Hammock pad sleeve

**dufus934** · 03-05-2008, 16:32

I am just running this past the powers-that-be on this forum. I am thinking about sewing a piece of fabric on the bottom that would be big enough to hold a closed cell foam sleeping pad. This would just be a piece of fabric just big enough to snugly hold one of these pads. Velcro would be the way to get in and out of the "pocket". Is this worth my time? Is there a better option?

**headchange4u** · 03-05-2008, 16:39

It's not a good idea to put needle holes and seams in a section of the hammock that is high stress, like the bottom section of the hammock, IMHO. That can cause the fabric to rip. You would do better making a dual layer hammock like a zHammock.

**RAW** · 03-05-2008, 16:49

Why don't more hangers use BigAgnes sleeping systems?
If you dont know, the bag has no insulation on the bottom, but has an integrated pad sleeve.

Granted, I'm a newb hanger, but . . . BigAgnes stuff seems perfect for hammocks.

**dufus934** · 03-05-2008, 16:52

so, with a double layer hammock, how do I get the pad to stay in place?

**GrizzlyAdams** · 03-05-2008, 18:23

This topic came up a couple of months ago and JustJeff pointed out that he sewed a pocket for a down underquilt on a hammock.

Stitches through fabric on the top edge of a bridge hammock are also under a great deal of strain. (That's why bridge builders are mighty careful with those stitches, in particular!)

Grizz

**Rat** · 03-05-2008, 18:35

Originally Posted by dufus934

so, with a double layer hammock, how do I get the pad to stay in place?

The pad is sandwiched between the layers of the hammock body; just slide the pad in and enter normally, pad stays put. Double layer hammocks also seem to help with condensation as well.

I use a DIY SPE, I figure when I don't need a pad (which is alot in Texas) I don't need to carry the extra fabric weight either. I think a double layer would fit better with what you are trying to do tho.

I also have a hammock with two patches in it, both on the very bottom of the hammock body. I have been using it for about 3 months now to see if they will fail, so far they have held, but I don't think I would take the chance of sewing a large piece of faabric to the body. And, in fact, I will will proly never hike with this hammock, even tho it may never fail, I don't think I could ever trust it as my primary shelter.