Blackbird XLC double layer = pad between layers?

**Rob3E** · 04-17-2016, 21:49

There was a plan: first upgrade my top insulation, then upgrade my tarp (superfly) then upgrade my under insulation from Super Shelter to an underquilt, then, finally, swap out my Hennessy for a Blackbird XLC.

Well all that went up in smoke, literally, last weekend in an apartment fire, so I'm trying to figure out how little I can get away with and keep my camping schedule intact.

I know that some double layer hammocks let you slide a pad between layers for insulation. I can't see any information on whether that is an option with the Blackbird XLC. If so, it would mean a fairly cheap way to supply some under insulation. In my Hennessy, trying to lay on top of a pad in the hammock was difficult, but if I could slip it between the layers, then a cheap, foam pad could keep me warm underneath, and almost anything would work for the top. If it doesn't work that way, then I have to scare up money for an underquilt and a hammock. Not impossible, but tricky within the time I have.

**rhjanes** · 04-17-2016, 22:48

sorry to hear of the fire. Insurance help with replacements? I'm pretty sure any Blackbird, DL, accepts a pad. I have two old styles BB and they both can have a pad slipped in. I'm pretty sure my XLC does also, but I've not done it.

**Rob3E** · 04-18-2016, 08:22

Originally Posted by rhjanes

sorry to hear of the fire. Insurance help with replacements? I'm pretty sure any Blackbird, DL, accepts a pad. I have two old styles BB and they both can have a pad slipped in. I'm pretty sure my XLC does also, but I've not done it.

That's great to hear. Insurance should cover everything eventually, but it's a long process that we haven't really started on yet. So in the mean time I'm trying to find the cheapest way forward that doesn't involve buying a lot of sub-standard equipment that I won't have use for later. I figure for the mild temps I'll encounter in May and June, a cheap, foam pad between the layers will do the job, and give me until fall to get a real underquilt.

**MikekiM** · 04-18-2016, 18:06

Sorry about the fire. Can't image what that is like.

I have a BB DL 1.1. It does indeed accept the pad between the layers and all-in-all it works well as designed. The pad stays put and to be frank, if I didn't know it was there I wouldn't know it was there. (Yogi Bera said that once I believe). I am using a CCF and while it does an admirable job at squelching cold butt, I am finding it to be too narrow. If I don't spring for an UQ I'll modify the CCF to have some wings to provide shoulder coverage. Good luck !!

Sent from East of Montauk

**Rob3E** · 04-21-2016, 09:21

Originally Posted by MikekiM

Sorry about the fire. Can't image what that is like.

I have a BB DL 1.1. It does indeed accept the pad between the layers and all-in-all it works well as designed. The pad stays put and to be frank, if I didn't know it was there I wouldn't know it was there. (Yogi Bera said that once I believe). I am using a CCF and while it does an admirable job at squelching cold butt, I am finding it to be too narrow. If I don't spring for an UQ I'll modify the CCF to have some wings to provide shoulder coverage. Good luck !!

Sent from East of Montauk

Thank you. Since posting this, I found some other posts by XLC owners who seem to be using a pad between the layers, too. I think it's the way to go. XLC plus pad plus cheap blanket (I'm on a bike, not hiking, so I don't need the lightest stuff available). That should keep me hanging until I get some real insulation.

Now I just need to work on my presentation on why a hammock and tarp are essential enough to take precedent when diving up our limited refurnishing budget. I know I don't need to convince this crew, but my wife may be a harder sell. ;-)

**MikekiM** · 04-21-2016, 11:57

LOL... Good luck there!

Sent from East of Montauk

**Rob3E** · 04-23-2016, 18:08

Originally Posted by MikekiM

LOL... Good luck there!

Somehow we did a massive shopping expedition, replacing most of the essentials without breaking the bank. So new hammock is now on order, and my camping trip is back on. I just need to find some top insulation that won't break the bank, and I should be good to go.

**J.V.3** · 04-23-2016, 23:44

sorry to hear about the fire...gossamer gear sells a hammock-specific pad - the "thinlight hammock foam pad" (0.25” x 3' 3” x 4' 11”). like you, it's what i'm planning on using for summer months.

**lastparrot** · 04-24-2016, 18:43

How wide/long of a pad can you use on a xlc?

**Rob3E** · 04-25-2016, 08:12

Originally Posted by J.V.3

sorry to hear about the fire...gossamer gear sells a hammock-specific pad - the "thinlight hammock foam pad" (0.25” x 3' 3” x 4' 11”). like you, it's what i'm planning on using for summer months.

Thanks for that tip. Of course it's like 5 times more than the Walmart pad I was going to buy, but it's also about 5 times less than the underquilt that I am putting off buying for the moment. So maybe that's a good balance. At any rate, I'll give that a try.

That just leaves me to find a cheap, top quilt replacement, and I'll be set. I think I have a contender on Amazon. I may be hanging again before you know it.