Making a pad work

**Durangoz** · 10-03-2013, 18:12

We recently ordered an Underground Quilts 0 degree top quilt. We bought it sized to fit our very tall, broad shoulderd, eldest son for when he camps with us. When he is not camping with us, my husband gets to call the topquilt his!
How low a temperature will he be able to do a topquilt/blue pad combo? Before we got our underquilts, we were very warm with our 5 degree down sleeping bags and pads. Zipping up seemed to keep warmth in. Will there be a difference with a topquilt and cold spots and drafts given the narrowness of the blue pad? Would it be better to make the pad wider and tape another piece to it? He's a big guy so wider would be better. The blue pad is so stiff, so I wonder if that would be very uncomfortable.
He has a Grand Trunk Skeeter Beeter. We were camping last weekend, and in the morning I could see his legs were up over the suspension. We swiched him to a much longer and wider DIY tablecloth hammock and he was so much more comfortable. I ordered him another tablecloth so his could be a double and the pad can go inbetween.

**DuctTape** · 10-03-2013, 18:46

I am a pad user when the mercury drops. Some hammocks seem to work better with pads than others. I have had a SBpro, while the pads will work it is not optimum for than hammock. The width of the pad may be an issue too. I would suggest an additional blue ccf pad cut to length so it can be laid perpendicular to the other pad. Place it to wrap ones shoulders and hips.

**BillyBob58** · 10-03-2013, 19:57

Originally Posted by Durangoz

......
How low a temperature will he be able to do a topquilt/blue pad combo? Before we got our underquilts, we were very warm with our 5 degree down sleeping bags and pads. Zipping up seemed to keep warmth in. Will there be a difference with a topquilt and cold spots and drafts given the narrowness of the blue pad? Would it be better to make the pad wider and tape another piece to it? He's a big guy so wider would be better. ...

TQ drafts are potentially a problem regardless of pad width, or even with a wide UQ replacing a pad. Don't get me wrong, a lot of us use TQs with good results. But a few have struggled with drafts either around the shoulders/neck ( less likely if the the TQ has a means of cinching down around the neck) or anywhere along the length. And the bigger and wider you are relative to the size of the TQ, and/or the more you move in your sleep the easier it is to have a draft. Some people have no problems at all, but others do. I think in my case there was actually a learning curve and maybe some sort of training of the subconscious ( or whatever) on how to move in my sleep without opening a cold air inlet somewhere along the quilt. That and until I got an actual TQ, I had problems with my bags hood interfering with the neck seal. But I even do pretty good with the bag as quilt these days.
But I'd say depending on the users size, wider is better not just for a pad but for the TQ, if drafts are your concern. There is an advantage, warmth and draft wise to being zipped in a bag, or inside a PeaPod. But as per Ducttape's post, he will most likely need a wider pad for the shoulders/hips than the 20" wide WM blue pad, when sleeping in a hammock.

**Darby** · 10-03-2013, 20:58

I use a pad down to the low 40's, sometimes the low 30's (not on purpose) but I use a lg Thermarest RidgeRest which is 25"x77". I did not have luck with a 20" pad, kept waking up with a cold right shoulder. The extra 5" fixed that. You can tape on "wings" w/duct tape, or if you can sew, the SPE (Segmented Pad Extender) is an easy project. The "blue pad" is a bit stiff and not as comfortable to me as the Ridgerest, which is a softer ccf. As DuctTape & BillyBob58 said, make sure the hips & shoulders are covered.

**Durangoz** · 10-04-2013, 12:18

Thank you for the replies. I will see about making the pad wider. I have also been looking at the Gossemer Gear pad, it is wider and softer.

**egrant5329** · 10-04-2013, 12:44

Darby,
How do you backpack the 25x77" pad? I have one for my bridge, which I really like, but rolled up it's huge and I haven't backpacked with it due to the size. I am 5'8" and generally use a GG Mariposa pack.
Ed

**DuctTape** · 10-04-2013, 12:50

With a Mariposa, roll the pad and use the y-strap to hold it on the top of the pack.

**egrant5329** · 10-04-2013, 12:59

I remembered mine is 30" wide not 25" and it's 5/8" thick making it super warm. The width really covers the sides well, but if I strapped it on the too of my pack I would look like a "T" coming down the trail. It's huge rolled up, but man is it great for when temps drop.

**DuctTape** · 10-04-2013, 17:35

The volume is the biggest downside to ccf. In winter I strap two pads on the sides of my pack. Makes for a wide pack. I like using a pulk in winter to deal with the bulk (and beer) but sometimes it isn't feasible.

**Darby** · 10-04-2013, 17:42

I usually put it on top of my pack (yes, I look like a T), unless the trail conditions require me to strap it in line with the pack. I use quick release straps so relocation isn't a pain. If I'm using my Packa, I fold it in thirds and strap/lash it across the pack before I put the Packa on.