Extreme Newb needing advice and input from the ALL KNOWING

[slowhike]

here's a thread were i had a problem w/ the exped on a winter trip...
http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...ighlight=exped

& here's a thread were the trade offs were talked about..
http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...ighlight=exped

[Peter_pan]

Going to ground is for the un-prepared.... or a really freaky event to be endured with minimum sleep and an early hike out.... in eather case, it does not happen ( is clearly avoidable by the prepared) in mild to three season weather.... it is a winter risk... so carry some basic pad to add to under insulation and retain that go to ground capability in winter only..... Rest of the year, lose all but a butt pad, lighten the load, hike and hang in luxury.

FWIW, I hang year round, and have not been to ground in three plus years, since commiting to hanging and preparing properly to do so.

Pan

[ryaex]

I really appreciate all the replies. You guys rock.

[smithobx]

ryaex, I have a Claytor jungle model along with a couple of other brands and the Claytor is the only one I use. I also have a Potomac uq with synthetic fill which weighs 33 oz. on my scale. It is a well made and functional piece of equipment that I expect will get me down to around 20-25 degrees with no problem. My spe on the other hand weighs 14 oz., is easier to pack, a couple of hundred dollars cheaper and with one pad will get me down to about 35 degrees. In short, except for extreme cold, I suspect my Potomac will see more use as an overquilt, replacing my sleeping bag and used with the spe pad, than it will as a under quilt.

[rpettit]

[QUOTE=BillyBob58;28432]Here comes the lonely voice again re: SuperShelter.


You are never truly alone. I use the SS, but I don't use the original pad. I use one that is 1" thick and wider all the way around. I augment with a 3/4 length CCF pad when needed.

[Mule]

Want to know how many of you that have bought underquilts have gone back to using a pad? and if so, why?
A majority of the really experienced hammockers tend to be screaming at the top of their lungs that the underquilt is the only way to go.
I'm wondering how Tom Claytor's hammock would work with a exped downmat inserted into the pad sleeve.

For the record, I own a HH Explorer Ultralight, and am currently in the market for another hammock for the wife and am considering getting myself a down underquilt and them doing the exped in the mosquito hammock to see the pro's and con's of both.

I want YOUR opinions on this.

I have to say it again, if you want to use pads, don't die before you sleep an a Claytor. Mule

[skar578]

well i havnt been winter hanging, but when I get my new setup the first thing in bottom will be a DIY weathershield. I will make it with about 1/2' space between it and my hammock so any quilt should fit. it also blocks wind and water, thus making my quilt more effective.