I know this might seem like heresy here so just bear with me for a second. When I got my Blackbird last year it was a fairly big investment for me with the Superfly, so I decided I would just get the ccf for awhile. After sleeping in it both with and without the ccf now, I gotta say I kind of prefer it with the ccf. It spreads out the hammock a bit more so you don't feel quite so enclosed. Don't get me wrong, the sleeping bag is no where near as comfortable as I imagine both a top and bottom quilt would be, but the ccf kinda minimizes the claustrophobic effect (not that it is an issue for me). Is there anyone else who has similar feelings? Someday I'll still get the quilts, I just don't see it as an investment I need to hurry up and pull off now.

I have not used a ccf pad yet but I did use a BA rectangular inflatable for a number of nights last year. I get what you are saying about spreading the fabric out, the BA pad did a decent job of this. Without the pad though I've found with the side and shelf of my blackbird staked out Ithe fabric is far enough away from me. I also liked the pad inside the hammock directly under me as opposed to inbetween the layers(if you have a double layer). This made it easier for me to adjust the pad when I needed to. I would suppose a ccf pad stays put better than an inflatable though.

Do you get a clammy back at all with the ccf not being able to breath?

Two downsides to UQ/TQ's are the one, the price unless you go DIY and two, the limited availability to test them out and see how awesome they are:)

I really prefer the my underquilt to a pad. That pads not bad (he he) but the UQ gives you that real, unaltered hammock feel. Could just be a part of that is having it snuggle you a bit.

I do get what you are saying about having it spread out a bit. I like a little of that for getting in and out, etc. My DIY design has spreaders that open mine up just enough. If you tie out the bugnet/shelf on the blackbird that will spread it a bit.

I've seen those spreaders on yours in previous threads Merganser. That is a pretty slick setup you have there. I do tie out the shelf, but only occasionally tie out the zipper side now that I douse the fabric with permethrin so I really don't worry about zipping it closed during the day, but that is a good point.

I haven't had any issues yet with a clammy back from the ccf. I use a Thermarest Timberline that has the corrugated surface, maybe that makes a difference.

I started out with the WallyWorld blue ccf in my Blackbird. Then, I switched to a WallyWorld ccf yoga pad because its wider.

I finally purchased a UQ because it saved some weight and gave me more room in my pack. I do not regret the purchase.

When I first set up my hammock I tried various pads I had around and found they all gave me a greater sense of base and general comfort. I heard about not fully inflating the pad and did find that helped it snuggle into the hammock and was actually more comfortable. Other than the bulk I will likely always take the pad, but hope to be able to afford and under and over quilt with quality some day. Until then I will experiment with some things I have around home.

Heresy shmeresy...If you like it better, then do it! The hammock is for comfort. So however you are more comfortable is the "right" way.

I'm still using the ccf or air pads in mine down to 20*. At some point, I'd like to add an uq.

I got my Hammock Gear Incubator 20 +2 oz overstuff yesterday. I hung in the basement last night. HOT! I had to take the sleeping bag off in the middle of the night. Of course, my gear budget is pretty much shot for this year.

What are the best dimensions for a modified ccf pad? Should it start at the top of my head and extend just below my butt? Do the wings start at the head and extend to, well, I guess whatever the width of the pad is, given that the wings will be cut off from the bottom? It seems they should extend to about my elbows.

TH - On Hammockforums there are a bunch of DIY instructions for various SPEs. For me, I wanted my shoulder area to be 36" at least and I just used a regular ccf pad for length , I think 60" or 66".

quote jcavenagh: "TH - On Hammockforums there are a bunch of DIY instructions for various SPEs. For me, I wanted my shoulder area to be 36" at least and I just used a regular ccf pad for length , I think 60" or 66"."

JC, I've been spending plenty of time on HF, but I knew I could get a quick and reliable response over here. I take it you use them in the BW, even in August? I think it should be sufficient, no UQ this first time.

pad vs. UQ
Hmmm. That could be interpreted as a call for a inie verses outie discussion.

quote MagicPaddler: "pad vs. UQ
Hmmm. That could be interpreted as a call for a inie verses outie discussion.
"

+1 LMAO.......

th - Well, I used the pad last spring on some overnights. But then I got a synthetic UQ that I used on last summer's canoe trip. Really, the UQ is much more comfortable in my opinion. But, storm feels the pad is better, so for storm, it is.
Now, if I do any real winter hanging, I think I'll have a pad with me. It is like the stretchy pants, you know....just for fun!

quote KevinL: "

quote MagicPaddler: "pad vs. UQ
Hmmm. That could be interpreted as a call for a inie verses outie discussion.
"

+1 LMAO......."

+2 Big smile.