Pad For Hammocks?

Get the widest pad you can find. Wally World CCF pad is a great start, then get one of these:

http://www.speerhammocks.com/Products/SPE.htm

Matt

Gossamer Gear has wide pads for hammocks. They are thin but I combine it with a narrow pad for temps below 45F – having the wide pad under the narrow one gives you some warmth if an arm or leg strays off the narrow. (When I use pads, that is.) I think your Ether Thermo will be fine, I have used 20" wide pad in the Blackbird – you might find it needs a little tweaking to find "your" angle on the diagonal. You can also use the Ether Thermo in the SPE, just add the little bits of foam in the wings.

Most of the time I use an underquilt, unless I expect to have to sleep on the ground, tho.

So this just slips on to another mat? I don't really get it.

All the pad extender does is create a wider insulation layer than the standard 20" sleeping pad. You can use a foam pad or put a Thermarest or other self inflating in it. It's a sleeve with "bumpers" on the sides.

I don't use a pad in a hammock, don't like them. I sleep hot, pads don't breathe. So your sweat stays with you with pads (for me). Tried it, just didn't work for me. It's why I don't like 3/4 quilts (have to get on hammockforums one of these days and sell my Yeti and Winter Yeti). I just prefer to use a full underquilt with no pad. And it gives me the best backcountry sleep I've ever had. And I've hammocked down to 3 degrees so far.

to Douglas

do you use the underquilt underneath the hammock?

An underquilt hangs beneath and outside your hammock, against the bottom, with the insulation uncompressed by your body weight. It is hands down more comfortable than pads.

I have full length and 3/4 length underquilts – have yet to try the 3/4 but the full length are very warm and comfortable indeed.

+1 to Lori's last post!

i love my winter yeti and had condensation problems with pads. by the way douglas, how much do you want for your yetis?

A pad in a hammock is only needed if you want warmth from drafts underneath.
If the pad is not wide enough like standard 20", they will slip out from under you and be a nuisance. An underquilt or somehow suspending the pad outside and below you works better. In summer a piece of nylon held underneath with shockcird works to block draft.
I became a big fan of the double layer hammock. A pad fits nicely. or store extra clothes underneath you to block drafts.

http://www.imrisk.com/zhammock/zhammock.htm

Suspending a pad under you doesn't work, unless it's one of the flexible open cell type that Hennessy uses. Underquilts work because they can mold to the hammock bottom without air pockets.

I have successfully used a 20" wide pad in a Blackbird with the second layer to form a pad pocket. A double layer hammock makes pads easier to use.

Generally, if it's 65-70F or colder, you do need something for insulation. A neat sheet works. So does a military poncho. I'm a cold blooded chick, I use the 3 season underquilt year round unless I'm expecting anything below 25F. Easy enough to vent if it's warm. Trips into the Sierras can mean starting out at lower elevations and traveling up until the temps at night are mid-30s, so it's good to have something that works across a wide span of temps.

kohl really it comes down to your cash flow. if you are short on it, then a pad will work just fine. as others have suggested, try to get one at least 24" wide. best solution would be 40" as someone else stated

if you have a decent amount of cash then an underquilt is a nicer solution.
perfecttrees.com
warbonnetoutdoors.com
jacksrbetter.com
arrowheadequipment.webs.com

you won't go wrong at any of those places

these have been recommended as ccf pads similar to the gossamer gear pads..

http://www.a1foamandfabrics.com/site/department.cfm?id=D6354BAD-9988-4E80-A35B848624430181

http://www.foambymail.com/Minicel.html

I have the deluxe Yetis. $190 for the 3-season, $200 for the winter.