I currently use a 3/8" closed cell foam pad for bottom insulation. In the morning there is quite a bit of condensation between the pad and my sleeping bag. I cannot justify the $$ for a down UQ at this time. I am looking for some alternative suggestions if any exist.

Start saving for a down under-quilt? :-)

Seriously, there are not many options in between CCF and an under-quilt. If you have a double layer hammock, you could try dry leaves (though I doubt it would work).

Here is a link to a DIY down U/Q thread on HammockForums.

I don't think there's an answer for that one. I use a cc foam pad too but slip it between the layers on my Warbonnet Blackbird so it doesn't come in contact with me. I use my bag like a topquilt with no problems.

Here's what I would do. Start an underquilt fund. Every Sunday (whatever day you choose) put a certain or minimum amount of money in the jar and keep a tally. Cut back on small things like shopping in gas stations or convenience stores. Eg: make your coffee at home instead of forking over $2.00 a cup at the store.

Know your savings target and use discipline a bit and I bet you'll be ordering that underquilt soon.

Please don't take this as condescending or anything. It's actually the method me and my wife use for similar "luxury" purchases and it works great. Just be aware of how you spend your dollar bills on the little things.

Unas
I know where you are at. A thick blanket between you and the pad will keep you from noticing the condensation as much as long at the blanket dries by the next night. That is still not as good as a under quilt. I have used a old sleeping bag as a under quilt. It was a cotton (= heavy) rectangular bag. I closed the zipper and hung it from the 4 corners to the ridge line of my tarp. I used prussic knots on the ridge line to hold the supports out near the edges of the tarp. Holding the supports out helped tighten the bag under the hammock. It worked well but was heave and bulky. Try a old blanket you have or check Good Will store for a blanket.

MP is correct. If you can get some heavy fabric between you and the ccf then there will be a little air flow. Condensation will be reduced a bit. Wool blanket would be best if you can find one.

The DIY sleeping bag underquilt can work in a pinch if weight isn't an issue. Try a pad inside your top bag too.

Magrockt picture reminded me of another thing I have used many times to add a little warmth. I carry a poncho in case of rain. It will unsnap to make a flat piece of nylon.

Poncho

Before I had a under quilt on a cold summer trip in desperation I used the poncho and it helped a lot. Now for a top quilt I use a summer sleeping bag. It packs to a little smaller than the size of my 2 fists so it is not much and on some summer nights I need a little more. I have found that covering my top quilt with that poncho makes a big difference.

'course, MP's fists have always been a bit larger than most...;)

I says it is my stomach that is a bit large.

I have the same thought as some others. My UQ was fashioned from a Coleman 3 in 1 Poncho I picked up at target. I folded it over at the shoulder end so I have a double layer there and it is quite warm. Cheap too.

quote OBX2Kayak: "Start saving for a down under-quilt? :-)

As a probable bit of sarcasm, I also recomment this. I've been where you are, and I know it takes time - but the UQ route is the best route. And, most of the best makers do an excellent job. Having just purchased a JacksRBetter Winternest, I can see why it's expensive - not only is the down expensive, but they sew it with no-see-um netting in the baffles (no seams are sewn through). It seems to be a very complicated product to create.

quote OBX2Kayak:Seriously, there are not many options in between CCF and an under-quilt. If you have a double layer hammock, you could try dry leaves (though I doubt it would work).

One more interim thought for you - using a partially-inflated sleeping pad on top of a cheap truck windshield reflector from Walmart (one that looks like shiny bubble wrap), along with a decent mummy bag got me to freezing pretty well, with not much condensation on it.