Wide foam pads? Gossamer gear seems always out of stock?

**peripatew** · 11-27-2012, 21:55

While I wait for my WBBB 1.1 dbl to get here, I'm hunting for a wide pad to use. Seems a lot of people recommend the Gossamer Gear, but I've never seen the really wide stuff in stock.

What are people using to get wider than 25" without using a pad extender?

Speaking of extenders, is the SPE still available? Didn't see it on the Speer site for sale.

**Miguel** · 11-27-2012, 21:58

Here you go on the extenders. I think it's the only place you can buy them commercially. They work very well btw.

http://www.eaglesnestoutfittersinc.c...uct/A4011.html

Miguel

**krugd** · 11-27-2012, 21:59

The SPE is no longer made, but ENO now makes a similar product.

**peripatew** · 11-27-2012, 22:23

Thanks for the ENO links. How think is the foam in it? Anyone using it with a regular closes cell pad and not an inflatable?

Also, any ideas on the gossamer shortage?

**gmcttr** · 11-27-2012, 22:33

While the GG wide pad does work, be aware of a couple of things. It is only 1/4" thick so it's not going to take you very low. As the sides wrap up around you, there is substantial buckling of the pad and I find I need to work it a little to flatten these folds. The plus side is with all that width you're not going to spread out and hit a cold spot off of the pad and it is fairly comfortable.

Contact GG and ask about availability.

**peripatew** · 11-27-2012, 23:20

Originally Posted by gmcttr

While the GG wide pad does work, be aware of a couple of things. It is only 1/4" thick so it's not going to take you very low. As the sides wrap up around you, there is substantial buckling of the pad and I find I need to work it a little to flatten these folds. The plus side is with all that width you're not going to spread out and hit a cold spot off of the pad and it is fairly comfortable.

Contact GG and ask about availability.

Thanks for the feedback on the pad buckling. Does it do that in all your hammocks? Specifically the double layers? I've yet to own a double layer.

**gmcttr** · 11-28-2012, 09:17

Originally Posted by peripatew

Thanks for the feedback on the pad buckling. Does it do that in all your hammocks? Specifically the double layers? I've yet to own a double layer.

It will do it with all gathered end hammocks.

**oldsoldier** · 11-29-2012, 12:59

Originally Posted by gmcttr

While the GG wide pad does work, be aware of a couple of things. It is only 1/4" thick so it's not going to take you very low. As the sides wrap up around you, there is substantial buckling of the pad and I find I need to work it a little to flatten these folds. The plus side is with all that width you're not going to spread out and hit a cold spot off of the pad and it is fairly comfortable.

Contact GG and ask about availability.

I use a GG one, and, yes, the buckling does occur, to some degree. Not too big a deal though, as you simply adjust once settled, and be done with it. As to not being able to go to low temps-gmcttr, I am going to disagree with you (within reason, of course). The 1/4" pad is only insulating you from convection-it isnt providing cushioning, and compressing against solid ground. So, you are getting more, for less. I have been out in 30* weather in mine, and have been fine (with a fully enclosed tarp too, and a sleeping bag properly rated). I have a hang planned this January, and I made a reflectix pad, about as wide as the GG pad, just in case. I am going to give it a go with JUST the GG pad though, provided temps get lower than what I have done previously. I think others here have taken pads lower too. I am not intending to step on toes, so, PLEASE dont take it as such. Just dont simply discount a pad in cooler temps, strictly due to the width of it.

**HappyCamper** · 11-29-2012, 14:22

Originally Posted by oldsoldier

I use a GG one, and, yes, the buckling does occur, to some degree. Not too big a deal though, as you simply adjust once settled, and be done with it.

It's the same for me too with my wide thin pad.

**airheartvice** · 02-07-2013, 00:00

Originally Posted by oldsoldier

The 1/4" pad is only insulating you from convection-it isnt providing cushioning, and compressing against solid ground. So, you are getting more, for less. I have been out in 30* weather in mine, and have been fine (with a fully enclosed tarp too, and a sleeping bag properly rated).

I've been reading this post with great interest and wanted to post my plan to get some feedback. I hope nobody minds the piggy-backing!

Planned setup is as follows:
Hammock: WBBB 1.1 Double Layer
Insulation: EvaRest 1/4" CCF Pad (24"x72", will trim extra length and possibly use for SPE)
Bag: Marmot Helium 15F

I plan to start NOBO in the middle of April. Given this proposed setup and start date, do you see any problems with it being too cold? I've looked up averages and they seem to bottom out at 40F for April and early May.