I've read so much on under cover for my new hammock, and I'm still not sure what direction to go. My reason for a hammock was getting smaller and lighter, but I don't seem to be shedding much of either .

Strictly May-June.

On the ground I go out with a 3/4 length 1.75 REI pad, a 30* cheap rectangular bag (30* being an optimistic rating) long johns and a thin bag liner if it's cold.

What advice do you have for my gear? Cheap first, light second, compact third are my priorities.

I attempt to make decisions based on guiding principles. May and June can have cold nights, frost and even ice. Primary heat loss is associated with areas not insulated and the hammock itself offers very poor insulation. Ground sleeping has the insulation effects of the ground itself, unless it is cold, and reduces the effects of wind chill. Surround yourself with the insulation necessary to stay warm.

I use a full length pad for now with intent to get a full length underquilt prior to my fall trip. It is big and bulky and hassle, but with the pad, a 20 degree bag I use more as overquilt and an army poncho liner I have slept in high 20's and mild wind comfortably. But again the principle is everyone sleeps at different temperatures. I cannot sleep with cold feet so do not want my feet hanging over a shorter pad. I also wear a stocking cap when colder and warmer clothing including some really nice heavy socks.

Like you, I am summer only.

I have been using my exped sleeping pad in the hammock, slightly inflated. Like others I get cold shoulders (at times) or the pad is not perfectly under me by morning.

This year I am going to try some closed cell foam. 1/8 inch thick. I bought two yards from the link below. It was cheap enough. It is really wide and I can cut/shape it for an exact fit.

I don't hang enough to justify an under quilt. Not yet anyway.

A1 Foam Pads

This is what I'm working on as soon as the cord comes in.



I found it over on the Hammock Forum

quote sweeper: "This is what I'm working on as soon as the cord comes in.



I found it over on the Hammock Forum"

Looks pretty complicated for my little brain. Do you insulate it with anything?

pluq instructions


A friend used insultex for insulation on his. I have 4 poncho liners I recently got off hammock forums but can't find the insultex to make them without buying a roll of 100 ft.