Need some help with mid 30's pad for this weekend!

**begleysm** · 10-17-2011, 20:15

Hey all,

I'll be sleeping in my hammock at an outdoors class for 3 nights this weekend. The temp is supposed to get down to the mid 30s.

I've been using my Therm-a-Rest ProLite Small recently (down to about 45).

It has had plenty of insulation for that temp but was a bit narrow. I'd, occasionally wake up with cold spots on my sides. My feet were fine with no insulation.

I'm considering buying an Ozark Trail Millenium Camping Pad from Walmart. It's 70"x26"x.5"

I don't really want to be miserably cold this weekend ;P Anyone got any advice for a newbie? I need to have this squared away in the next few days.

Thanks,
Sean

**JohnSawyer** · 10-17-2011, 20:40

I used a pad... once....

Buy a cheap pad, cut it to about 30" long for your shoulders, and a piece about 24" long for your hips. Sleep on your pro-lite with these pieces sideways...

That should keep you from the dreaded Cold Butt Syndrome.

If it's sliding around, you could use some rubberized shelf liner to keep them from sliding. Some would say duct tape... but not on your nice thermarest.

**oldgringo** · 10-17-2011, 21:16

I have used that pad in a 'bird...it wasn't bad, at all. Don't know if it's good for mid-30s, though.

**swampfox** · 10-17-2011, 21:43

Before I got an underquilt, I used a 3/4 length Thermarest Z-rest pad and a 15* TNF down bag. It worked down to near freezing.
Even with a UQ, I still like to use a pad. If you don't have it set it up perfectly, all sins are forgiven. I don't find a pad uncomfortable at all.

Where are you in GA. and where will you be hanging?

**begleysm** · 10-17-2011, 22:07

I live in Atlanta. I'm going to an outdoor skills course somewhere in North Georgia... Not exactly sure where hehe.

Sean

**just hangin' out** · 10-17-2011, 22:08

This past weekend I used one of the 20" wide blue foam pads down to 39 in the Smokies and was plenty warm. The pad only went to my knees, so my only complaint is that my feet were a little cold. Other than that, it worked fine for me. I think you'll be alright with that pad.

**begleysm** · 10-17-2011, 22:35

Cool.

Thanks for the replies. I think I'm going to pick up the wally world pad I linked for the extra 6" of width. I may cut down the length but probably not.

Sean

**BullFrog** · 10-17-2011, 23:41

I have that pad and I would think it's good to about 25 or lower with good top insulation. I think gunner has had it around 18 degrees comfortably.

**BullFrog** · 10-17-2011, 23:44

If in doubt, double up!

**Fish<><** · 10-18-2011, 03:05

Buy a poncho liner instead! You won't be disappointed. I used the no sew pluq thread to make mine and I love it. Took me about two hours and including the two liners I purchased, I spent around $50. It got down to somewhere around lower thirties to high twenties that night and was warm even though I didn't have it set right.

I used another liner inside the quickly made uq. That's what got me down that low. Save the money for the pad and get a poncho liner instead, the comfort factor is worth the extra $30.