Where do I Start?

**Mikums** · 11-10-2011, 21:48

I am new to the pad world, having only recently considered it an alternative to underquilts, and would like to know:
Where should I start looking for information on what pad to buy?
I'm planning on slinging it under the hammock. Any problem foreseen with that?

**BullFrog** · 11-10-2011, 21:59

You'll probably want a wide pad (such as the Gossamer Gear 1/4" Wide pad or Ozark Trail 24" waffle pad from wal-mart) or a normal pad with an SPE (segmented pad extender) that widens the shoulder and foot areas. I haven't tried suspending one, but it might be tough to avoid gaps unless it is very flexible.

**mrmike65** · 11-10-2011, 22:07

May I ask why you are moving from an underquilt to a pad? I'm curious because I've been trying to decide between the two myself.

**jasonb986** · 11-10-2011, 22:08

I don't see the pad being flexible enough to be able to fit snuglly against your body. Any big gaps will let all the warmth out

**Mikums** · 11-10-2011, 22:15

Originally Posted by mrmike65

May I ask why you are moving from an underquilt to a pad? I'm curious because I've been trying to decide between the two myself.

I have neither at the moment. Just trying to decide.

**BullFrog** · 11-10-2011, 22:22

There are a number of things I don't like about my pad, it's just what I use since I can't afford an underquilt. If I had the option I would go UQ all the way. YMMV.

**SmokeBait** · 11-10-2011, 22:26

I started with a pad system that Ed Speer used to sell. It was like a sleeve in which you inserted a regular self-inflating Thermorest type pad and then it had additional sleeves on each side in which you inserted some pieces of a blue foam exercise pad that were about 6" x 18". These were to keep your shoulders warm. This was a great starter system and very comfy. I don't think they are available anymore but you might find a used one or it would be easy enough to make.

Next of the list would be a Gossamer Gear Thinlite pad. See the bottom of this page
http://gossamergear.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=pad

**grantizzle** · 11-10-2011, 22:48

FWIW, I have a big agnes bag with a sleeve for my pad built into the bottom of it. I have a REI wide 2.5 inch pad that keeps me toasty.

**lebugman** · 11-13-2011, 15:36

Originally Posted by grantizzle

FWIW, I have a big agnes bag with a sleeve for my pad built into the bottom of it. I have a REI wide 2.5 inch pad that keeps me toasty.

I have a bag like this too that I've been meaning to try out. Is the pad inserted into the bag wide enough to work in a hammock as well?

**weaver2469** · 11-13-2011, 17:36

Originally Posted by lebugman

I have a bag like this too that I've been meaning to try out. Is the pad inserted into the bag wide enough to work in a hammock as well?

It works pretty well, but your shoulders will probably stick out enough to be cold. That was the general idea behind the SPE concept. Basically adding wings of padding to cover your shoulders. You could try using the BA sleeve for your pad and then adding a small, light Gossamer gear pad cross-ways under your upper body. That should work well until you decide whether to take the underquilt plunge. I eventually moved to an underquilt and like it much better, but I still use my BA bag as my sleeping bag in the hammock.