sleeping pad and hammock?

**rathahunt** · 09-10-2010, 10:35

hey people, im looking to move over to the hammock community and was wondering can i use my thermarest prolite plus sleeping pad in a hennessy hammock during colder outings when i need a little more R value? will i be able to sleep flat? on my side? thanx.

**Just Jeff** · 09-10-2010, 10:43

You can. It may slide around and be a little difficult to keep under you, but that's better than being cold. You'll also want something to keep your shoulders and hips warm. In a hammock, unlike on the ground, the hammock's material will compress the sleeping bag or quilt at your hips and shoulders, causing cold spots. Look up Segmented Pad Extender (SPE) or wing pads to compensate for that. They're both discussed on this site, and there are pics/descriptions here:
http://www.tothewoods.net/HammockCampingWarm.html

**dakotaross** · 09-10-2010, 10:50

I used to use one with a SPE, had a short which worked well for me even though I'm 5'10. To me, using a pad always seemed to make the lay a little flatter, but there is also a squirm factor when moving around with a pad - you move, the pad moves, you have to move again to get the pad back into position - rinse and repeat.

**Widerstand** · 09-10-2010, 11:16

I have always used a pad, both foam and inflatable, and I kind of like it, the moving of the pad doesn't bother me much.

**Walking Dead** · 09-10-2010, 11:23

When it gets cool enough I shove my mummy shaped self inflating pad (pacific trail) into my bag. That way no matter how much I squirm in the bag, the pad stays with me.

**Mountainfitter** · 09-10-2010, 21:59

I use my pad in my hammock all the time. Under-quilts work better but I live in Florida where it's hot even in winter so the pad works great for my application. They can slide around a bit but I am not a still sleeper so it just helps for direction changes haha.

**AduroNox** · 09-11-2010, 01:44

I tried a thermarest and found it too stiff (even when partially deflated) and slippery for comfort. I recommend foam or a fleece/wool blanket under you. Really, it's all about trial and error. Spend about three lousy nights, then enjoy the true comfort and versatility of your hammock.

-Aduro