AT Thru-hike pad vs UQ

[Bat]

I live in the PNW so I'm looking for advice from people that live where I'm going to. I plan to thru-hike the AT next year. I'm playing with my hammock set-up and trying to figure out what will work best for this trip. I own a a Blackbird 1.1 double layer hammock.
My main questions are:
1. Should I go with an UQ or pad since I going to be out for a long stretch with lots of variable weather.
2. Any AT hammock words of wisdom?

Thanks,
Karl

[BlackGoat]

I live in the PNW so I'm looking for advice from people that live where I'm going to. I plan to thru-hike the AT next year. I'm playing with my hammock set-up and trying to figure out what will work best for this trip. I own a a Blackbird 1.1 double layer hammock.
My main questions are:
1. Should I go with an UQ or pad since I going to be out for a long stretch with lots of variable weather.
2. Any AT hammock words of wisdom?

Thanks,
Karl

My vote would be for 1/2 uq paired with a 1/2 ccf pad for the legs. This would allow you to sleep on the 1/2 pad in the shelter if you so choose. It also gives you a sit pad.
You can probably get away with either a uq or a pad on the AT, it just depends on what your mannerisms will be on the trail.

[Just Jeff]

I agree with damngoat. Either will work...test them at home to find out what you're comfortable with.

Personally, I hike with the partial underquilt and torso-sized CCF for my legs, for exactly the reasons damngoat posted.

The only real difference for hiking the AT is that you'll want gear for both cold and warm weather. So maybe get a 3 season Yeti and a full-length CCF pad for winter, then cut the CCF to half-length when summer comes.

But on the AT, even the 3 season Yeti might be too warm in the summer.

[Cannibal]

A Yeti is all you'll need and a 3-Season one should do you fine.

I did it in 08' with the early model of the Yeti and I forgot the pad I meant to bring with me; bummer. But, it taught me to use that thing between my ears (forget the name). I wound-up just throwing my pack under my legs for insulation and it worked marvelously. Never saw much use for a pad beyond placing between my backside and the rock I wanted to sit upon. I did end-up getting a small pad (about 12"x12") that I used to sit on and as a hitch-hiking sign to hang from my pack. Long live Sharpie Markers! :woot:

No need for a pad, but that is only my opinion. :cool:

[Bat]

Thanks guys. I ordered a Yeti! And I made some Whoopie slings. I will have to see how I like the sling compared to the webbing setup. The webbing is really fast.

[Wags]

take at least a 24"x20" ccf pad. the # of uses are invaluable. if you can afford the yeti or crowsnest then i'd go for it. if not, a pad will do.