Confused by all the pad options

**redrob** · 04-18-2011, 22:28

I see all kinds of pads for sale at REI, Academy, online, etc. and I am confused about the differences between them. There seem to be several lines of Thermarest pads whose prices are all over the map.

I live in Austin, TX and it never gets very cold here, but it gets really hot and humid during the summers. Last Saturday, I did a test hang in my backyard and it got down in the low fifties (unseasonably cold) and I had to go into the house for a couple of blankets and a foam pad (Coleman, I think) that we've had forever. Once I had the pad, it was warm enough, but it was awfully big for the inside of the hammock. Will a pad be necessary on sultry summer nights? Will I need a fan to stay cool? If so, what kind?

Thanks,
Rob

**Cannibal** · 04-18-2011, 22:39

The general consensus is 70°, or lower and you will need something under you. It varies a few degrees for the individual, but it's an excellent guide post.

I've spent a few nights in my Mom's backyard in Jollyville wishing I had a big ice chest opened below me. But mostly, your backside stays OK in the hammock since that breeze pulls the hot right off. The interior of the hammock can be another story and there will be nights you are downright thankful you have a fan. Just for the moving hot air, if for nothing else.

**redrob** · 04-18-2011, 23:19

What fans are worth having?

Thanks,
Rob

**Cannibal** · 04-18-2011, 23:24

Ah geez. I moved to Colorado from Florida so I wouldn't need a fan.

Here are a couple of older threads on the topic:
Hammock Fans
Fans

**redrob** · 04-20-2011, 20:25

Back to the original question, can someone explain the bewildering variety of pad options? I am trying to figure out what price point fits my needs.

Thanks,
Rob

**Trooper** · 04-20-2011, 20:40

For me, the simplest is the best--and a nice benefit is the cheapest. Simple Closed-Cell-Foam (CCF) pads work fine down to freezing, and can be had for a couple of dollars up to the Thermarest Ridgerest and Nunatak Lunapad around $40. Army surplus GI pads aren't much different than the ubiquitous blue pad found at a popular discount store.

You really need a CCF pad. They aren't as comfortable as an underquilt, but they are versatile, simple, and cheap. I use mine to work on the car, when gardening, and giving the infant a bath. They insulate and save your knees and back.

**PDA** · 04-21-2011, 10:36

+1 on the blue, closed cell foam pad from Walmart. $5.88. Waterproof, bomb proof, multi use and weighs next to nothing. I use one cut in half, then overlap longitudinally laced together with a bit of cord to be ca. 36" wide so that shoulders and hips are adequately insulated.

**lattie11581** · 04-21-2011, 11:02

IMHO Its All insulation ... different brands = different gimmicks, prices, marketing hype, bells and whistles etc... but some people say you have condensation issues with CCF. some don't. I have found that I have condensation with CCF but I didn't with an insulated air mattress . Its a related to my wallet vs how comfortable I am.