Hammock / Staying warm / on a budget / How to use a inflatable and a closed foam pad in the hammock

Thinking about trying a hammock to replace the tent. But you don't want to spend a lot of money to see if hammock camping is going to work for you. In this episode. We are going to look at ways to stay warm underneath you. Which is one of the challenges of camping with a hammock.

[@dennishansen4053]

What a great video, well done. Keep up that good work ❤

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

Thank you Dennishansen so much. I really appreciate it.

[@backpackingadventures4813]

Great points. When I started hammock camping years ago I started out with my sleeping bag and my sleeping pad. Worked pretty well and didn’t cost me a thing additional. Ut that’s because I was a tent camper and already had a pad. It the underquilt is the way to go. I agree with you, if you need to get a sleeping pad you may as well look into an under quilt.

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

The under quilt is a game changer! Thank you Dan form watching. I hope you are considering the Continental Trail next year.

[@backpackingadventures4813]

@@AdventureswiththeMarine thanks Marine. I am considering it. I replied to your original comment on your other video several times but my comment keeps getting removed.

[@backpackingadventures4813]

@@AdventureswiththeMarine I posted comments previously to your original comment with my email address so we can work on details but like I said, the comments get removed. Maybe it doesn’t like the email address in the comment?

[@hemiihemm]

Great!

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

Thank you Hemiihemm for watching. Much appreciated.

[@paullarsen1072]

This video is very helpful for beginner hammockers. There are more expensives routes to take, like a top quilt, but I like how you showed how anyone can essentially convert there existing mummy bag into a top quilt. The Hennessy 4 season has been a great affordable option for my family since we have 5 camping, but I do have a 0F underquilt for myself for winter hikes. The Hennessy will get you down to 40F no problem. Another helpful trick we have used has been hand warmers to throw in the foot box, and under you back... it's amazing how that little bit of heat helps.

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

Thank you Paullarsen for sharing that. Much appreciated!

[@kalongerber]

Finally got myself an under quilt, synthetic one by Onewind. Bulkier than down but that's the trade off for being more affordable. Previously I was using a synthetic sleeping bag, but I would it to work quite well just putting the pad inside the bag. Less shifting around that way.

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

I love it! That is a great progression from pad to an under quilt. I am thinking on getting one myself, for testing out for the viewers. Have you taken it out on a trip yet? If so what are your thoughts?

[@kalongerber]

@@AdventureswiththeMarine Not very cool nights with the muggy August days we have been having lately in MN but it did get tested last weekend. Certainly more than adequate to take off what little chill there was. It did take me a little time to realize they strung up the plastic tensioners backwards out of the factory. So I had to untie the knots and flip them around before they would hold up. Other than that and the bulk that comes with synthetic, they seem well thought out and good quality. I am considering getting a double layer hammock at some point. I really do feel that even on warm nights, I would like to have some kind of insulation under me to keep my shoulders warm. Even if its just a thin bit of Reflectix.

[@mandela7147]

@@AdventureswiththeMarine after getting an UQ myself i cant ever go back to a pad. I feel like the pad robs you of some of the best comfort factors of a hammock, like the support it gives to the entire body, and especially the breathability of the fabric!. It also feels like you are suspended in a blanket instead of the plasticky wierdness from the pad imo. Its more finicky to "get right" but when you do its much better at keeping you warm, again your butt wont get cold and you will feel a "enveloping warmth" all around you.

[@michaelvancini4616]

Another great video Marine. How about demonstrating from start to finish on how to attach and adjust the under quilt, and how to attach and adjust an underquilt protector. Not sure if you have already done so but look forward to it

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

Will do! Do you mind if I use your Name and Question in a Q&A episode?

[@michaelvancini4616]

@BackpackingWithaHammock yes Marine absolutely you can use my name thank you...

[@purpledragondc7532]

Just found your channel 🥳🥳🥳🥳

[@steveblunt9532]

Great tips. I have a British Army Snugpak Softie Suit which is basically a suit made with loft like a sleeping bag and packs down to the same size. You can wear either jacket or pants over clothes or just with a base layer, walk about wearing it on cold nights and then flop into the hammock. Warm down to minus 5C and you can be out of the hammock in a few seconds and still keep warm making a coffee. Zips down the whole length of each leg of the pants to get on/off. I slip a short Thermarest Neoair Xlite R4.2 underneath and a foam pad on top if required.

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

Thank you Steveblunt for sharing. Good stuff!

[@singlegirl1993]

your video is very good. great youtube❤❤❤❤

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

Thank you Phamtuyetmai so much for watching. I really do appreciate it.

[@singlegirl1993]

@@AdventureswiththeMarine where do you come from ?

[@utubeape]

Great tips. I didn't know what I was doing when I was first hammock camping, and worked out that some sort of cape for my back was required, so I sewed synthetic sheepskin onto same size nylon and 2 shoulder straps to make a short cape. It worked well but then my shoulders were still cold, I wish I had your idea of the foldup foil pad. I tried adding carpet underlay for some shoulder warmers but they tore off during the night. I wonder if a custom made sheet of carpet underlay would work as well as a foam mat - the underlay is a bit more flexible and has a more grippy surface

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

I love the way you are thinking and improvising. Never stop! Thank you Utubeape for sharing that. Good stuff!

[@SkitterComic]

"Come on, man!" LOL..... With regard to foam pads, before I even knew they existed, I got the idea to try using a roll of tool box liner. It's super compact and probably cheaper. And it worked surprisingly well in very cold conditions.

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

The tool box liner is a new one for me. Thank you John for sharing that. If you didn't I would of said : "COME ON MAN "

[@SubZero-pi4jr]

My issue with pads inside is I tend to roll off them and get cold. My next purchase is an UQ for sure

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

After getting a hammock that fits you. The next investment, before anything else would be an under quilt. Under till then. Don't let that stop you from getting out. Try another foam mat under you upper body. I believe to will help you a lot. thank you SubZero-pi4jr for watching. I really appreciate it.

[@ja2595]

You can help prevent that by cutting a foam pad to the shape and size of your sleeping bag. Just leave an inch or so extra going all the way around. Then, slide your pad inside your bag. That's what I did. I use a three seasons UQ and my pad during winter with no issues.

[@oxfordblaze4392]

Thanks!! Great tips.

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

You're so welcome! Thank you Oxfordblaze for watching.

[@EarthTrips]

Awesome video !! So helpful!!

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

Glad it was helpful! Thank you EarthTrips for watching. I really appreciate it.

[@NorfolknStealth]

Helpful. Cheers..

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

Glad to hear! Thank you NorfolknStealth so much for watching. I really appreciate it.

[@Droptineful]

Great info as always! Thanks for sharing!👍🏻🇺🇸

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

Thank you Droptineful so much for watching. Much appreciated!

[@GemintheMud]

Brilliant. Thanks sommuch for the inspiration!

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

Thank you GemmaBoydMusicianWriterArtist so much for watching. I really do appreciate it.

[@belltentlife]

Great info! Thanks for sharing 🙂

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

Thank you Belltentlife for watching. I really appreciate it.

[@jerryg957]

Nice tips Marine.

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

Glad you like them! Thank you sir.

[@doomvanhardcore8313]

I use a Big Anges qcore slx in a cheap hammock. Stuff a sweater at the footend and the pad doesn't move an inch. The pad is very big and imo the best inflatable one on the market. Waiting for the warbonnet ridgerunner to go on sale. A much cheaper option then a UQ is too make your own. Easy to turn a wool blanket or a low cost down sleeping bag into one with some shock cord and mitten hooks

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

Someday. I would love to make my own under quilt. Thank you Doomvanhardcore for sharing that. Good stuff!

[@brandonmason8914]

I agree...I use a Kifaru Doobie as an UQ with shock cord and lightweight carabiners... works great!

[@nathanmyst378]

the post credits will have you rivaling marvel soon, keep the tips coming marine im sure youre reinforcing the minds of new hammockers that wouldnt know this until they find out the hard way like many of us have, we dont give up so easy though aye ✊

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

It seems that, through out life. I have always learned the hard way. Those where the best lessons! Thank you Nathanmyst for watching. much appreciated.

[@richjoebushcraft]

Great tips! Joe and I have been wanting to try hammock camping, so these tips help.

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

Glad it was helpful! I believe when you get a hammock that fits you. And have good insolation underneath. You are never going to take that tent again. Thank you Richjoebushcraft for watching. I really appreciate it.

[@AirstripBum]

I do brother! I appreciate this for sure! 😎

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

Thank you AirstripBum so much for watching. I always appreciate it.

[@BosomBuddyCreations]

Nice video. And yes I did appreciate it :)

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

Sorry Jill Marie. No Henry sighting. I will make it up next week.

[@notquiteultralight1701]

Hey this is good stuff marine! I tried the reflectix and then the ensolite pad in between the two layers of my ddhammocks frontline and was a little chilly in about 50 deg. I then put the mat directly underneath my bag and with the extra structure of two layers, the ridgerest stayed in place and I ended up sleeping pretty warm. Its weird and counterintuitive. I’m gonna get an underblanket at some point but for now this is working. Great to see you sir. You take care. NQU

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

Always do what works for you. But I do believe an underquilt is a good investment. They are starting to make them with synthetic insolation. Which will bring the cost down dramatically. Thank you Notquiteultralight for watching. I always appreciate it.

[@notquiteultralight1701]

@@AdventureswiththeMarine hey there again sir. As summer winds down, I couldn’t help but think about winter hammocking. How do you guys keep your boots from freezing when you guys go out in the deep freeze? With a tent it’s pretty easy. You put them in a contractor bag and put them in your bag at night. Just wondering because of the highly ventilated aspect of winter hammock camping. Thanks again. Take care.

[@manuelmetallica]

I appreciate it, thanks

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

Thank you Manuelmetallica for watching. Much appreciated!

[@HighRoad317]

Excellent content….. thanks for mentioning reflective materials. I am constructing a under quite reflective shell for me cold weather needs..

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

Thank you HighRoad for watching. I really appreciate it.

[@margaretclemens9553]

I put my folded wool blanket down, then throw my sleeping bag in and it works great

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

I love it. Always improvise and find what works best for you. So you can enjoy the great outdoors. Thank you Margaretclemens for watching. I really appreciate it.

[@elizabeththompson4424]

I don't like inflatable stuff in the wilderness had too many issues with air retention I'm thinking an under-quilt... EXACTLY! I started using my old mummy bag as a sleeping quilt I've gotten a bit heavier & claustrophobic in my old age

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

The under quilt is a great investment. I high recommend them. Game Changer! Thank you Elizabeth for watching. I really do appreciate it.

[@kennethwilson8633]

Pads work great in a cot take that from another grunt …Old tired of humping and car camping nowadays…Have fun stay safe.

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

I have a nephew that went through the whole Iraq war. He says that he will never go on a trip with me. Because his humping days are done. Thank you Kenneth for watching. Semper Fi!

[@Outdorsenit]

Great video! Thanks so much! I have a question. I weigh around 255 and really want a bridge hammock. You’re a tall man and was wondering if the bridge hammock you have is rated for large guys or does it have a weight rating if 250 like most do? Thanks in advance!!

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

I have the Warbonnet Ridgrunner. Which I love. I am 6.0 and weigh 230lbs. It has a weight capacity of 250 ( Double-layer ) I know some one that 6.5 that fits in it nicely. If you are taller than that. I don't think it would work.

[@MikesellMix]

Alright this video sold me on that hammock, which model is it?

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

That is the Superior Hammock Starlite. Multi-functional. Thank you MikesellMix for watching. I really appreciate it.

[@ricksilver7398]

Not sure why the foam pad would be warmer on top vs. on the bottom of the air mattress. What makes the difference and why

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

The air in the mattress is not an insulator. But the opposite. Even though some have insulation built in. It dose not come close to a closed foam mat. In cold temperatures. The air mattress will bring comfort. The closed foam mat will provide great warmth. I have been with people who do not listen to that advise. But after a cold night. They will try it the other way. And are surprised. Thank you Ricksilver for watching.

[@ricksilver7398]

@AdventureswiththeMarine makes total sense now given the explanation. My thoughts were insulated air mattress with pad on bottom would better block the cold from the point of infiltration and body heat transfer to the mattress, but heat rises so, that could be part of the problem not thinking comfort vs warmth. I've never been in that situation but will know if it should ever arise. Thx for the input and keep up with the awesome advice

[@1822MCAdv]

Good basic info , I will be upgrading soon . I am a motorcycle camper so I have a DOT approved pack mule , weight is not a big issue but volume is. I travel with my hammock and a 1-Man tent always have a plan B Semper Fi. So I am thinking that a insulated hammock pad is the ticket because I could use it in tent if forced to sleep on ground can’t do that with a UQ . I’m very happy with my klymit staticVlux so it makes sense for me to suck it up and spend the money for the klymit hammock pad kinda a dual purpose pad to me . The insulated pad costs what a UQ does and is dual purpose. What’s your thoughts on a hammock specific pad ?

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

I like your thinking about dual purpose. A huge problem with the insulated Inflatable Sleeping Pads are there longevity. I bought a goose down under quilt. About 10 years ago. And since then. I went trough two inflatable sleeping pads. My grandkids will be using that under quilt when I am gone. So with that being said. I would look more at the quality ( longevity ) more than the R-value. When you see one that you like. Look at the reviews that people have written about. Thank you 1822MCAdv for watching. Semper Fi!

[@1822MCAdv]

Never really thought about how long a pad would last. Last winter with a cell pad and sheepskin I was good to 5F. Air pad and skin was good to about 25/30F down here in the swamp that’s about as cold as I go these days. I would almost rather stay home versus sleeping on the ground almost! A cell pad on ground is a no go for me I’d be a grumpy as a grizzly bear. I will research some more on UQ vs insulated pad ,5 years for a high dollar pad ?? Not a deal breaker but not good either. Thanks for your opinion. Ooh Rah !

[@notquiteultralight1701]

@@AdventureswiththeMarine i like this comment marine. I started my backpacking career in the Southern California desert pretty close to where my father went to basic at Camp Pendleton before being shipped to Vietnam. I was taught during those early years not to fall prey to the thermarest pads because theyll pop out here in the desert. Now that I live in New England I still go with the ridge rest just outta habit and what I’m used too. I think I’m still getting an underblanket though!😁👍🏼

[@paulomahony4416]

What is the hammock on your video? Looks nice

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

It is the Starlite Hammock from Superior Gear ( www.superiorgear.com ) Thank you Paulomahony for watching. I really appreciate it.

[@davidallen4498]

What type of hammock do u have? Like it

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

That is the Superior Gear StarLite hammock. I did a review on it last week. Please check it out. Thank you Davidallen for watching. I really appreciate it.

[@damienmitchell9828]

All you need is an underquilt. I have never had any problems since getting one

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

Well said! Thank you damienmitchell for watching. I really appreciate it.

[@asmith7876]

The pad always turns sideways on me. I recently got a bivy bag, pad goes inside. I tried it in a tent but not my hammock yet but seems like it should work fine.

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

Try it in the hammock please and let me know how it worked. So I can pass it on! Thank you Asmith for sharing and watching. I really appreciate it.

[@asmith7876]

@@AdventureswiththeMarine I’d dearly love a night in the woods, life keeps intervening. Hopefully this fall I’ll get a real test, even if it’s the back yard! 🤣

[@miloswanson8365]

How do you use a wool blanket with a hammock

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

I have an old thick and wide wool blanket. What I will do is fold it in half and lie it asymmetrical in the hammock. I believe it can get me down to 50° ( 10 C ). But a closed foam mat underneath that will get you closed to freezing temperatures. But the wool can be itchy. Thank you Miloswanson for watching. i really appreciate it.

[@andybriars9713]

Throw in the GI bivvy and thats me toasty

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

Toasty Warm! Thank you Andy for watching. Much appreciated.

[@andreasweber7828]

If someone’s just starting and doing it wrong, that person is likely to hate it and will never consider to hammock camp ever again. Do it right, use an underquilt or leave it

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

That is funny that you say that because I am doing an episode on that subject next week. Thank you Andreasweber for watching. I really appreciate it.

[@k9six185]

How to stay warm in. Hammock…………hang it up indoors of course……

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

It is 96° with a heat index of 117° today. I am hang indoors. So I am with you. Thank you K9six185 for watching. I really really appreciate it.

[@remyllebeau77]

Snug as a bug in a rug.

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

Toasty Warm! Thank you Remy for watching. Always appreciated.