What was your biggest improvement in comfort after leaving the ground?

[Full_timer]

For me the first big jump in hammock camping comfort was getting off the ground in a comfortable hammock with ample storage. The second biggest jump so far has been converting to an under quilt. Although, during the monsoon season a great tarp has definitely improved my hang. I have tried longer and wider hammocks than my Blackbird and I still think the biggest upgrade in comfort has been going to an UQ. The advantages have been complete control of bottom temperature and lack of condensation.

Please share what has increased your comfort level the most since leaving the ground. I seem to spend lots of time searching old posts to find upgrades I should try.

Seems like lots of people will have different ideas/tricks that worked for them. Should be great reading. Thank you!

Andy

[SMJerry]

I'm with you in that just getting off the ground was the number one improvement to my camping adventures.
I just got back from Philmont, did a trek there with my Troop... NO HAMMOCKS!
After a week on the ground, even with my Big Agnes pad my hips hurt and I tossed and turned.
Dreamed on my hammock every night.
Great trip.. but rough nights.
I need to get an underquilt. I think that would be a big improvement. But I love my hammock and love the idea of being under the tarp.. comfort, place to sit, easy to store gear, nice place to cook etc.
Hammock camping is way better than laying on the ground.
What goes up.. should not have to come down.

[Bradley]

I have to agree that just getting off the ground was an earth shattering start.
I would have to say that, the next thing is somewhat unrelated to sleeping,
but trekking poles and an awesome pack was the next two things that have been awesome.

[olddog]

After the wife and I trying almost every type of mattress made over 38 years of marriage, just finding the hammock and how to use it here on the forum. As soon as I had the indoor stand I was sleeping in it every night with no intention of ever going back to a bed. The few times that I had to in motels it almost killed me.

The next is redoleary's mini- spreader bars. It's amazing how such a simple device can change the lay of a hammock.

[Meat Hunter]

Without a doubt, the biggest improvement was leaving the ground itself. With that came better rest, no tossing n turning, no pressure points.

[2Questions]

An indirect benefit of hammocking but still a comfort issue is the flexibility provided by the hammock itself. I can camp where I want, up on a ridge to catch the morning rays of sun for warmth, over a brook to catch the slight cool breeze, on the side of a rock outcrop facing east to catch the sunrise, or maybe between boulders to block the wind. Not to mention disregard for rocks, roots, slope, or mice (usually). All of these add to the comfort, most of these inaccessible with a tent.

[Lost_Biker]

Not being sore and sleeping really well all through the night got me off the ground. I keep a tent for the people I don't like. Then they see me all chipper the next day and want a hammock. I also stay much cleaner using a hammock. The lack of joint pain is a major plus for me. Hammocks rock!

[SilvrSurfr]

I am so thrilled to leave behind the misery of sleeping on the ground. As much as I love the outdoors, I never enjoyed ground dwelling at all - never had a good night's sleep. I wish I had known about hammocks when my sons were Scouting.

The underquilt was the next great improvement for me. Leaving the pad at home was a real joy.

[Shug]

Sitting in the hammock to put on my boots in the morn'.......
Shug Cradled in Comfort

[OutandBack]

Finding the hammock I was most comfortable sleeping in. Then dumping all the pads and going with UQ's. Then giving up on small tiny tarps an using something large enough that I can share protection from the rain with a friend.
Fun topic thanks.