To Pad or not to Pad...

[limedude]

Simple question: How warm does it have to get before you would consider no pad (or underquilt) and just a light sleeping bag?

[vladpack]

The common thought goes that unless it's the height of the summer or you're in the jungle, you're always going to want something under you at night

[DuctTape]

It depends on the sleeping bag. A synthetic bag is a little better for this than down due to the compression of down. But it would have to be rather warm out. In general, i would never go out without some sort of under insulation with me.

[DanglingModifier]

Usually 70+ degrees is where you might comfortably decide you won't need a pad or UQ. Some people are fine to 65. I haven't seen anyone say they like going below that. As DuctTape indicated, a sleeping bag offers some minimal insulation below you and the type of bag may determine your exact comfort threshold.

[limedude]

It depends on the sleeping bag. A synthetic bag is a little better for this than down due to the compression of down. But it would have to be rather warm out. In general, i would never go out without some sort of under insulation with me.

Seems better to be prepared than freezing! I am always surprised how cold it can get at night when its warm during the day.

[matthew2000tx]

Anything below 60-65F I put on the UGQ Underquilt... ditched the pad after about 4 nights in the hammock... UQ is way better.

[Bubba]

I find 65 to 70 degrees to be my threshold. Lower than that and my back gets too cool from the convective heat loss.

[TallPaul]

Wind plays as much of a factor as temp. 65-70 and no breeze is one thing, add a good breeze and you are cold.

[WaffleBox]

I freeze my tookus off unless I have insulation under me at any temp below 73.

[sargevining]

Usually 70+ degrees is where you might comfortably decide you won't need a pad or UQ. Some people are fine to 65. I haven't seen anyone say they like going below that. As DuctTape indicated, a sleeping bag offers some minimal insulation below you and the type of bag may determine your exact comfort threshold.

+1 on 70*. I've needed a light UQ in July in Texas when nitetime temps went to the high 60s. In temps like that, you can get to the point where a TQ@ is too warm on top, but a UQ is needed below.