What was your biggest improvement in comfort after leaving the ground?

[Bannerstone]

Maybe not my top comfort factor but a top comfort to my piece of mind is knowing that I will not ever have to wake up in a puddle again. I guess you could say that the assurance of staying dry is a big psychological comfort which also carries through the following day in knowing that your bedding will be dry for the next night.

David

[crimsonshadow]

I have to agree just getting of the wet bug covered ground was the best thing!

[Maddog67]

For me the first big jump in hammock camping comfort was getting off the ground in a comfortable hammock with ample storage. The second biggest jump so far has been converting to an under quilt. Although, during the monsoon season a great tarp has definitely improved my hang. I have tried longer and wider hammocks than my Blackbird and I still think the biggest upgrade in comfort has been going to an UQ. The advantages have been complete control of bottom temperature and lack of condensation.

Please share what has increased your comfort level the most since leaving the ground. I seem to spend lots of time searching old posts to find upgrades I should try.

Seems like lots of people will have different ideas/tricks that worked for them. Should be great reading. Thank you!

Andy

I'd have to say it's a tie between a larger tarp and an UQ! Maddog

[Passinthru]

Yes, getting off the ground was a step in the right direction...but...I have to say... I was disappointed that the comfort I was hoping for in a hammock wasn't there.
That all changed when I found a hammock that suits me better. Who knew that there could be so many differences (some major, some subtle) in something so simple as a hammock?
So, the biggest advancement in comfort for me was finding the 'right' hammock.

[MuseJr]

Camping with MuseJr. Last month he got woke up in the middle of the night with the campground mouse running in circles between his UQ and hammock. I think he was a bit anoyed to have a mouse trying to give his back a massage. We never figured out how the muse got into the space between hammock and quilt.

Now that is funny!

Not exactly what I was thinking. Next time we go up there, I'm taking mouse traps!!!

Finding the hammock I was most comfortable sleeping in. Then dumping all the pads and going with UQ's. Then giving up on small tiny tarps an using something large enough that I can share protection from the rain with a friend...

I believe this is it for me too. Finding the right hammock, quilts and getting the tarp that allows me the most flexibility. (I like the UQP and gear hammock a lot too.)

[fishbait]

Ditto - getting off the ground. My back just can't take ir anymore.
+1 on the UQ. Mine is on it's way, no more foam pad Next up some down booties for the feet.

[WV]

I'll go along with Shug and say having the hammock to sit in saves my knees and toes which complain when I crouch or kneel on the ground to tie shoes, cook breakfast or sort and pack my gear. My tensegrity stove stand needs some strut maintenance, so I left it home last trip and realized once again how nice it is to be off the ground while cooking. I imagine those who use a camp stool find similar benefit in having a place to sit. I think it's a bit easier to lean over a low stove from a stool than from a hammock.

Of course, the other big improvement is flexible bottom insulation for the hammock.

[Groovy]

A down pillow stuffed into a half moon pillow case. Just stays where it should.

[mrmike65]

A sock. Without a doubt, the addition of a sock has improved the overall efficiency of each of the warmth-related components of my kit. The added efficiency has allowed me to be more comfortable with lighter gear.

[Oms]

I too started with thicker and thicker pads until discovering hammocks. The first thing I liked about the change was that it's solo . No more sharing tents with others who didn't have their own tent. Smelly breath, socks and shoes . Midnight runs that wake the other person or me up.
As for upgrades from the start of hanging to now I'd have to say a larger tarp. Started out with a stock Hennessy. It's not as much for rain coverage, but more for wind. It has the ability to catch more wind in warm weather and block more in cold. Of course a great place to cook during a rain storm is really nice too. With the creation of cuben it can be light as well .
The absolute best thing is the people I have met through the years. What a great bunch of folks on this forum