OK then, yet another person whose experience with SS pretty much matches my own. Just the one pad, under cover and space blanket, at about 15 ozs counting the 2 oz walmart SB ( don't know weight of heatsheet) per HH's listed weights( I think mine weighs in about 3 ozs more than specified by HH). And you are just fine for multiple nights with lows to mid 30s, plus you pick up some additional wind and rain protection from the Sil-nylon UC, IMO. I have several ways to stay warm in a hammock, but I still say, price and weight/to warmth and comfort and quick dry capability, not too shabby!
Down UQs and Pods are great pieces of gear, with their pros and cons, and goodness knows I love my PeaPod, and would probably love a high quality down UQ as much or more. And, a strong case can also be made for pads in SPEs or double bottom hammocks like JRBs or Claytors. Lot's of pro's to be considered there, as well as a few cons.
But when I look at all things considered, my first system, the HH SS, ain't all that shabby.
At least not for the 1/2 dozen or so folks here ( maybe more counting WB) who have had good success with them. And I realize there are some folks who have had no luck with them. But then, I have seen more than a few folks here struggle with UQs when approaching 30* or a little below, so it can go either way, especially during the learning curve.
I'd say a big advantage for a down UQ is the tiny volume they pack down to. However, at least compared to a non-compressible CCF pad, again, the SS is not too bad. This is not recommended, it would be too much work on the trail. I just wanted to see if I could do it. But it does show the potential with a compression stuff sack, cause I think it could go down even smaller with one of those. This picture is of the larger, 35" Explorer SS,
WITH under cover as well as pad. Without the UC, you could of course get the pad down even smaller.
In addition, Kurt, we have the same opinion of the benefits of using the bag "mummy" style when pushing the limit of the bags temp rating.
I'm glad there are several good ways, of varying prices and pros and cons, to keep warm in a hammock.
Bill
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