Beginner needs advice on double or single layer

**Tarheelsue** · 05-18-2015, 17:29

I'm new to hammocks, so hopefully will be soon. I've been gravitating towards WW Blackbird as my first hammock, but not sure whether to go with SL or DL.

* I weight about 115 lbs, so I'm thinking 1.1 weight fabric instead of 1.7 for a 4 oz weight savings (make sense?)
* From most everything I read, getting an UQ will be warmer and more comfortable, so hope to purchase one eventually; just probably won't have one to start off with.
* No winter camping; 3 season only, lows in 30s-40s.

If I eventually end up with an under quilt, is there any other reason to get a DL? Would it feel more comfortable? Sturdier? Not too concerned with mosquitos. For the period that I would be using a pad prior to buying an UQ, would it make using the pad a lot more comfortable and easy? Worth the extra 6 oz?

I'm sure all the advice pros out there have heard similar questions before, but I'm stuck in indecision on this matter - thanks for any insights.

**The Tree Frog** · 05-18-2015, 19:11

I found the double layers to feel heavier, sturdier, thicker but not in a good way. Also, although a double layer will help hold the pad in place, it is still not perfect. Some will say they have used a pad starting out, but I will encourage you to go for the underquilt.

Arrowhead Equipment sells synthetic underquilts at a fair price. I would go that route and skip the pad altogether. And go with a single layer. Yes 1.1 is fine for your weight.

**MAD777** · 05-18-2015, 19:55

I have both single and double but I only use the double for winter camping when I bring a supplemental pad to go with my underquilt in really cold weather. Pads in single layers are no fun at all. And you will need either a pad or under quilt on any night below 70! A single layer 1.4 ounce fabric has been holding up by 200 pounds for a few years.

**Tacoma96** · 05-18-2015, 20:11

I have both double layers in my WBBB and WBRR. Always nice to have the option of adding a pad in between the layers.

**Shug** · 05-18-2015, 20:15

I've always been a single layer user. When I used a pad I laid it in the hammock with an SPE. Worked just fine but once I went UQ I never looked back.
arry forth.
Shug

**Helium33** · 05-19-2015, 07:26

If you plan on taking a dog get a DL. My dog sleeps with me in my hammock. It's a good idea to have the extra layer of protection. Having the extra layer is great for a form of a pad. I have a SL hammock as well. I have never used an UQ always a DIY reflectex pad for 3 season camping. Never had any issues. I had this same dilemma. I am kinda cheap .

**sargevining** · 05-19-2015, 07:50

The only real advantages of a DL are the ability to use a pad (if its constructed with an opening for a pad, some aren't) and its more difficult for skeeters to bite through them.

My first "big boy" hammock was a Hennessy Deep Jungle, which is designed for a pad. After using it for about a year, I decided that neither of those advantages was worth the weight. Right now I'm using hammocks made of the lightest, thinnest material available and Permethrin takes care of the skeeters that decide they want to bite through the material. Underquilts are far superior to pads, being more comfortable and effective.

**bkrgi** · 05-19-2015, 12:12

If your using a under quilt, single layer only with or with out integrated bug net ( can always use a separate 360* coverage bug net when required )

Certainly dive in for the Down under quilt ASAP and you can never go wrong with a 20* version ....you will be very comfy at 30* temps

1.1 fabric for sure given your weight...no use packing more with no advantage to doing so. Route I went.

**Tarheelsue** · 05-19-2015, 17:52

Thanks everyone. I think 1.1 SL sounds the way to go.

Since I'm transitioning from a car camper to a backpacker with hammock, I've got a lot of gear to accumulate. (My recent hike on Benton MacKaye Trail with my sister involved a 6-lb Deuter pack!). So, I'm wondering if I'm only going to spring for one new quilt item right away, maybe it makes more sense to start out getting a good down UQ before getting a down TQ? I know I'll need both eventually to keep weight down in my pack ...