Two layer hammock or single layer.

**eth93** · 08-01-2013, 23:27

Hi all,

I'm looking at buying my first hammock. Where I'm from we don't have a massive selection of brands and I would prefer to buy local.

I'm currently looking at the DD Frontline and the Hennessy Expedition. Right not I'm leaning towards the DD purely because of the two layers so I have a place for my sleeping mat.

Is using a mat in a single layer hammock such a problem?

Cheers

**XTrekker** · 08-01-2013, 23:32

Yeah the 2nd layer helps some to keep the pad/mat in place while in the hammock. If you dont ever plan to use UQs then might as well get the DL Hammock

**aidanpryde18** · 08-01-2013, 23:58

Dual-layers are great for starting out, especially if you don't have the money to invest in a nice down UQ. I've slept comfortably in a dual-layer with a PLUQ and a blue pad underneath me down into the 20's.

Once you slide the pad into the middle and get in the hammock, it really gets locked into place and doesn't slide around.

The other thing that may be a benefit for you or not is that as a bigger guy, I would have needed to get a 1.9 ripstop single-layer hammock due to my weight. I was able to go with a 1.1 dual-layer which means that I only sacrificed .3 oz. per yard, not really a huge weight penalty. I'm not sure what the DD is made out of, but it's something to think about.

The best news though, is that you are buying a hammock. No matter what you choose, you are going to have a good time.

**Snopes** · 08-02-2013, 00:20

That is precisely why I bought my my DD Frontline. I originally going to buy the Hennessy but ended up with the DD hammock because I didn't want to spring for the under quilt. I now have a Hennessy as well and still no under quilt and it is a pain trying to stay on the pad. I am incredibly happy with my DD hammock, however I did change out the suspension and went with whoopie slings just because they are so darn convenient and easy to use.

**k5bpc** · 09-07-2013, 16:08

A mat in a single layer is a disaster, in my opinion.

Tried it once, never again

**dammfast** · 09-07-2013, 16:57

I only got a double because I found the hammock used for a price I could not pass up. That being said, I have used a pad in mine and have to say that it is way better with the two layers. In my single layer I had before it was a never ending struggle to stay on the pad. Even though I now use an underquilt I have no plans on ever using a single layer again.

**Floridahanger** · 09-07-2013, 17:33

Originally Posted by aidanpryde18

Dual-layers are great for starting out, especially if you don't have the money to invest in a nice down UQ. I've slept comfortably in a dual-layer with a PLUQ and a blue pad underneath me down into the 20's.

Once you slide the pad into the middle and get in the hammock, it really gets locked into place and doesn't slide around.

I made my first hammock a double layer but switched to single layer before it was too cold. I did take the SL with a pad on top and my sleeping bag as a pod system down to 25*. Not the most comfortable but doable. Better in a DL to keep from slidding around.

The best news though, is that you are buying a hammock. No matter what you choose, you are going to have a good time.

And, this speaks volumes. Dial your hammock in and it's always a win.

Happy hanging.

**Singingcrowsings** · 09-07-2013, 18:06

I've decided on a single layer, only because I can't see me using a pad - I can already sense the added comfort of the UQs.... I also thought until I get an UQ, I could easily use my current sleeping bag as a pod - it's a 0˚C (32˚F) and wide enough and has a zipper over the bottom of the footbed. But that's me.

**gunner76** · 09-08-2013, 10:13

Another advantage of a double layer hammock is that most skeeters can not bite thru the two layers

**Scottymac** · 09-09-2013, 11:01

I used a pad in my clark for a couple of years before I bought an underquilt. Make a segemented pad extender so you can keep your arms warm and you will be good to go!