Trees and ground trip – what pad to use?

[Bob Shuff]

I’m planning a trip with some scouts to Catalina in June.  I’m pretty sure I won’t have trees for hammock camping some nights, but I want to bring the hammock in case I luck out with a pole or rocks, etc.  I will have hiking poles – fixed length 120cm BD Carbon.

Weather should be temperate (low to high 50s at night – mid 60s to mid 70s during the day).  It can be quite misty or even drizzly with the cloud cover so I do plan to have a tarp.  I have an HG standard tarp and Hammeck Netty that I plan to bring.  I’ve never used this as a bug bivy, so wanted to get any advice from hammock campers that have gone to ground when necessary.

I have a Neoair Xlite regular (70×20 in) @12oz, and some older RidgeRest sleeping pads in both small and regular, maybe even a Zrest somewhere in the garage.  I’ve never tried to use these for bottom insulation in my hammock, because I have nice down under quilts.

First question is what pad to use?  Will one of these be sufficient in the relatively warm temps?  I know dedicated hammock pads often have wings for wider coverage.  I would probably prefer the Neoair Xlite for the cushioning unless there’s a reason to use the closed cell foam pads.

2nd question, how well do gathered end hammocks work as essentially bug bivies with a standard tarp and 120cm poles?

3rd question since I’ve seen so many flat tarps for sale.  Is something like a 8.5 x 8.5 flat tarp worth the investment?  I think it would be would be heavier than by 11′ Hammock Gear tarp, but could be used on the diagonal for the hammock and maybe more flexibly if sleeping on the ground.  Has anyone found a value in having both?

Thanks in advance for your advice and feedback.

Slbear (Bob)

[Ben C]

Any of the pads will be plenty warm in those temps.  I would take the Xlite for comfort.

[Bob Shuff]

Thanks Ben,

Do you think I need to diy some wings or maybe just use a jacket?. I’ll have an EE top quilt.

I assume you only partially inflate the pad while in the hammock.

[Ben C]

Bob, I’m sorry.  I thought you were going to use it on the ground.

[Bob Shuff]

Ideally something that works for both.  I don’t want to carry bottom quilt and pad.

Definitely would pick the NeoAir for the ground, and hoping it’s adequate for the hammock.

[Matthew / BPL]

Not the same conditions but I’ve thought about hammocking the JMT and I’d use my 20° Burrow UQ and take a shorty NeoAir for the couple nights I go to ground.

[Author]

Posts