Let me preface by saying i have precisely ZERO hammocking experience, outside of naps in a braided rope hammock at my grandparents house when i was a kid. But from my research (and fond memories of those naps), i can't imagine it NOT being the greatest thing since sliced bread. That said, i've decided to dive in head first.
I've ordered a wbbb double 1.1 and a tarp, should be arriving soon. I'm trying to decide on a pad/bag/quilt system. I have an old mummy bag and a thermarest, but i've decided i want to upgrade both as both are relavtively heavy and not particulary well-suited for hanging, plus it's always fun to get new toys. I'd like to keep the option of going to ground, so i'm looking to do a pad instead of an underquilt. In fact, i got excited a few weeks ago and ordered the wide gossamer gear ccf pad (1/4", i think?) and klymit inertia x frame inflatable pad (google it if you're not familiar - kind of a cool idea) pretty much on a whim. I'm def going to hold on to the ccf pad, but returning the inertia is an option as i've not used it outside yet.
So right now i'm weighing 3 different options. I'm certainly open to others, but after much deliberation i've come up with 3 systems that i think address my main concerns. And speaking of main concerns, they are as follows: weight - keeping it low; price - would love to spend less than $300 more than i already have (and less would be even better); and conditions - the eventual goal is an AT thru hike, and right now i'm trying to put together a 400-or-so-mile section hike sometime late this summer/early fall.
So back to those 3 ideas. They are: 1, keep the inertia x pad, cut the ccf pad down to 40"x30", and get a 30* top quilt. 2, keep the inertia x pad, leave the ccf at home, and get a 30* mummy bag. Or 3, return the inertia x pad, buy a thermarest x-lite and get a 30* quilt. My reasoning is that the inertia x by itself probably would not work well with a quilt (all those holes on the bottom), but might work well combined with a smallish piece of ccf pad. I'm sure it'd be fine with a mummy bag, or conversely a quilt would be fine with a solid pad like the x-lite. I'm also thinking these assumptions apply to both hanging and ground sleeping. But of course i could be horribly wrong. That's why i'm asking you all.
To answer the obvious questions, all three options are comperable regarding total weight and cost (ranging 32-34 oz and $200-$250 additional expense). And yes, i definitely will experiment with the gear i've got once i get the hammock. But i've been waiting a month, for crying out lout, and i'm starting to get impatient. Plus, rei is having their anniversary sale, and 20% off on a pricy pad or bag would be pretty solid. So i'm trying to get a jump on this whole process. Any input/suggestions/opinions would be greatly appreciated.
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Originally Posted by Shug
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