New Ridgerunner! Pad + Underquilt?

[jbogg]

So I am new to hammocks and backpacking. I recently received my first hammock, a WBRR, and am considering underquilt /pad options. I live in GA and plan on hiking the GA section of the AT in mid April. So far I have slept in the hammock for 5 nights indoors. I like the idea of a three season underquilt, but also like the comfort of a pad. Using a 25" pad feels like I have more shoulder room. Are there any pads that are breathable so I don't have to deal with condensation, while I rely on the quilt for warmth.

[nuttysquirrel]

All pads are vapor barriers. In very cold weather this may be a good thing( especially when used in conjunction with a UQ) to help prevent loss of loft due to condensation inside the uq.

[SilvrSurfr]

Pad = condensation.

[gmcttr]

... I like the idea of a three season underquilt, but also like the comfort of a pad. Using a 25" pad feels like I have more shoulder room. Are there any pads that are breathable so I don't have to deal with condensation, while I rely on the quilt for warmth.

I also like the opened up feel a 25" pad gives my WBRR but I don't like the slightly damp back when dressed lightly. I usually just use an UQ and find that I am most comfortable very slightly shifted towards my side.

[DoctaD]

I sometimes use an ensolite pad or a Thermarest mattress in a fleece sack which seems to work well. Have not had any issues with condensation down to around 28 degrees. Used with a 15 degr LLBean Down bag, unzipped and used as an over quilt. Not Perfect, but it I haven't gotten cold or wet yet.

[jbogg]

Thanks all. I am sleeping outside tonight for the first time. Haven't received my underquilt yet, so we will see how it goes with a pad. Read somewhere to stay away from wearing cotton while sleeping on a pad, so will do.

[dakotaross]

I never experienced any condensation with a pad, but I was using a downmat in the RR.

[old4hats]

My one and so far only time to use a pad in a hammock overnight resulted in so much condensation that it pooled up on the pad. My sleeping bag got a big wet spot. I at first thought that I had wet the bed but all my clothes were bone dry. I found it hard to believe. That was many years ago in one of those fish net type hammocks that sold for a couple of bucks and a thermarest pad. Since then there is no temptation, period.

[stevebo]

one advantage to a pad/UQ combo (if you can get it to work for you) is you would have the option to going to ground if you needed to. (cant really do that well with just an UQ!)

[mad goat]

Another benefit of a pad.... no need for an underquilt protector/bottom wind sock.

I use an 25" wide exped synmat UL7 for my ridgerunner, and I love it. Had it down to 25F with no problems.