Segmented Pad Extender...

[lundquistas]

Hi all,

Been reading through the forums here and read about a Segmented Pad Extender...what is the purpose of this? Does it provide additional warmth or is it to keep the pad in place so that it doesn't move around?

Thx!

[timabababaluka]

A bit of both. First, it does keep things from sliding around on you, and a pad that stays put stays under you--which keeps you warm. I've heard of members adding things to the underside to help reduce sliding as well.

The big thing, though, are the "wings" that go to the side. For ground sleeping, pad width is fine, but in a hammock the sides press against your shoulders and hips, which creates cold spots. With the SPE, you now have additional pads inserted on the side to cover your shoulders and hips, and that definately keeps you warmer

[DaleW]

Yes! To both. It uses a standard 20" pad in the center and extra 5"x20" sections in pockets on the side to insulate your hips and shoulders.

Here's the bottom side of a 4x4 -- two sets of four pads. There was a 2x2 version made too. It is no longer made, but easily cloned of you have a sewing savvy friend.

[timabababaluka]

I whipped a 2/3 pad with a single blue walmart pad and duct tape (I've seen people who have sewed them with paracord, which might hold fast longer). It works, but I think I'll go full length, and maybe eventually break down and sew an actual SPE.

I'll dig around and see if I can get a photo of my lazy man's SPE. The good thing about just taping it is you can see if it works for you without spending too much time and money. Personally, if I had the money I would get an underquilt. I don't, so pad it is--the SPE makes it much more manageable.

[timabababaluka]

@ DaleW--I like the look of that 4x4... gonna have to try to fabricate me one of those .

[BillyBob58]

A bit of both. First, it does keep things from sliding around on you, and a pad that stays put stays under you--which keeps you warm. I've heard of members adding things to the underside to help reduce sliding as well.

The big thing, though, are the "wings" that go to the side. For ground sleeping, pad width is fine, but in a hammock the sides press against your shoulders and hips, which creates cold spots. With the SPE, you now have additional pads inserted on the side to cover your shoulders and hips, and that definately keeps you warmer

All of that and 1 more: stacking of pads. I think 3" total thickness was the limit. So one super thick pad, or one thin pad, or multiple thinner pads, stacked as needed according to what you have available. And of course, most of the time stack the thick shorter pads on top of the full length pad. For example: one full length blue WM pad, with one or two 1/2 length pads on top of that. ( since most people need less pad under their legs than torso). Or one torso length pad of adequate thickness and nothing under the legs in warmer weather. Etc, Etc. And they all stay positioned perfectly!

[Shug]

Hey.....if you watch PART 1 of my Hammock Videos...start at 8:30 in and then it continues on PART 2. You can see my home-made SPE and some explanation.
Hope it helps....
Shug

http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...ad.php?t=15516

[timabababaluka]

All of that and 1 more: stacking of pads.

(Sound of hand slapping forehead) (twice)--It makes me sad that I never thought of that. I'm liking this SPE more and more.

[MedicineMan]

the SPE was/is the most economical way for a pad user to transition to hammocking. It is also a cheap way or really pushing the temps versus a loftier down UQ. I've still got mine I transitioned with years ago. Long live the SPE

[shumway]

I wished I had one of these last week. The extra pad width would have given me a little more comfort in the shoulder area. My PLUQ helped but more pad would have been nice.