Dont laugh- what do pads do?

[Harpo63]

Done laughing? Im new here, but definitely not a noob to hammocks. Have the same Hennesey I bought say... 10 yrs ago? Love it. Got hooked with a Mayan, got a ENO too. (Yes there are some things I think I need to change as far as gear or bags and Im finding them here!). I generally sleep what seems like the "old way" to you guys... Sleeping bag alone in the hammock. I was a long time backpacker before that and tent camped with thermarests. So I know what the pads do in that case... My sleeping bag from REI has two lofts- one side thicker for warmth, and a thinner side for warmer weather. So far, my back is comfortable and only once did it get cold enough that I added a space blanket under my bag (inside the hammock) and I was sweating. My initial impression is that the pad will just add bulk and make it uncomfortable? if its to help keep you warm, then wouldn't an uq do it? (be nice, Im just learning about all the cool stuff I could get for my hammock camping on my motorcycle!)

[angrysparrow]

Welcome to the forum.

My initial impression is that the pad will just add bulk and make it uncomfortable? if its to help keep you warm, then wouldn't an uq do it? (be nice, Im just learning about all the cool stuff I could get for my hammock camping on my motorcycle!)

Pads are indeed for warmth, not comfort.

Yes, underquilts work just fine, but they also cost more $. Pads are just another option to mix/match.

[Cannibal]

Pads also do a marvelous job of making you sweat. UQs are a much better choice IMO.

[lori]

If you are doing a very long hike in very high elevations and think there is a possibility of not being able to hang, a pad is a versatile thing - add to the underquilt for extra warmth, or pitch the tarp on the ground and sleep on the pad.

Most of the time I take two quilts and call it good.

[Fiddleback]

I don't experience warm nights on the trail anymore and I love it!!!

My warmest night in a hammock was 56° and I need underinsulation for that. My 7oz pad, with the rest of my sleep system works for me into the mid-20s. But some other system, boosting up bags and sleepwear and such, could probably do away with underinsulation.

But the weight, bulk, and cost might be changed as well.

FB

[TinaLouise]

ok, you've got the ther-ma-rest. Test it out!! Go hang up your hammock in the backyard (or a near by park), put the ther-ma-rest inside it, add your sleeping bag and hop in. It should be quite comfy!! You may need to let out a little air, the pads don't need to be as firm as when you're laying on the ground. Now if you can keep it under you, you'll be fine. You'll have to figure out how to get around that bottom opening in your hennesey. When the weather turns cold, you'll need something to keep the sides warm (where the pad doesn't reach up to, like your shoulders) So what do pads do??... They're your bottom insulation.

[TiredFeet]

Pads also do a marvelous job of making you sweat. UQs are a much better choice IMO.

The sweating problem depends on the person - some do and some don't. The pads are cheap enough that if the person is a non-sweater, then they can stay with the pads and be comfortable for a LOT less money. If they are a sweater, then they haven't spent a LOT of money to find out.

To me, giving one size fits all advice to a newbie isn't the best thing to do.

[Cannibal]

The sweating problem depends on the person - some do and some don't. The pads are cheap enough that if the person is a non-sweater, then they can stay with the pads and be comfortable for a LOT less money. If they are a sweater, then they haven't spent a LOT of money to find out.

To me, giving one size fits all advice to a newbie isn't the best thing to do.

Good point. I was being a bit of a smart-butt. My apologies.

[plowhorse]

ok, you've got the ther-ma-rest. Test it out!! Go hang up your hammock in the backyard (or a near by park), put the ther-ma-rest inside it, add your sleeping bag and hop in. It should be quite comfy!! You may need to let out a little air, the pads don't need to be as firm as when you're laying on the ground. Now if you can keep it under you, you'll be fine. You'll have to figure out how to get around that bottom opening in your hennesey. When the weather turns cold, you'll need something to keep the sides warm (where the pad doesn't reach up to, like your shoulders) So what do pads do??... They're your bottom insulation.

i agree with the try it out in a park. If yur backyard is like mine, the house, fence and other structures may give you a false feeling of warmth. I have slept very warm in my "sheltered" backyard, but had cold spots when hanging in the wild.

[Knotty]

Harp63 - Do you only hang in summer? It's very unusual for someone not to get cold w/o some type of insulation below them (pad in hammock or underquilt below). I hear 70 degrees offered as the temp below which some insulation is needed. Seems to agree with my experience.