New to hammock camping

[chefkeith]

I would definitely try that as opposed to using a pad, imho pads in a hammock suck.

creek

This.

When I started Hammocking underquilts weren't a thing, so I had to use a pad. Then, I just got used to it, but it was always a pain.

Finally, I DIY'd a quilt, and I'm kicked myself for all those years I struggled keeping the pad into position.

Foam pads will work ok. Inflatable pads will work, but they need to be WAY under inflated.

[Campdavid]

It's really quite simple to mod a quilt or a poncho liner or similar into an underquilt. I have made a few and they work very well. I've even made them with various snap in/out liners for added warmth. KAM snaps are your friend.

Latest creation....converted a SnugPak jungle blanket to an underquilt. The removable white liner is Insul Bright.








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[SteveE]

I've been using my Hennessy Hex fly and it's been fantastic. I'm sure it's not as light as some of the other tarps but for the price it is pretty hard to beat. It's almost 12 feet long and provides great coverage when needed. https://hennessyhammock.com/products...70d-polyester#

[Slack Packhiker]

I tried, desperately tried, a pad for my hammock. I had just become outfitted for tent camping when I happened upon a hammock. The pad wouldn't stay in place so I ordered a quilt. The difference in ease of use and comfort was dramatic. I'm old and slow and dense so comfort and ease matter at the end of a hard day.

Campdavid, nice pics! The DIY section will have instruction, Julie.

[dkurfiss]

While I, like the rest, prefer a UQ using a pad can be done. Here is a video from Shug showing how to successfully use a pad.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mekhYiSaNz4

If you have not take the time to check out all of Shug's videos they are time well spent. Also hit up The Ultimate Hang. Derek has a lot of good information on his page along with great drawings that really help me understand. https://theultimatehang.com/

[Heydad!]

Get a WBBB XLC and add the Wookie UQ, it's truly set it and forget it. The 3 season will cover 90% of your hanging.

[radeonDEUS]

Get a WBBB XLC and add the Wookie UQ, it's truly set it and forget it. The 3 season will cover 90% of your hanging.

Agree, until you know you love it and will only hang forever *amen* covering the lower range as well as possible while maintaining as little bulk as possible is key.

[KiwiMark]

I have an 11' silnylon tarp with doors - it's really good. I'm thinking about buying a new one though - silpoly 12' with doors, probably in camo because I think that looks cool. I don't want to spend the money on Cuben fibre because I just don't need to save weight that badly.

I've got a couple of cheaper tarps I don't really use, I like to have the doors because sometimes it rains and sometimes the wind blows.

On a motorcycle trip:



It rained quite a bit overnight, but I was warm and cosy and completely dry in my hammock (BB XLC) that night. On each end of the ridgeline you can see my Mountain Goat snakeskins, they make deploying my tarp much easier.

[tommy77]

For Hang a Hammock > The ridgeline length should be between 100 and 110 inches. The suspension length must be about 40 inches, and the sit-height approximately 15 to 20 inches.
More detail hang with rope : http://www.wildcampingtrip.com/hang-...k-with-a-rope/

[Shortly81]

I think you would be much happier with a under quilt rather than struggling with a pad. I bought a double layered hammock with the thought of using a pad until I could get the funds and knowledge of the kind of under quilt that I wanted. I found out really quickly that the pad shifted even in the double layer hammock and my shoulders were somewhat exposed. I had to sleep in certain positions and found myself getting up in the middle of the night to readjust things a couple of times because the pad had moved. I don't know about you but I got into hammock camping because the comfort was soooo much better than sleeping on the ground. When I was getting up in the middle of the night to adjust things I was losing that comfort factor. I want to sleep at nights! When I got the under quilt I got that comfort factor back. No more up in the middle of the night adjusting things and could sleep in any position and my shoulders no longer get cold. I wouldn't waste time with a pad personally if I had it to do over again. I know they aren't cheap but when I was tent camping I didn't enjoy it much until I spent the money to get a good pad and good sleeping bag.

As for the kind of under quilt to get, I don't think it really matters. Figure out what temp, weight, you want. It sounds like 0C is the coldest you will go I would get something like a 20 F bag. That is what I have. I have used it from 60 F to 20 F and been just great. At the higher temps I just vent it.If you use it at warmer temps like the 50 and 60 F you could make your own but those tend to be a bit heavier. If you purchase one I don't know as it matters which one you go with. There are many vendors out there that are really good. I went with Hammock Gear and they were really good. If it were me I would do a full length under quilt other wise you may be dealing with pads at times for your legs and the main reason I went with the under quilt was so I didn't have to deal with pads any more even if it is a foot pad. Like you I am 5'6 so a 3/4 gets closer to being a full length pad for me but still I like the full length. One other thing I would do with the under quilt. I would get some ridgeline quilt hooks from Dutchware. They help keep that under quilt up where it needs to be and not any weight and hardly any cost it is worth it.

The other thing I found with the under quilt is it gave me more flexibility with my top cover. I seem to not need as heavy of a top covering because of the under quilt. By that I mean if it is 20 F I am fine with a 0C bag if it is 0C I can a 40F cover works for me. I have used anything from a comforter to blanket to a sleeping bag for my top cover. I as yet haven't got a top quilt but I plan to get one but have been just fine without it since I have my under quilt. But that is just me.

As for the Tarp I like the doors. Helps block wind and rain when needed and when not you can have them open. To me the slight extra weight is not an issue compared to the other benefit of the doors. I have a Warbonnet Super fly and would recommend it. I would also get some snake skins. It makes putting up and taking down the tarp really nice. I actually haven't bought any I just use a luffa and that works great.

As for the kind of hammock, all that you listed are really good and I think you would be happy with any of them. Pick one and start enjoying.

That is my 2 cents.