Originally Posted by
GrizzlyAdams
AS is wise as usual.
With 5 months to go you have time to develop the experience and comfort level he suggests.
Then my $0.05 worth of observations
- sometimes, somewhere, you'll have to go to ground. You've been reading the trail journals and you know that.
- much of the hike an UQ will be overkill for your under-insulation needs
- a pad can be multi-use, something to sit on, something to give shape to your pack, etc.
- a pad is easily rolled and lives outside your pack. Works after getting wet.
Your pack space needs are smaller, underquilts have bulk.
- a pad inside of the hammock can be a hassle.
- pads are usually narrower than you want.
If it were me I'd be looking for solutions where a pad jury-rigged to be wide enough is on the outside of the hammock, a sleeve in the body or a two-layer hammock. Maybe WBG can advise on sewing a sleeve in the bottom of his hammock design.
If you went this way, you'd have the upcoming colder months to get thee up to the early portion of the AT and try it out.
But what AS said...the most important thing is that you've made up your mind, and you have the kinks worked out of the system.
Grizz