UQ Vs. pad in a bridge

**Ben Guss** · 05-18-2014, 00:33

Hi All,

For those of you in bridge hammocks do you find there is much of a comfort difference when utilizing a uq v. a pad?
Many thanks!
Ben

**stevebo** · 05-18-2014, 06:35

As long as your asking questions, I have one too----------do you get condensation with a pad? I've spent dozens of nights in a bridge with a UQ---very comfortable with no condensation. I've never tried a pad. (it would be nice to have the option to go to ground in an emergency situation, or when you cant find decent trees.................................)

**outdoorsguy** · 05-18-2014, 09:40

In the low 20's, I've gotten a pretty good amount of moisture with the pad. I'm wrapped up in heavy field and stream sleeping bag and in the morning it is very damp under me and the top of the pad is wet. But because the bag is so thick, none of it gets in with me. This in my RR.

I time my winter trips for sunny, cold weather, so I dry out the bag by hanging it on a bush in the sun while I day hike. The bag and of course the pad dry quick, so they are probably more very damp than wet. I also have another winter hammock (clark) and use it with UQ...I don't get any condensation with that no matter the temp.

But my pad is light, cheap, and very, very effective at keeping me warm in cold weather. Never any cold spots, just lay on it.

To the ops question, the pad in a bridge is very comfortable, to the point that I think its more comfortable with a pad than without. A pad and a bridge do go together IMO.

**2eez4life** · 05-18-2014, 13:24

Them are good words

**NordicNorm** · 05-19-2014, 08:57

+1 on damp but comfortable in RR w pad. I once left my bag to dry while day hiking only to find while it was sunny up on the high ridge where I hiked that my camp ended up in valley fog the 2nd half of the day, condensing and dripping on the bag. Yuk! LOL

**BillyBob58** · 05-19-2014, 13:37

Originally Posted by outdoorsguy

In the low 20's, I've gotten a pretty good amount of moisture with the pad. I'm wrapped up in heavy field and stream sleeping bag and in the morning it is very damp under me and the top of the pad is wet. But because the bag is so thick, none of it gets in with me. This in my RR.

I time my winter trips for sunny, cold weather, so I dry out the bag by hanging it on a bush in the sun while I day hike. The bag and of course the pad dry quick, so they are probably more very damp than wet. I also have another winter hammock (clark) and use it with UQ...I don't get any condensation with that no matter the temp.

But my pad is light, cheap, and very, very effective at keeping me warm in cold weather. Never any cold spots, just lay on it.

To the ops question, the pad in a bridge is very comfortable, to the point that I think its more comfortable with a pad than without. A pad and a bridge do go together IMO.

Now there is a statement that is rarely heard. Although I have heard it before in relation to BMBHs, especially because a pad can widen the shoulder areas quite a bit. I have used a 20" wide pad in a BMBH quite a bit when it is almost warm enough to use nothing, but then about 0400 or so I realize I need a little something, so I add a cut off short piece of WM blue pad. This has always worked fine, I don't really feel any added discomfort and I have stayed dry. Maybe because I am not on it all night?

But as for fighting sweat or condensation during the colder months, UQ pr pad I have that problem whipped into non-existence. I sleep in Stephensons Warmlite VB clothing with fuzzystuff lining. All my insulation or pads are bone dry no matter what is going on temp or humidity wise. I realize this approach is not for every one, and it is not for me all year long, but during the cold months I have been very comfortable with this approach, as well as dry!

**NordicNorm** · 05-19-2014, 15:00

Glad to hear that. Been curious re VBL. I had mixed results when I tried it on sox XC skiing, but my feet sweat like crazy.

**Ben Guss** · 05-19-2014, 16:21

For the price it doesn't sound that UQ are fairing well with the bridge crew...

As per the question about condensation, I've been suing a neo air and the onl bmbh and not had any issues.

Thanks for the thoughts!
Ben

**tdilf** · 05-30-2014, 20:18

I have only had a pad with my bridge hammock and never a problem with condensation.

Oh and to the original question: I like the pad because it provides a flatter lay. Without the pad there is some shoulder squeeze (for some) but the hammock is not as tippy because your center of gravity is lower.

**kayak4water** · 05-31-2014, 01:05

I'm another noob. I had the same questions when considering whether to DIY a bridge hammock. I've since acquired a greater level of comfort sleeping in even a 10' gathered end hammock (though I prefer the 11' hammock)

Nonetheless, I'm glad to see the questions answered, because using a pad in a bridge hammock makes going to ground much less unpleasant.

BTW, If someone with sewing skills owes you a favor, it didn't take me more than 4 hours to sew my first underquilt. It looks good and functions quite well. It also cost only $55 vs. the $$$ paid for a Neo Air xLight/XTherm or the $$ paid for an REI Flash. It also cost less than any ready made underquilt.