ViDEO: Wrangling a Camping Pad in a Hammock

**Shug** · 12-05-2017, 12:35

I have done some videos in the past on camping pads but thought I would show some pad wrangling whilst in the hammock.
Hope this helps some folks get better situated.
And...not everyone is ready for or can afford to invest in a UQ at this point in their hammock quest so pads it is.
All secure in sector seven,
Shug

**OlTrailDog** · 12-05-2017, 21:15

Good video with good advice. Best of all, don't let not having a piece of gear deter you from making it happen. Sometimes I think about what equipment I used when I was a pup, simply stone age compared to what I have now.ays. But the fun factor is not dependent on having the latest and greatest, eh?

Since my first hammock was a WBRR I started with insulated pads. My second and still my favorite was a hammocktent 90 degree Gamma UL, almost a pad obligate hammock. Even though I have UQs and IQs for my hammocks, I prefer to start with a pad for most conditions and augment with other insulation as conditions warrant. This tradition/experience carried on into my DH Raven which is where the pad wrangling became an art since it is a single layer and doesn't have a pad pocket like my other hammocks. Not difficult at all. Climb on and scooch the pad into the proper diagonal position. This winter I'm tinkering with a Exped Ergo which is also best used with a pad and has a pad pocket.

**Shug** · 12-06-2017, 19:27

Originally Posted by OlTrailDog

Good video with good advice. Best of all, don't let not having a piece of gear deter you from making it happen. Sometimes I think about what equipment I used when I was a pup, simply stone age compared to what I have now.ays. But the fun factor is not dependent on having the latest and greatest, eh?

Since my first hammock was a WBRR I started with insulated pads. My second and still my favorite was a hammocktent 90 degree Gamma UL, almost a pad obligate hammock. Even though I have UQs and IQs for my hammocks, I prefer to start with a pad for most conditions and augment with other insulation as conditions warrant. This tradition/experience carried on into my DH Raven which is where the pad wrangling became an art since it is a single layer and doesn't have a pad pocket like my other hammocks. Not difficult at all. Climb on and scooch the pad into the proper diagonal position. This winter I'm tinkering with a Exped Ergo which is also best used with a pad and has a pad pocket.

Sorta fun to get back on a pad once in a while...though, the right pad!

**Texas Hanger** · 12-06-2017, 21:08

Thanks for the great video Shug! You really are a talented person...

No pad wrangling here. Just floating air bed comfort!
Pad Hammock.jpeg

**Shug** · 12-07-2017, 09:14

Nice! Whoooooo Buddy))))

**chansta** · 12-13-2017, 19:53

Worth mentioning is the width of your top insulation. I have a very wide HG TQ that I'm able to wrap around my shoulders. I use it on top of a klymit static V with 4.2 R value. It does take some adjusting, but you get used to it, like anything else.

**Shug** · 12-13-2017, 20:25

Originally Posted by chansta

Worth mentioning is the width of your top insulation. I have a very wide HG TQ that I'm able to wrap around my shoulders. I use it on top of a klymit static V with 4.2 R value. It does take some adjusting, but you get used to it, like anything else.

Nice to have a nice tuck!

**Garsk** · 01-22-2018, 20:31

But how do you do it when you are covered in a sleeping bag in the middle of winter? Is there a way to get the pad positioned and keep it in place? Safety pins on a closed cell pad?

**Shug** · 01-22-2018, 23:07

Originally Posted by Garsk

But how do you do it when you are covered in a sleeping bag in the middle of winter? Is there a way to get the pad positioned and keep it in place? Safety pins on a closed cell pad?

I wrangle mine when I used them. Maybe some silicone dots on the bottom or use an SPE (ENO Hotspot) helps....I wrangle mine when I used them. Maybe some silicone dots on the bottom or use an SPE (ENO Hotspot) helps....https://www.rei.com/product/830279/e...ping-pad-wings
https://youtu.be/mekhYiSaNz4

**OlTrailDog** · 01-23-2018, 20:14

For me, as a full time pad user, it really depends on the pad and the material your hammock is made of, i.e. some combinations wrangle better than others. In my experiences I find that only moderately inflating the hammock is also important for comfort and pad control.

I also had this pad epiphany a while back. Another fantastic benefit of pad is i can place my body so that my heels are off the bottom of the inflatable pad. This removes any heel pressure, and even better, creates space between your ankles. My feet are like people, they like their personal space, i.e. they are not especially fond of snggling together cuz they are too bony.