good pad for a hommock?

**nchiker467** · 10-13-2006, 18:14

I dont have the $$ for a underquilt, so whats a good pad that is at least 24" ?

**nchiker467** · 10-13-2006, 18:15

spelled hammock wrong lol

**Just Jeff** · 10-13-2006, 18:22

Hey - are you at the climate center?

If you're just looking for a cheap pad, any CCF pad will do. Walmart has a CCF egg crate pad that's 24" wide. Target has one that's not quite that big, but if you buy or make a SPE you'll still be good.

Or you can upgrade to a self-inflatable (ThermaRest) or an inflatable (Exped Downmat)...still cheaper than an underquilt.

**nchiker467** · 10-13-2006, 18:29

you mean the office that tracks weather ect.?And maybe a large ridgerest for the pad , i guesse it doesnt really matter as loong as its wide enough.

**Just Jeff** · 10-13-2006, 19:10

Yeah - I assume you're in the AF from your avatar, and the only AF I know of in Asheville is something to do with weather. Just guessing.

You'll have a hard time finding a CCF pad that wide enough and stiff enough to keep your shoulders covered in a hammock. Doubling them up around the shoulders, or putting wings onto the pad up there, is about the only way. See the pads section here for what I'm talking about.

There's also a 40x60 pad from www.oware.com that lots of folks are happy with.

**nchiker467** · 10-13-2006, 19:22

oh.. well im in AF rotc in my school (i thought the avatar looked cool, and plan on joining when old enough) Seems like the oware pad would work. Thanks for the help

**Ewker** · 10-13-2006, 22:19

the only pads I have are a Thermorest and an Insul Mat Max. will those work?

Would reflectix work as a pad?

**Just Jeff** · 10-13-2006, 22:38

Reflectix can work but it's bulky for for the insulation it provides, and it's more fragile than a regular pad. Some folks use windshield reflectors, which are basically the same thing.

A ThermaRest can work depending on the model. The problem is that when you lay in the hammock, it wraps around the sides of the bag and compresses the sleeping bag's insulation against your shoulders and hips. So you need either a wider pad to hold the hammock open, or a way to put something between the bag and hammock - which is what the SPE does.

The InsulMat is the same thing but since it's so thick, you may sit up high enough in the hammock that it'll work, depending on model of hammock and how thick and wide the pad is.

But either way, those pads will work fine if you get a $40 SPE or get about $2 worth of material from Walmart and make your own. Much cheaper than an underquilt, although I think underquilts are much more comfortable. But sleeping with a pad in a hammock is still more comfortable than being on the ground.

**Ewker** · 10-13-2006, 22:40

$ 40 SPE?? what is that...remember I know nothing about hammocks

**FanaticFringer** · 10-13-2006, 22:44

www.speerhammocks.com/Products/SPE.htm

I have one. It works pretty well although you will still do some wrestling in there. I suggest this and saving those pennies for a Nest from JRB.