleeping bag terms that's like saying that if person A can sleep at 70* with no bag and be comfy, someone else might be able to do 15* with no bag! But I don't really think we would ever see a range like that with sleeping bags.

**GrizzlyAdams** · 01-15-2008, 19:01

Originally Posted by sherpaxc

I'll find out this weekend on my first real hang. A big cold front is blowing through and I'll be riding/sleeping in it. I'm a little nervous because not only will it be my first true hang, but it's going to be below freezing. I've tested out my full length thermarest Prolite 4 with 20 degree down bag. I was quite comfy in it but it was in the 40's not upper 20's. I was thinking of bringing a windshield reflector just in case. I'll be wearing all my clothes, including rain jacket and rain pants so I'll have 3 to 4 layers on without restricting blood circulation. Hopefully this will get me through!

I went below 20 degrees on top of a ProLite 4. It was on top of a layer of insulbrite fabric to reflect heat back trying to limit heat loss out the bottom side. The reflector ought to do the same thing.

I also sleep in insulated pants and jacket though whenever it's in the 40s or below.

Grizz

**Tobit** · 01-15-2008, 19:09

I can't vote because I've never slept in a hammock before.

- JT

**sherpaxc** · 01-15-2008, 19:12

should I put the reflector on top of the pad? If so, does it matter what side?

**Fiddleback** · 01-15-2008, 19:30

Originally Posted by BillyBob58

Wow, very interesting results, with quite a range. I don't know if there are still a few more to respond, but a solid 1 out of 3 vote for zero and below! That is impressive. But a wide range, with at least one voting for only 35*. And about 50% falling between 10 and 25, so far.

I'm figuring Neo is good for at least minus 20*, considering he is counting on minus 10 with his new pad of less than 1". So imagine: the range between different folks is 55 degrees!

In sleeping bag terms that's like saying that if person A can sleep at 70* with no bag and be comfy, someone else might be able to do 15* with no bag! But I don't really think we would ever see a range like that with sleeping bags.

Could it be that 'we' here on the forum aren't differentiating between effective insulation and being cold.

I don't know if I can write about it well but I believe there's a difference...you can be well insulated, e.g., the pad keeps the cold from coming through while in a hammock, but still be cold. The cold may be kept at bay underneath but if you're not dressed warmly or have a functioning sleeping bag you're gonna be cold.

I believe a pad can provide insulation but I don't think it can necessarily keep you warm. That's up to other parts of the sleep system. Consequently, I also think that threre's a limit to effective thicknesses of pads. At some point/thickness and at a given temperature, no one will feel cold coming through. Any thickness beyond that will serve no insulative purpose.

FB

**Peter_pan** · 01-15-2008, 20:13

Condensation is more than just a comfort issue BB58.... A hammock wrapped pad can produce a puddle under a back sweater that prefers to sleep warm.... This will produce chilling plus several extra trips to the bio tree, all in all a pretty poor nights sleep.

Don't get me wrond small pads have their place to manage the occasional cold spot.... I prefer a breathable system....

Turk recently posted a picure of a soaked, synthetic bag that was used over a pad in a hammock this winter.... he started a thread about the issues of condensation after that.... some 16-32 oz of water in that bag..

Don't believe that Neo sweats, though.

Pan

**landcruzr** · 01-15-2008, 20:17

I voted for zero or below- I think-(based on what I'm reading) I could hang with neo!!! I love the cold when I'm sleeping!!!!

**BillyBob58** · 01-16-2008, 00:15

Originally Posted by Peter_pan

Condensation is more than just a comfort issue BB58.... A hammock wrapped pad can produce a puddle under a back sweater that prefers to sleep warm.... This will produce chilling plus several extra trips to the bio tree, all in all a pretty poor nights sleep................

Pan

Oh, I agree. Although being chilled is definitely discomfort, though also potentially much worse than just discomfort.