Sleeping pads?

[orion_134]

I'm looking for some advice on a sleeping pad for >30* in a hammock.  I remember reading about using a half-length foam pad under a full-length truck reflective visor, but I can't find any information again.  Any advice or suggestions?

Thanks,
Jesse

[JerryW]

I can't really give any advise about pads, but have you thought about using an underquilt instead? They are much more comfortable and pack a lot smaller than a pad.

Check out Hammock Forums if you haven't already. Everything you could ever need to know about hammocks and hammock camping.


Jerry

[bmike-vt]

ive used the gossamer gear 1/4 pad, wide. been down to high 30s, with all my clothes on. not ideal, and it packs pretty large. wouldn't be able to easily carry it on the bike. the underquilt is a much better idea for cold weather hamock hanging.

[trebor]

I'm looking for some advice on a sleeping pad for >30* in a hammock.  I remember reading about using a half-length foam pad under a full-length truck reflective visor, but I can't find any information again.  Any advice or suggestions?

Thanks,
Jesse

If you are thinking about the weather you'll encounter on your November adventure.... consider a simple ground cloth and setting it up like a bivy. You'll be warmer that way. A sheet of Visqueen or Tyvec would work great to keep the bottom protected from water and poking holes... Since you're thinking of some sort of a pad anyway, this will work without issue.

[orion_134]

November and beyond.  I like the quilt idea, but I thought the whole purpose was to get something that doesn't compress (see edit)?  Although I do like the idea of not having to deal with packing something semi-rigid like a pad/mat.
Rob - your hammock packs BIG!  If I get one, hopefully they offer it in non-gangly size:)
As for the Visqueen or Tyvec...you're speaking Greek, I'm off to the googlewebs.
EDIT - Looks like Home Depot sells it, but holy crap that's a lot of Tyvec to only need a little bit of it.
Oh, under quilts are something that hangs on the outside of the hammock.  Genius.  Now their price needs to come down.

[chrisx]

I got by with a standard blue mat for a short time
http://www.rei.com/product/374059/standard-blue-foam-pad-long
I just rolled it out inside the hammock. Was glad to have it on a treeless night too.
then I got the Supershelter Insulation Systems
http://hennessyhammock.com/catalog/insulation/
It took a couple of days to get used to adjusting it, then it worked.
I have decided hammocks are best for shorter trips of a few days. I use a tent for longer trips.

[sfuller]

NLooks like Home Depot sells it, but holy crap that's a lot of Tyvec to only need a little bit of it.

I found my sheet of tyvek at a local home construction site. It's used as a vapor barrier/wrap for new houses. A bit of dumpster scouring and I had a piece that was more than large enough to make a ground cloth out of for a cost of $0.

[trebor]

November and beyond.  I like the quilt idea, but I thought the whole purpose was to get something that doesn't compress (see edit)?  Although I do like the idea of not having to deal with packing something semi-rigid like a pad/mat.
Rob - your hammock packs BIG!  If I get one, hopefully they offer it in non-gangly size:)
As for the Visqueen or Tyvec...you're speaking Greek, I'm off to the googlewebs.
EDIT - Looks like Home Depot sells it, but holy crap that's a lot of Tyvec to only need a little bit of it.
Oh, under quilts are something that hangs on the outside of the hammock.  Genius.  Now their price needs to come down.

I know it's too late now but, there is a cat in Palm Bay that sells the stuff cut to size for hikers/campers. zpacks.com