Self inflating pads

**mitch** · 03-13-2009, 21:00

I read somewhere on this site that SIP's were not the best for hammocks. It would seem to me that they would work good at keeping the sides from wrapping around you. Mine is 24 x72 x 2. Of course, I haven't received my Claytor JH yet to try it out. What is your experiences wtht SIP's?

**Roadtorque** · 03-13-2009, 21:17

I believe your claytor has a "pad pocket" which should help the typical complaint of pad slippage. Try it out, if you like it use it, if not save your pennies for an underquilt

**deadeye** · 03-13-2009, 21:25

The pad isn't stiff enough to avoid feeling like the inside of a taco, which is why I like my HH - it doesn't squeeeze me. However, it's perfect for summer hammocking - just right warmth, and useful for sleeping on the ground.

**warbonnetguy** · 03-13-2009, 21:29

24" might be a bit narrow for a hammock. especially in cold weather, folks like a wider pad to insulate the shoulders. a good hammock is more comfy without a pad (imo), i think most (but not everyone) here will agree.

**Take-a-knee** · 03-13-2009, 21:35

A thermarest will "squirt" out from under you in a hammock, I woke up with mine sideways the first time I used it in my Hennessy, with everything not on the pad half frozen. If you want to use a thermarest in a hammock, a Segmented Pad Extender from Speer Hammocks is the way to go.

http://www.speerhammocks.com/Products/SPE.htm

I'm 5'8"/163# and the 2X2 works great for me, cut up an old CCF pad for the wings or use Reflectix, no cold elbows. With the SPE you can stack two pads and hammock well below freezing.

**neo** · 03-13-2009, 21:58

Originally Posted by mitch

I read somewhere on this site that SIP's were not the best for hammocks. It would seem to me that they would work good at keeping the sides from wrapping around you. Mine is 24 x72 x 2. Of course, I haven't received my Claytor JH yet to try it out. What is your experiences wtht SIP's?

i use a 72 x 20 ultralite military thermarest in my claytor jungle hammock

neo

**lori** · 03-13-2009, 22:12

Partial inflation might help... but the evazote 40+ inch wide pad from Gossamer Gear works better. It's flexible and grippy. The 24" blue ccf with some silicon stripes on the bottom works fairly well if you are on a diagonal. Pad pockets help with this a lot.

**Rushthezeppelin** · 03-14-2009, 00:08

On problem I've noticed with the thermarests is that since alot of your weight is focused on your butt it tends to squish the insulation there giving you CBS. Used in conjunction with a cheapo walmart pad works great though.....get the extra wide $10 one and it will give you shoulder coverage.....you can even cut it from the waist down if you want since you won't have problems there (unless your a side sleeper).

**locorogue** · 03-14-2009, 01:41

i'll be uploading a vid this week of a creation my friend Dan & i made, and tested today that should solve most pad slippage. After we made our creation i looked online to see if anyone else had made what we did. The only thing close is thermarest made a "fitted sheet"(hint) for their pads, ours falls into that category, but with an original idea that stops pad slippage. hope to have the vid up soon.

Check out my other vid per a micro alcohol stove.

**rigidpsycho** · 03-14-2009, 10:59

I use a self inflating pad and have not had any problems with slippage. You really don't want it to be fully inflated though, it makes you feel like you are sleeping on a balloon. What I do is put it in the hammock and let it fully inflate, close the valve then hop in lay on pad and start to release air until I have it right where I like it.