Selecting a Pad

**TimBarry** · 02-02-2007, 21:18

First off...I was pointed in this forums direction by Perkolady and I would like to thank her for that...onward

I'm planning a LT end to end in May and I'm looking for a pad to go w/ my HH while I realize I might be able to get by w/out the extra insulation I figure is is still going to be rather cool at night in May and also my pack (GG virga) needs some sort of support which would come in the form of my pad. I'm trying to decide among the many choices which would be best. I would like to keep it as light as possible while addressing my main issues: pack support, isulation, and comfort in the hammock.

I was looking @ a TR prolite 3/4 but I'm not sold because i don't know any help is appreciated.
Slainte,
Tim

**FanaticFringer** · 02-02-2007, 21:58

Welcome to the site.
Might check these out:
http://www.gossamergear.com/cgi-bin/...ing/index.html

**cargousa** · 02-02-2007, 22:06

If you go with the therma rest, seems the best way to use em is barely inflated, in the hammock that is <g>. This was the route I was going to go but a $6 wally world pad hit the right price point. If you go the CCF route you may want a wider pad for the hammock (24" or so) not sure if this will fit in your pack as a support.

--cargo

--cargo

**blackbishop351** · 02-02-2007, 22:42

Originally Posted by TimBarry

First off...I was pointed in this forums direction by Perkolady and I would like to thank her for that...onward

I'm planning a LT end to end in May and I'm looking for a pad to go w/ my HH while I realize I might be able to get by w/out the extra insulation I figure is is still going to be rather cool at night in May and also my pack (GG virga) needs some sort of support which would come in the form of my pad. I'm trying to decide among the many choices which would be best. I would like to keep it as light as possible while addressing my main issues: pack support, isulation, and comfort in the hammock.

I was looking @ a TR prolite 3/4 but I'm not sold because i don't know any help is appreciated.
Slainte,
Tim

I've heard some cautions against using the Prolite in a hammock. It seems it might not insulate too well, for the same reason a Z-rest might not - the large air pockets both pads create insulate well on the ground because the air in them can't move. In a hammock, the air in the large pockets can move pretty freely. I don't own a Prolite, but I can vouch for this being an issue with the Z-rest and I think the same principles should apply.

On the other hand, my 3/4 length 1" 'normal' TR works great in my hammock. Very warm. I just don't like the weight.

**Coffee** · 02-03-2007, 00:00

Welcome to this site.

I just to use a HH with just a cheap ccp from walmart. I rounded the corners to make it a little easier to put in and take out.

Somewhere around 60 or 70 I needed something underneath me.

**Perkolady** · 02-03-2007, 00:01

Hi Tim,

Glad you made it!

These are some testing maniacs here, as I'm sure you'll see when you go thru posts.

These guys should be able to give you some great info...

Welcome to Hammock Forums!

Perkolady

**neo** · 02-03-2007, 00:03

i use this pad,a military closed cell pad trimmed down 60 in long and on the corners,i have used it down to the single digits with my tom claytor double bottom jungle hammock

neo

http://www.rddusa.com/product_info.p...roducts_id=447

**Coffee** · 02-03-2007, 00:13

Originally Posted by TimBarry

First off...I was pointed in this forums direction by Perkolady and I would like to thank her for that...onward

I'm planning a LT end to end in May and I'm looking for a pad to go w/ my HH while I realize I might be able to get by w/out the extra insulation I figure is is still going to be rather cool at night in May and also my pack (GG virga) needs some sort of support which would come in the form of my pad. I'm trying to decide among the many choices which would be best. I would like to keep it as light as possible while addressing my main issues: pack support, isulation, and comfort in the hammock.

I was looking @ a TR prolite 3/4 but I'm not sold because i don't know any help is appreciated.
Slainte,
Tim

I forgot to add, I did the northern 80 miles of the LT SOBO last October. It was coldish and there really wasn't that many people around. A great hike. Let me now if you have any questions.

A couple things.

You can stay in the ski resort warming huts if you want.

I can't remember the name, but the northern one will let thru-hikers with the cable car down to the bottom for free. There is also a place you can stay at the top in the building where the sky car comes up to. Someone on WB told me about this and the weird way you can get in. I did not stay there though. Let me know if you are interested. They only run the ski car on weekends in the off season but they can take mail drops . You have to walk down if they are not running. I'll post the name later.

One of the cartakers let me hang inside of the Lodge for the night. If they are not full, they will let you. You can stealth camp. I just wanted someone to talk to after 3 days alone.

If the mountain is not a tourist area, there will be about 8 blazes total for the way up, over, and down the mountain. And the trail will resemble a stream bed. This was fun with snow on the ground.

Have fun on your trip.

**Just Jeff** · 02-03-2007, 09:38

Whatever pad you choose, be sure to test it first to make sure it's wide enough. Check out the Speer SPE to fix the shoulder/hip wrap issue.

**TimBarry** · 02-03-2007, 11:21

In regards to the GG thin light...do they come in wide...because what I'm hearing is that the 19.5" probably won't be wide enough for me...thank you for all the input