I have been searching for info on the use of a double layer hammock with pad sandwiched between layers. Most of the cottage vendors offer a pad sleeve option. I can not seem to find any threads as to how well this option performs.
I have been searching for info on the use of a double layer hammock with pad sandwiched between layers. Most of the cottage vendors offer a pad sleeve option. I can not seem to find any threads as to how well this option performs.
I use a sleeping pad from gossamer gear, and prefer this method over a uq. Granted, the gg pad is designed specifically for a hammock, and is large enough to cover me completely, and wrap up my sides. Others here have made wings on theirs, with varying degrees of success.
A pad in between the layers of a double layered hammock will keep you warm. The pad needs to be much wider than a ground pad, about 30" is popular. Otherwise, you will scoot off the pad during the night and wake up cold.
If you sleep on you back, your shoulders are wider than you feet, so you could taper a pad, wider at the shoulders. There are also segmented pad holders made of thin nylon, which are compartmentalized pockets holding segments of pads together. Of course you can duct tape pad segments together first to see what arrangement you like.
Pad thickness must be appropriate for the expected temperatures. Pads are cheap and they are lightweight.
Most people "graduate" to an underquilt eventually, although some stay with pads. You can also use a combination of pads and underquilt in the deep cold of winter.
The downside of pads is that many find them less comfortable than underquilts. More than a few have condensation issues with pads. And finally, full size pads are bulky.
Mike
"Life is a Project!"
The sleeve option is a good one to choose for safety. I was caught last year in colder than expected temperatures below the rating of my underquilt. I was freezing. I was able to stuff things (extra underwear, socks, tshirt, sit pad, ferns, leaves, etc.) into the sleeve to make it bearable.
I agree with Mad777, the thin and large flexible pad is awesome in the sleeve. I've ducttaped a few together and use the pad for occasional hangs when bulk is not an issue. I prefer it to an underquilt, actually.
Thanks for the input. I ordered a B.I.A.S. double layer and bought a couple ccf pads. I am looking forward to playing with them. I have found that during the summer, I go to bed hot. 3am, I wake up chilled with a full bladder. I get up and pee, pop on my underquilt and go back to sleep. I guess you can not have it all at age 52. My 8 year old son goes to bed in a summer bag, with no bottom insulation, and sleeps till 9am.
They work great. If finding a wide enough pad is a problem, or the pad you currently have either isn't wide enough (or thick enough), a second pad cut to to lay perpendicular to the other at your shoulder-butt area work great for the shoulder issue and providing additional insulation to ones core. I use pads in the negative 20'sF with great success and comfort.
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