Review: Hennessy SuperShelter or Radiant Double Bubble pad for camping hammock bottom insulation

[@gsnyder2007]

Thanks Kurt. As someone who is contemplating switching from tent-based camping to a hammock system this video was incredibly useful. I especially liked your showing the setups of the two systems as it demystified for me what these are all about. 👏

[@KurtPapke]

Thanks for your kind words and good luck with the switch! I transitioned in 2008 but still use a tent in locations where hammocks don’t work, e.g. Grand Canyon.

[@journeyman7189]

Great breakdown Kurt. 2 questions. Are you using the stock suspension system on the hammocks and why did you say at the end that both systems are better than an under quilt? Thanks Nate

[@KurtPapke]

Good questions. Yes, I use the stock suspensions on both. The Supershelters are better in some ways: cheaper, easier setup, don't move around during the night, moisture resistant. But they only go so far down in temperature (~40F), and do not envelope you in that "cocoon of warmth" you get with an UQ.

[@journeyman7189]

@@KurtPapke Thnaks Kurt

[@evanhammond7305]

@@KurtPapke have you used a underquilt with the hennessy?

[@rannxerox3970]

Would it be better to roll the bubble pad instead of folding it? Thx

[@lt2246]

Great video - thanks for the comparison. I have a double bottom Hennessy and have used the radiant bubble with a closed cell thermorest solarrest pad. I was very warm into the low 30s and trust it could go lower. I was also able to trim the thermorest pad to better fit the hammock sleeve and placed it under the radiant bubble pad. These two items combined were still much cheaper than most under quilts.

[@KurtPapke]

Some people have experienced condensation against their backs when using non-breathable insulation like these pads, but personally I've never had an issue. Not only cheaper than most UQ's, but also much more robust in wet weather.

[@wjskyout]

Great vid, I have had my supershelter for 8 years and after messing around with different methods of packing and configuration I went with leaving everything set up and partially packing into the snake skins. This makes packing into an old sleeping bag cram bag easy (centre first) and doesn't over compress the foam pad. I have used mine to -10 deg C (sorry, not American so don't understand Fahrenheit!) comfortably with warm clothing packed in below the foam pad. Great system imo and the supershelters benefits far outweigh the extra bulk.

[@KurtPapke]

Thanks for the info. Tom Hennessy does the same, leaves it all assembled and packs the mess into his pack. I guess I'm a bit of a neat freak. If you look, you'll find a video of Shug and I with my SS at -24F, which is -31C. That was a cold night, wouldn't want to do it again!

[@wjskyout]

@@KurtPapke I will check it out. - 31C is seriously cold for a hammock! You're right, a partial pack with snakeskins is messy but when it's crammed into a compression bag it makes it easier to get up and down quietly in the dark in a tactical environment. It's definitely one of the best items of bush kit I have ever owned, and I will be getting another when my current one wears out (10 years and going strong, fly is a bit worn but still waterproof)

[@neillawson4252]

Looks like I favour the ss over the double bubble pad,cheers for your help ,neil

[@KurtPapke]

Good choice!

[@donrussell8889]

I'm just a BOB guy (and BoB testing) which means that space inside of the bag has to be reserved for the TAken down AR. So most of the soft, bulky stuff gets rolled up and worn between the pack and my body. There's no danger of losing any of it without my noticing it, and if you park it properly, no real risk of it being torn or having holes worn in it.

[@lt2246]

Good video. Any idea what the combo of the super shelter plus the radiant bubble pad could do?

[@KurtPapke]

L T good question. I don’t think it would get you much below 25F.

[@kurtbaier6122]

I used hot cold foil bags from Walmart which has thin foam. I split the bag and sewed them to fabric and secured the fabric to the head of the hammock. I slept on the fabric side inside the hammock. . It will go down to 32 F. if you Make and add a poncho liner with an SOL Kylie double heat sheet safety pinned as an under quilt you can go to teens

[@KurtPapke]

Very creative!

[@jetech5986]

I just tried the Double Bubble pad on Vancouver Island back in May, I woke up shivering and damp, it was windy and went down to about +4 C (~40° F) I put some clothes under and that did the trick. I normally stuffed a deflated EXPed air pad inside the double layer and half inflated it, I was cozy at a frosty -9 celsius hanging in the Gulf Islands... the EXPed is a royal pain to fold back into it's carrying bag though so I thought the Bubble pad would be a better option, nope. I haven't tried the SuperShelter, I normal Kayak camp so size is important. On a side note, I tried DD Hammocks light weight hammock stand & it worked flawlessly, my compadres said 'No way that'll hold you!" (I'm 210 lbs) but as a test two of us sat in the hammock with no problem, folds up fairly small as well. No trees, no problem! Thanks for the video, looks like the Supershelter is next on my shopping list.

[@KurtPapke]

Thanks, that's good info. If you try the SuperShelter, be sure and use the space blanket, it makes a huge difference. The SuperShelter rolls up and fits in a 8L dry bag for kayaking.

[@1979Spica]

“Head end” and “foot end” are backwards. Your head should be near the zipper and your feet toward the stitched end. That way you can open it and pop your head out to look around or underneath. Lets you access your gear below. Lets you smoke something. If you have to vomit, it is easier. If you go the other way around, the zipper is out of reach.

[@DonMilligan]

Enjoyed this video Kurt, Hennessy makes great hammock systems. I personally haven't used Hennessy. I was wondering why you weren't using an under-quilt but that became evident with your "going to ground" remarks. Would you consider using a X-therm (insulated) style mattress partially inflated to get more R's ?

[@KurtPapke]

I initially started with a SuperShelter because at the time it was 1/2 the price of an underquilt. Yeah, you could add another air mattress to either of these systems to get more R's.

[@JonathanBartlett]

My apologies if you mentioned this in the video - why not just use the radiant bubble pad instead of the underpad that comes with the supershelter? In other words, put the radiant bubble pad between the undercover and the hammock. By the way, I made my own radiant bubblepad using material I bought from a plumbing supply store, but haven't actually tested it yet. I notice the hammock you show in the video has a double layer on the bottom - mine does not.

[@KurtPapke]

The elastics on the radiant bubble pad match the attachment points on the double-layer hammocks. The undercover/hammock requires a far longer elastic to attach to the ridgeline. Not that it couldn't be done, but would require mod'ing the bubble pad.

[@jazztoad54]

Nice Video! Very Informative and needed!

[@KurtPapke]

Thanks for the feedback. I still use the Supershelter from time to time, it’s a great system.

[@loug4626]

Kurt...very good comparison along with charting of pros and cons. Thankyou for that in that is timely that I located your video as am considering a Washington 4 under quilt from Jacks r Better this weekend. I have the radiant bubble pad and use it when necessary and definitely makes a difference. I have not done cold weather hammocking. I have thermorest under pads as well in my collection but have not yet tried inside the double layered bottom on my Hennessy XL jungle asym hammock.....have you along with radiant bubble pad per chance and if so just wondering how that worked out and if any drawbacks and if that would eliminate the need for an under quilt? Thanks in advance for any feedback. Lou

[@KurtPapke]

I have not combined the two with this particular hammock, but I have combined the OC foam pad in my SuperShelter with lots of types of insulation. Yes, adding a Thermarest pad will give you the ability to be comfortable in much colder conditions. If you are not having condensation problems with the bubble pad, I suggest you try to get along with adding the Thermarest for a while rather than investing in a quilt. Don't get me wrong, I have several JRB quilts, but I am of the school of "don't buy something until you need it". I'm glad you found the video useful and timely!

[@loug4626]

Thanks for the feedback and am trying the combination at the hunting camp this weekend (Northern Ontario) based on that advice. Tried to see how it all fits today as matter of fact and the bubble pad has a couple of attachments to stay in place inside double bottom. I placed XL therma-a-Rest (25 "wide & will cover my shoulders fine) on top of of radiant pad and seem to stay (within reason)... Will know better after few nights on weekend....the price of a new Washington 4 along with 2 oz of fill and shipping is near 300 US (400 Cdn) , bit stiff on the pension (yep retired 11'yrs)...so am motivated to try this out first but am attracted to the comfort many rave about with the Underquilts...anyways...suppose could put 2nd radiant bubble in reversed and have even more complete under coverage [that's step 2 ...:-)].. Thanks again, appreciate it. Lou

[@loug4626]

Hello Kurt.....Just reviewed your comparison again a year later since initially commenting and since then now have couple of HG underquilts and Hennessy bubble pads as well as recently purchased the Hennessy Super Shelter on recent sale for my classic entry Hennessy as have total of three Hennessy's so am a convert. :-) I was curious as to how anyone gets the bloody open cell foam pad back into its original stuff sack but see what you have done which is a good idea and will adopt as well as prefer not to wrestle with the foam pad and poke few holes while doing. Thanks again and happy travels. Lou

[@andrewheyl2209]

Have you compared the bubble pad to inserting an insulated sleeping pad? Would that work as well or better?

[@KurtPapke]

Not in the Hennessy, but I have used a sleeping pad in a double layer hammock. They work well, but you need extra width at the shoulders, use a pad extender. In a SuperShelter I would be concerned that a regular pad would move around too much, it's not tethered to the hammock the way the Hennessy pads are.

[@burgerpalaceaudio]

@@KurtPapke excellent feedback. Thank you!

[@ronbaker9971]

Enjoyed your video. Wished I’d watched prior to purchasing an underquilt. 69 years and new hammock-er. Didn’t think SS would keep me warm enough during spring and fall camping. Now I may get the SS and try to sell the underquilt. Appreciate your review.

[@KurtPapke]

Ron Baker just had a friend buy one, and he was good to 38F in the Boundary Waters last week

[@ronbaker9971]

Thanks for your reply. Have decided to purchase a SS.

[@jimsteele7108]

Is condensation a problem with the reflectix bubble material?

[@KurtPapke]

I had no problems with condensation with it. From what I can tell there is a lot of variation from person-to-person with condensation with pads, and I seem to be one of those people that doesn't experience it.

[@jimsteele7108]

Kurt Papke , thanks, I appreciate the response.

[@_multiverse_]

I got some condensation on the double bubble pad both in 10c and -2c

[@Tneprhawk]

Yes, it is!

[@ProdigiousReturn]

I still don't understand how hennessy's new 4season hammocks are any different from the double layer jungle ones (except you get an included open cell pad), or from a single layer with the supershelter on it?

[@KurtPapke]

I think you understand the situation correctly!

[@davidlarson1399]

Neither - The super shelter is usable, but won't keep you warm in anything under 40F. The radiant bubble is not close to being packable, nor high enough R-value. The super-shelter under cover with open cell is packable, but TBH not enough R-Value to be useful. Best option - use a regular inflatable sleeping pad, and use an Over-Cover from HH (can be used with zip). It'll be just like a tent. You can also use a vapor barrier inside the hammock, around the ridge-line if you want. Makes a difference for temp below -15F.

[@evanhammond7305]

Updated in 2021 the new compression sack with the supershelter you can leave it attached to the hammock and it all fits in the compression sack that comes with the supershelter

[@KurtPapke]

Very cool, thanks for the update. I’ll have to check it out!

[@evanhammond7305]

@@KurtPapke yeh I just put my tarp in the snake skins and my hammock with the insulation in the compression sack. I might even try leaving my quilt in the hammock and put it all in the compression sack

[@evanhammond7305]

@@KurtPapke I camp in the Canadian rockies and it works great for me to about -2c or 25f. But like you said you can put clothing or a closed cell foam pad and get much lower. I pack a light 1/4 inch foam pad to sit or lay on breaks so I also put that in then I don't need the space blanket .

[@longrangerecon8003]

A better option is to utilize a three system Arctic sleeping bag (military style) consisting of a Gortex outer shell, heavy black bag and an inter light weight green bag. Place the insulation pad ($30 bucks from Hennessy Hammock) in between the Gortex shell and the appropriate bag configuration. It's the warmest configuration you can get. I've used this configuration, both on the ground and in a hammock, all over the world in extreme cold temperatures and have been warm as a bug !

[@KurtPapke]

So the three bags all go inside the hammock? That means the bottom will be quite compressed. When I've had to go to extremely cold temperatures I've used the SS Undercover, and put a ton of insulation underneath the hammock in the undercover - that way it does not get compressed.

[@longrangerecon8003]

Kurt Papke yes it is a three layered system: Gortex outer shell with two inter bags (each with a different rating; used individually or combined). I placed the pad inside the Gortex shell under the bag configuration; the pad stays securely in place between the Gortex and the bag. The Gortex shell protects against wind and cold; the pad is placed in the Gortex shell in between the first bag. Compression/heat loss is a non factor. With 30+ years in the military, several advanced cold weather survival schools / real world tours, I can personally attest to this method.

[@ProdigiousReturn]

Long Range Recon any suggestions on what models to look at for the 3 layer system

[@elliottapfel3609]

Have fun carrying all that weight... No thanks

[@journeyman7189]

Great breakdown on the pros and cons of each system. Thanks. On an unrelated note, beautiful music with the flute. Where did you find one?Nate

[@KurtPapke]

Thanks for your comments! I bought my flute from John Shorter in Sparks, NV. If you are interested, most folks start with a High Spirits flute from Odell Borg.

[@journeyman7189]

Thanks for the info KurtNate

[@alessandroandrico100]

Do you think is HH overcover useful? If yes, from which temperature in your opinion? Thanks

[@KurtPapke]

Yes, the OC makes it about 10 degrees warmer inside your hammock. I found it most useful below the freezing point, above that it can get too warm in the hammock.

[@alessandroandrico100]

Kurt Papke thank you

[@ProdigiousReturn]

I thought the over over wouldn’t work with the zip models? Only classic?

[@Oldsparkey]

In my Hennessy Safari Deluxe ( older model , single bottom , bottom entry ) a pad drove me crazy trying to keep it aligned to sleep on. The only thing that worked for me was a under quilt. In two of my other hammocks ( Clark Tropical or Warbonnet Blackbird ) I can use either a Therm-a-rest self inflating mummy mattress pad about 1/2 to 3/4 inflated or a under quilt. The pad is ideal for warmer weather camping here in Florida and we have a lot of warm to hot weather.

[@KurtPapke]

Yep, a pad *inside* the hammock is not easy to use. What's nice about the SuperShelter and the Double Bubble is they go *beneath* the main hammock, so they don't move around when you toss and turn.

[@Oldsparkey]

Kurt Papke ... When I got my Safari Deluxe neither of those were available. A person had to use some other form of insulation ( Usually a Pad of some description ) on the inside of the hammock.To many nights on a pad got me use to using one. Fortunately for folks ( Like us ) who like hammock camping everyday it gets better. Down here ( Florida ) staying cool is the main problem when camping.

[@robertfrederick9061]

just where in FLA R U located? I live near the coast between St. Pete & Largo; it gets too warm/hot & humid to use my HH Expedition Zip. I have to change out to a woven cotton Brazilian XL with separate ridgeline bug net to keep from sweating. My search has been limited but I haven't found any "nylon" hammock fabrics that actually breathe in 80F over nite temp's.

[@michaelhorn9114]

Bottom entry hammock is the stupidest thing I have ever heard of! NOTHING ABOUT IT MAKES SENSE!

[@Stewbphoto]

Great video!! Wish this would have been up when I bought my super shelter w/ bubble pad. Very informative. I have slept in my super shelter without the bubble pad down to 35*F and was pretty toasty. I feel I could have gone lower with this but even lower with the bubble pad.

[@KurtPapke]

Glad it's working for you! The SuperShelter is the Rodney Dangerfield of hammocks, it "gets no respect", but I think for the price it works pretty well!

[@matthewjacobs141]

I live in So Cal ...I bought the Double Bubble pad for my Jungle Hennessy ...have it set up in the back yard ...every morning when I check ...I have a pool of condensation built up under the pad...Help

[@KurtPapke]

I've heard of people who have had condensation problems with a Space Blanket in the Supershelter or with the double bubble pad. Never experienced it myself. Also never heard a good explanation for what caused it. But that doesn't help you.... Are you using a quilt or a sleeping bag? Are you sure you are not overheating during the night? I mean, the moisture has gotta come from somewhere!

[@matthewjacobs141]

@@KurtPapke Thanks for the reply...top quilt...an experiment tonight....no bubble pad and let's see what happens

[@jonnyp1778]

Is the bubble pad compatible with all makes of hammocks ?

[@KurtPapke]

No, in fact Hennessy make 2 different sizes just for their own hammocks, so size can be an issue. Other makes are not going to have the hook on the ridge line that the bubble pad hooks to.

[@jonnyp1778]

@@KurtPapke silly question but do you have to use the pad along with a under blanket or is the pad enough?

[@KurtPapke]

@@jonnyp1778 depends on the night temperatures - pad only is good maybe to 45F. Also depends on whether you are using a quilt or mummy bag.

[@jonnyp1778]

@@KurtPapke ok thanks

[@MichealBacon]

Thanks for sharing this informative video, Kurt.

[@KurtPapke]

Glad you found it useful!

[@HadafeeY]

Hi, Your video is very helpful, I have Ultralight Backpacker Asym Zip which is one layer hammock, I am wondering if I can use only Heat Reflecting Double Bubble Pad with my hammock, Thank you.

[@MichealBacon]

@@HadafeeY You can but it's not near as warm as an underquilt. I've used both and stick to the underquilt even use it during shoulder seasons as evaporative cooling (wind) will rob you of heat.

[@jasonrickeberg1736]

did you say that you hiked with Shug?! Whoooo Buddy)))

[@KurtPapke]

Coupla times. Used to live in Minnesota. I'm the "other guy" in his original -27 hike video.

[@BigMoneyAl]

the Clown

[@donrussell8889]

what is the lowest temp that each can handle and what do they weigh and cost

[@KurtPapke]

Check the Hennessy Hammock site for latest cost and specs. Temp range depends on how warm of a sleeper you are, whether you are using a quilt versus sleeping bag, etc. but I find both for me personally are pretty good down to about freezing (32F) though Hennessy doesn't rate the bubble pad that low.

[@losttheplotcolin]

Great help, thank you.

[@KurtPapke]

You are quite welcome Colin

[@_multiverse_]

The bubble pad is good for no less than. 5c. I just got done freezing my ass off for the night which got down atleast to -2 c and I was damn cold. I think the bubble pad plus the super shelter would be the best.

[@KurtPapke]

Agree

[@ProdigiousReturn]

Or the new 4 season hammock?

[@_multiverse_]

That uses a large non reflective closed cell foam pad. It's just as good if not a less effective than the bubble pad. The deep jungle and the 4 season explorer are essentially the same apart from slightly different bottom fabrics.

[@DennisEipel]

Nice Video! I changed from the SuperShelter to a regular Underquilt. But its still a great system.

[@KurtPapke]

I have an underquilt too (JRB), and I use it for colder conditions. I find the UQ's to be finicky though, especially if you are using a bugnet where you can't just reach around and adjust it.

[@KurtPapke]

My underquilt packs up about the same size as the supershelter open cell foam pad. The bubble pad does not compress, so it's a little larger.

[@DennisEipel]

My actual underquilt packs a little bit smaller than the supershelter. But it is much easier to fit inside the stuff sack than the foam pad.

[@thesashboyno1]

Can u Insert also an Air matress? 185*51cm?

[@KurtPapke]

Not under a Supershelter, but you can insert an air mattress in any double layer hammock.

[@donrussell8889]

I roll up the reflectix and never fold it. I use it in place of an external frame on my pack

[@KurtPapke]

That makes good sense Don, same thing that many people that use CCF pads for sleeping on the ground do.

[@regnar_flowlluks]

Subscribed.

[@KurtPapke]

Sam Knight thanks Sam!

[@matthewjacobs141]

Doesn't the Super Shelter come with an under blancket

[@KurtPapke]

No, it comes with the open cell foam pad shown in the video.

[@Stacked27]

Yes it comes with an undercover, underpad, and space blanket.

[@KurtPapke]

@@Stacked27 You are correct sir. When I bought mine it did not, but I see HH is now including the space blanket, I suppose because it makes such a huge difference.

[@robertfrederick9061]

It would have been nice is this video was recorded with the sunlight actually illuminating the hammock sides & inside so a "dummy" like me could actually see where the super shelter parts were being positioned. I bought a roll of 24 inch wide Reflectix at HD to make a sleep pad + other Rube Goldberg innovations. I'm wider than most 20 inch sleep pads. I figure I can jury rig an old sleeping bag as an under quilt for my modest cooler weather needs. At 7+ decades "ultralight" is not my credo.

[@KurtPapke]

The lighting at the campsite was not under my control :-( Good luck rigging the sleeping bag!

[@BigMoneyAl]

So you spent a night in the woods with the clown?

[@KurtPapke]

Several. Besides the SHT trip he came to the first Wisconsin hammock hang I helped organize. Good guy. I keep trying to get him to come down and hike the Grand Canyon with me, but so far no luck.

[@billk5061]

Very informative video! Bill(BillyBob58)

[@KurtPapke]

Glad you found it useful!

[@robinarmstrong2728]

Go Hennessy !!!!!

[@jameselliott8541]

Freezing point is 0 not 32. They don't teach you about water where your from?

[@KurtPapke]

Haha! I religiously convert all measurements to metric for my BackpackGearTest.org reports, but rarely have bothered for my videos. Maybe I should!

[@MichealBacon]

It's you're, not *your*. Don't they teach you grammar where you're from? And depending on which temperature scale you're using, its both 0 and 32. Dont they teach you about the rest of the world where you're from?