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I'm curious what you've found works best for you in terms of pad length and width in a DL hammock. Unlike many, I like using a pad, especially for winter camping. I'm about to order a thinner CCF pad for my WBBB for warm weather use and would appreciate hearing from you about recommended length and width. Thanks.
I'll be more specific in case that helps generate feedback. I typically use a 20" x 60" pad. Even though it exposes the shoulders a bit, that's the width I've used due to bulk and weight of a thick pad for winter backpacking. For warm weather use, I'm going to pick up a 1/8" or 1/4" pad and was wondering what you might recommend in terms of ideal length and width for you in a double layer hammock. I'm thinking 25" would be a better width, and that 72" would be a good length. It still won't be all that bulky and weight won't be a concern because my warm weather load is very light.
I prefer a 25" wide pad to a 20" pad. The 20" width just doesn't cover very well in a hammock. For me the ideal length is about your height. I'm 5' 6" tall and use a 3/8 pad 66" inches long and 25" wide. Most people advocate a shorter pad, but I've tried them and in a hammock, just doesn't work for me. Trying to put something under my exposed legs just doesn't work for me, what ever it is tends to slide out away from my legs and feet. The biggest complaint I have with my pad is it's very bulky and hard to carry no matter what I do.
I've been experimenting with some DIY pad styles and sizes myself. I guess I should state that I'm 6'3" and have fairly wide shoulders. I recently put together a 30"x48"x.5" CCF pad. I tested it last weekend and was pleased with the insulation. Going a little wider I got plenty of wrap-around for my shoulders. The edges are a little rough so I either need to put it in a syl cover or shave/round them a bit to make them more comfortable when I use the bag as a TQ and my arms are out from my body (my wife says I sleep like I'm laying in a coffin anyway - elbows out, hands folded gently across my chest - all dressed up and no place to go as the Irish would say).:shades:
LW everytime for me. Comfort is king.
Thanks guys for the feedback. Just ordered a 1/4" pad from Lawson Outdoor Equipment that's 24" x 74" for summer use. It'll be much lighter than my underquilt, and I don't mind using a pad. Hopefully 24 inches will do the trick.
I've got a gigantic pad, alps mountaineering, 30"x72"x5/8". Haven't used it yet, but this thing is huge. Thinking of lashing it to the canoe somehow rather than figuring a way to strap to the pack.
I'm just starting a DIY WBBB, DL and was looking last night at how much of a thread gap I need to slide a pad in between layers. I have a 48x20 Thermarest, a 72x26 Thermarest, and a 71x25 Exped Synmat. I'd like to use the Exped. Any thoughts on whether it would fit in my 10'-6" hammock? I'd position it 1st, then inflate.
I've use a 30" wide by 39" long closed cell pad from Gossamer Gear http://gossamergear.com/sleeping/1-4-wide.html
Used on several 1 to 4 day winter/spring outings.
I cut their 39"X60" pad in half (so I have 2 half length pads and I use doubled up pads below 35 degrees). I find a 24" pad isn't wide enough.