Newbie question regarding sleeping pad options

[Peaseblossom]

So I'm completely brand new to this hammocking thing, but I just ordered a double-layer Chameleon (happy dance!) and can't wait to take it for a few test drives (hangs) when it arrives. Between researching/deciding/saving up the money/and the wait time from the vendor, it may be awhile before I can get an UQ/TQ, so I was thinking of buying a sleeping pad in the meantime (and making do with a blanket or sleeping bag as my top insulation). The Hennessy Hammock Radiant Double Bubble Pad (on Amazon for $29 for the regular) caught my eye.

My question--is this a good choice? I am firmly in the territory of "I don't even know what I don't know" still. Are there better choices out there? I'm trying to balance cost, functionality, and comfort. Though this is mostly just a temporary solution, purchasing something that may still have some benefit depending on circumstances, even after I get my UQ/TQ, would be nice. Supporting a cottage vendor as opposed to easy one-click Amazon buying is also something I'm happy to do, but sometimes it's a little daunting wading through the various sites and products that seem to target experienced hangers who already know all the factors they need to consider.

Just thought I'd ask for some opinions and feedback before I pull the trigger. Probably overthinking this for just a pad, but I appreciate whatever input you may have.
Thank you!

(Not sure what's relevant, but I anticipate I'll be trying out my Chameleon over the next couple months either in my yard--I live in SLC, UT and night temps are now in the mid 60's, low humidity), and up in the mountains of northern Utah and western Wyoming, and maybe a trip or two down to the southern Utah desert; I'm a side sleeper in a bed--no idea yet about how I sleep in a hammock; I like to sleep on the cool side, but not cold).

[sidneyhornblower]

One of our members did a test of the bubble pad versus the super shelter. Run a search for those terms and you should find the post. I'm at work and don't have time or I'd provide a link.

As to whether that's a good choice, I'd urge you to try an even cheaper option - the good old closed cell foam pads sold at Wallyworld. They're usually blue closed cell foam, pretty thin, and cost about $10 or so. They're only about 20 inches wide, but you can cut them in two and make a "T" shape that better covers your shoulders. I used one for a couple of years before I invested in an underquilt. It works fine, though an underquilt is more comfortable. There are still some big advantages to pads, mainly cost and possibly weight.

The bubble pad you mention will most likely have condensation issues. I've used similar small pieces of relfectix (which is the same thing) and had some condensation. I think the close cell foam pad might insulate better, but it's a close call.

Welcome to the madness.

[jabraso]

Welcome from Cache Valley!

I would second the CCF pads; any place that sells camping stuff will have them. Reflectix might also work, I've used it as a booster when pushing the limits of an underquilt and as wings to widen a pad under my shoulders/arms. A lot of hammockers carry a piece of refectix since its so light.

As far as condensation goes, while using a pad I've never experienced the puddles and pools of moisture that are complained of by other hammockers. It might be different in more humid climates, but my experience has just been some dampness on anything that was in contact with the pad. While it's not ideal it's no different than what I've experienced using a pad on the ground.

[Chesapeake]

A pad def can be the least expensive way to go, but for only a few dollars more @ around $50 you could get a Snugpak UQ that will get you down to 32° or so Or the OneTigris winter UQ that's good down to 10° to 20° OneTigris also has a 3 season that's around $40 or so. Or if you can sew, grab a few $20 Costco Down Throw blankets and make an UQ and TQ that's good for 3 seasons. I

[SilvrSurfr]

When I started hammocking, I definitely wasn't going to invest money in pads, so I just used my old ccf pads from tenting days. All three of my kids and I got condensation from pads. The colder it got, the more condensation. Finally, after a 22* F overnight low where my son and I both woke up in pools of condensation, I switched to underquilts.

I would definitely minimize wasting money on pads, and the ccf pad is a viable solution at minimal expense until you can afford an UQ.

[Peaseblossom]

Thank you everyone! I don't sew so not yet ready to jump into the DIY waters, but based off suggestions, I think I'll pick up a cheapie ccf pad after work today, and see how far that gets me as the nights turn cooler. And I'll have a little more money to put into my quilt selections.

@jabraso: Hello back from my valley to yours. I'm sure my Chameleon will find it's way between a couple of trees up that way soon.

Thanks again! Now onto figuring out tarps and lines and hardware and knots and...

[leiavoia]

CCF does work, but it buckles and condensation is an issue. I wouldn't waste my time or money on that option. Been there done that.

Insulated or blow-up mats work decent in a double layer hammock. It provides a good cushion you don't get with a quilt. However, it's still fiddly and doesn't provide full coverage, especially on the foot and shoulder. It also tends to twist.

Hammock Gear Econ line is a cheap way to get into quilts (~$150).

If that's still too much, there are no-sew DIY Costco blanket mods like the Sarge's or the Gemini set that you put together for <$65 including tools.

[jabraso]

[...]@jabraso: Hello back from my valley to yours. I'm sure my Chameleon will find it's way between a couple of trees up that way soon.[...]

ENO's are a dime a dozen at campgrounds, but even those get scarce on the trails around here. Would be cool to catch sight of more real camping hammocks like your Chameleon.

[ocnlogan]

I've used pads exclusively since I started hammock camping, roughly 2-3 years ago. And while I won't suggest they're better than UQ's, I don't have as much of a problem with them as others sound like they have. That said, I've not been below ~30-32f with mine, with the majority being somewhere around ~45f.

I do have plans to make the move to an UQ in the future, but as I save up, my pad is working "fine" for me.

I use a klymit insulated static V lite, but have used various others (my very first night in a hammock was using my wifes yoga mat as the pad). I have had condensation, but nothing at all approaching puddles. More like... a slightly damp/sweaty feeling lower back. Noticeable, but not enough to disrupt my sleep.

That said, I wouldn't spend much on a pad either if you aren't expecting to use one for other purposes. I did buy my Klymit, but I also didn't own a pad for tent camping either, so I needed one anyway.

If you do end up using an inflatable pad, don't feel the need to inflate it all the way (maybe about halfway). If its really rigid and fully inflated, it has a tendency to fight you more in the hammock. It also tends to slip out from under you more that way.

Good luck with your first hang .

[snwcmpr]

Shug has a good say about pads.


I still use my WM down sleeping bags as TQ.