Cutting a Pad for a Hammock

[@OldNavajoTricks]

One thing I sometimes do in the garden sling is put a pad in a secondary hammock set underneath the main, you can also hoy in any insulatives you have as well, clothing/blankets etc, I have some burlap camo and old bedding sheets (usually used for painting) in there at the moment. All insulation counts and stacks 👍

[@volleytheory]

I appreciate you showing hammock pads, but we both know an under quilt is the way to go. If I had my journey to do all over again, I’d pony up the money at the start. I’d also buy the Ultimate Hang at the beginning of my hammock journey. It was fun, but the time I could have saved and the immediate comfort I could have enjoyed… oh, well. Thanks goodness we have you and Shug to give us all choices to suit any budget. 🤘

[@greggriffin13]

Hey Derek, thanks for the helpful tips! I'm curious to learn if you have any interest or connections regarding a hammock accessory I've created to make my hammock experience more enjoyable. Can you point me in the right direction?

[@Monty439]

I used pads in a homemade segmented pad extender (SPE) for several years before making simple underquilts from the $20 Costo down blankets. Cost was a factor for me.

[@DerekHansen]

I did the same! Cost was also a challenge for me. Synthetic quilts are typically less expensive and easier to DIY if you have the basic sewing skills to make them. I have instructions in my book for making basic under quilts that don't require much sewing either. Lots of great options!

[@melbolt65]

Nice and simple, good idea. I now mostly use an UQ but I'm sure this will help some beginners who aren't ready to start accumulating tons of new gear before they're sure hammock camping is for them yet or is on a budget and accumulates gear bit by bit over time like me. I used pads for several years before making the switch and sometimes I still miss the simplicity and reliability of them. Shoulder chill was always the struggle though. I made a segmented pad extender (SPE) but found it took away the simplicity of using a pad. I considered doing something similar to what you showed but also using a small piece of duct tape on site to make the "T" shaped pad conjoined. I personally was plenty comfortable even with a pad, just had to be a little more precise with my positioning.

[@DerekHansen]

Agreed on all points.

[@better.better]

for the winter I have a piece of 36in wide reflectix that I doubled up and cut into kind of a boat shape. works great other than the condensation, but typically I put it into my underquilt in hopes that when I get out of my hammock the air can hit it to dry it off. in the super cold the condensation just freezes before it can dry off, but once it's frozen I can usually just knock it off. before I started doing that I slept directly on it as a pad in the hammock the way you're showing, and even cut into a boat shape it would never stay put. when I'm not using it in my hammock, I fold it up to replace the padding in my backpack. it's actually time for a new one, the silver is all worn off of it, not that I need it now with a -40°f quilt set.

[@iceman857]

Does anyone make a commercial SPE?

[@DerekHansen]

@@iceman857 ENO used to offer a SPE (pad extender that could slip over a pad) but I haven't seen one commercially available for some time.

[@mr.somebody1493]

What if you cut it like a motorcycle knee armor insert ?

[@DerekHansen]

Hey, now you're talking!

[@mr.somebody1493]

@@DerekHansen Similar to Oxford brand

[@vagstephanou_videos]

How about attaching them under the hammock at shoulder and torso height? would that work?

[@RicMor200]

That would work, but it'd probably require some form of sewing or modification to the hammock itself in order to make it work. There are double-layer hammocks out there designed for more strength, but which also allow you to slide a pad between the layers. I think what Derek is demonstrating here is a quick and easy insulation option for someone who is new to hammocking and isn't ready to dish out the cash to get an underquilt. In a way, using a pad in a hammock is the camping equivalent of crashing in someone's couch. It's not as comfortable as having your own bed at a hotel, but it's better than having to sleep on the floor.

[@vagstephanou_videos]

@@RicMor200 I was thinking attaching them with clamps or some kind of bungee cord, kind of like an underquilt

[@RicMor200]

You must be visualizing this in a way I can't for some reason. The way I picture it, while a typical underquilt will wrap around your shoulders, thus insulating you from the bottom and sides, the pad barely fits the width of your back. Trying to keep that pad under you with bungees might turn out to be a challenge. Also when you get in the hammock, your body weight will make the edge of the pad curve in some places creating gaps that would in turn allow cold drafts in.

[@DerekHansen]

I will say "no". Mapping a stiff, rectangular pad to the underside of a hammock would be less effective. You would create all kinds of air gaps that would negate the insulative intent. But this is exactly how under quilts came into being! Attaching insulation to the outside of the hammock is a superior design. I agree with Rick that a double-layer hammock is another excellent option for pad-type insulation. Essentially you have two hammocks sewn together with a gap on one side where you can slide in the pad that then gets sandwiched between the fabric layers. This keeps the pad in place (more or less) with less hassle.

[@vagstephanou_videos]

@@DerekHansen I was imagining it piece wise, like this video, just a piece for the shoulders and another one length wise. But yes, it's a stretch

[@eckartbeutel6699]

Is it not easier to get a bridge hammock or a Amok Draumr or a Cross Hammock?

[@DerekHansen]

Of course! But this video isn't about using a pad in a bridge or similar "flat" hammock. That would be too easy!

[@notquiteultralight1701]

Aaand not everyone can afford a $600 amok setup

[@OldNavajoTricks]

I'd rather know how to do something than be able to buy something 😂

[@notquiteultralight1701]

@@OldNavajoTricks well said!!

[@bjrichard1292]

I use a body pillow, works for sleepover for my grand. Im trying to find something to cover 4 large squares on ends of legs. If you trip on one of these it's murder. I hv 2 hammocks one on balcony & one in my den. Stand is.made of hard wood. Want to.protect kids from tripping over them it's painful I know!

[@better.better]

you forgot to mention the lack of breathability as one of the "cons". and here I thought you were going to use your graphic art skills to cut 2 "orange peel*" wedges at the head and foot so that it would conform to the lay

[@msilverhammer]

One of the most uncomfortable and awkward looking devices I have ever seen. Try using that pad and a sleeping bag at the same time. Klymit makes the Hammock V sleeping pad, specifically designed, and shaped for use in hammocks, including a non slip or slide surface.

[@DerekHansen]

Hopefully you didn't skip the intro where I agree with you, in part. Pads are generally less comfortable, but still usable in some circumstances. The purpose of this video is looking at a specific use case: a closed-cell foam pad, not all pads, or even pads that are specifically designed for hammocks. I hope this helps.