How cool for a 1/4" pad?

**Kerry** · 09-19-2011, 11:36

Hi all,

I'm trying to solve the ubiquitous under-hammock-insulation issue for my Hennesy ULB.

While I have a JRB Nest, I don't like the weight, bulk, 'exposed' down (using a JRB 8x8 tarp, forget the stock tarp), and inability to easily go to ground if necessary. So, I'm considering trying a pad (again). I've tried standard width pads, which didn't work well. I've tried 'wing pads' made from blue foam pads. Far too bulky in the pack, not to mention strapped to the outside, which I hated.

I see some folks use a 1/4" thick pad, one of the large ones similar to those sold by Gossamer gear, custom cut to needs/wants. Seems like this might work-- wide enough for shoulders, wide enough to more easily stay put, and thin enough to not feel too stiff when laying on it, and small/thin enough to fit well inside my pack... maybe.

How cool does 1/4" get you down to? Most of my hiking is in the summer, but I find I get quite uncomfortable in my hammock right around 70 deg if under insulation doesn't fit right (or isn't there at all).

Any thoughts?

**Raul Perez** · 09-19-2011, 11:56

Depends on what kind of a sleeper you are. My buddy gets his down to 27*F last year and was fine but he's a hot sleeper. I'd say reasonably 40*F with the 1/4" wide GG Thinlight pad.

**Kerry** · 09-19-2011, 12:27

I'd say I'm a 'moderate' sleeper, neither cold not hot.

40deg is probably cooler than I'm likely to see for most of my current hiking locations, so it sounds like those pads might work well for my wants/needs.

Kerry

**dejoha** · 09-19-2011, 12:34

Pads are a great, inexpensive solution, but they do have their particular issues like shifting, shoulder chill, and slight discomfort as they don't conform to the hammock 100%. 40°F is a reasonable comfort zone.

**Kerry** · 09-19-2011, 12:46

I'm definitely looking to avoid shoulder chill. I'm hoping that the wider 1/4" thick pad will adequately solve this issue...

Kerry

**Raul Perez** · 09-19-2011, 13:01

Another thing is that it works better with a double layer. I used it on my single layer and I couldn't get comfy at all because it bunched up something fierce.

**Kerry** · 09-19-2011, 13:07

Hmmmm....

Guess I don't wanna do the double layer thing; I'm already freaked out about the significant weight gain of my Hennessy ULB over my Jardine-style ground setup.

The weight of the Warbonnet torso-length UQ get's into the realm of acceptable, for me. But, having JRB Nests already, I'm hesitant to spend that much on more gear. Plus, it looks like most folks that use a torso length underquilt carry a small additional pad for the legs, which re-intoduces some additional weight, bulk, and complexity (in terms of keeping the pad in place, I think)...

Kerry

**Raul Perez** · 09-19-2011, 13:19

Well if it's any worth I use the 2/3 yeti and I use a Gossamer Gear 1/8" thinlight pad cut down for the legs. It's not that hard at all to keep the pad in place for the legs and that pad only weighs 1 oz.... probably less I usually weigh both my feet pad and sit pad together.

You could see if Brandon could make the yeti with less down.... his original yeti (which I have) only weighs in at 11.5oz but he started in 2011 adding additional down to decrease the rating and by most orders asked for 1 oz more overstuff.

**Kerry** · 09-19-2011, 13:44

Yeah, that's a good point; I probably don't need much down for my current 50+ night time temps, so it might be worth considering.

Still more than I want to spend at the moment. While I've had the JRB Nest for quite a while, I have not used them yet, as I've continued to default to my tried and true Jardine-style ground setup. 'Spose I could sell the Nest(s).

Kerry

**Raul Perez** · 09-19-2011, 13:49

It's up to you I'm just trying to give you options based on my personal experience.

with the 11.5oz yeti I got down to 27*F and that's pretty much when it started to fail so the rating at his original 30*F yeti was very accurate.