I'm curious what folks experiences are with foam pads and temperature limits. Specifically, I'm thinking about the wide Gossamer Gear Thinlite pad. Freezing? Colder?
Thanks!
-Curt
I'm curious what folks experiences are with foam pads and temperature limits. Specifically, I'm thinking about the wide Gossamer Gear Thinlite pad. Freezing? Colder?
Thanks!
-Curt
I did well with a ccf military pad full length with a second short pad for wings and a 20 cheapy bag down to mid 30s. I had fleece pullover, watchcap and longjohns. I am a warm sleeper though.
That's a 1/4 inch pad. No way freezing or colder with just that pad unless your a freak of nature. This should give you some good info. on pads. As well as other insulation options:
http://www.hammockcamping.com/Free%2...rSleepPads.htm
www.tothewoods.net/HammockCampingWarm.html
Last edited by FanaticFringer; 05-28-2007 at 12:27.
"Every day above ground is a good day"
I have made it to 30 deg with a 1/2 ccp from walmart. Any lower than I need more under my hind parts. There are a few threads there where people are talking about the gossamer gear pads.
Is that too much to ask? Girls with frikkin' lasers on their heads?
The hanger formly known as "hammock engineer".
I use Oware's ¼", 7oz pad (new ones are 3/16", 6oz) and I've been comfortable at 26°. That was while wearing a jacket and insulated pants but without a sleeping bag or quilt. In a backyard test similarly dressed, I felt cold coming through the pad at the shoulders at 22° and bailed after three hours. I believe the Oware is similar in thickness and material to the GG.
I've cut a piece of blue foam (4-5oz) to what amounts to an oversized sit pad. If I combine the two pads I expect my temp comfort zone to drop into the teens. But I let the winter and spring season slip by without further testing...
FB
I've read up on the various options. Sounds like an underquilt is the way to go for serious cold, but I was just looking for info on where the line between pad and quilt is. From the other replies, it sounds like right around freezing is about the limit for a single pad. Double up and get another 10-20 degrees or so. I doubt I'd be out in anything colder than that in the Northwest. Seems a pad is the lightest way to go, too. I'll be able to push into the low 40s in the yard to test over the next few weeks, but won't see much in the 30s until I get up in the high country. No better way to figure out how it really works than to get out!
Thanks for the replies,
-Curt
what I do is just strap 2, 3, or 4 of the blue Walmart pads together instead of using the SPE - 1 pad good to 40 deg. F, 2 pads good to 25 deg. F, 3 pads good to 10 deg. F, 4 pads good to below zero - but this is only a SWAG, by strapping them together its easier than dealing with / finding thicker pads
For serious winter, I like to have a pad as backup just in case I run into a problem. Imagine losing a glove and not having the dexterity to hang your hammock and tarp, forcing you to go to ground. Underquilts not much good then. But few of my trips fall into this category.
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I also like the pad/underquilt combo in really cold temps. The UQ is wide enought that I can get away with a 22" wide pad without messing with any extensions for the shoulders.
Is that too much to ask? Girls with frikkin' lasers on their heads?
The hanger formly known as "hammock engineer".
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