I've been looking into getting (or making?) an underquilt. I just got an email back from Bandon at Warbonnet and their "Yetti" version is two bills. So I gots some thinking to do. It's small and light, and good down below freezing.

I would stay away from the yoga mats - I've heard some stuff about folks trying to use them, and they don't have much insulation value. There are some other very lightweight and flexible camping mats out there - the evazote foam pads from Gossamer Gear are supposedly really good in hammocks.

Thanks for all the info MM. I've always wanted to try a hammock set up but as I am side sleeper I thought it would not work for me. But it looks like that is no problem.

Tony

Tony - Howdy and Welcome to the Scrap Yard! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

Thanks. I have a Chopweiler on the way, should be here in a few days, and am now saving my pennies for a DogFather and later a dumpster mutt and then I would also like a game warden, and then..... I mean I can dream can't I?? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Now ya got me thinking hammocks...Good info MM

Good choices. I have them all. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Leaving for a camping trip to Michigan's upper peninsula in 2 weeks, and will experiment with using this product from RuffWear with my hammock. Yes, I know it's a dog-bed, but I think it might work well for me, too.

I bought two of them - one will go on the ground under my hammock where the dogs can sleep, plus it doubles as a clean/dry place to stand when I'm taking off my boots, putting on my boots, whatever. In addition to providing insulation underneath my sleeping bag, this should solve the problem of sliding around inside the hammock (parachute silk hammock plus slick sleeping bag material = no traction.

Hell, if it does't work, I'll double the dog's sleeping space under the hammock. lol

Wish me luck.

Good luck! And welcome!
Please post pics when you come back!

This hammock post got me wondering...so I spent some time looking into it and decided to build one to see if I liked it. Instructions were from Just Jeff's hammock page

I have spent two nights in this thus far in temperature down to 40 degrees and it is quit comfortable. However I already have some improvements in mind. I will likey buy one of the more popular larger ones now and use this one for naps and light weight back packing.

I have been learning as much as I could from hammockforum.com for over a week. Here is the post that I placed there.

The task:
Build a hammock for car camping that could also be used for backpacking.
It must be able to fit my oversized Paco pad (my home away from home).
I do not need a bug screen (I detest tents… I like stars).
It needs to be short enough to fit under my tarp should the need arise.
It should be flexible enough to also be used for backpacking with a lighter mattress.
Has to be warm. It gets cold here and freezes on any given day (I know..its Arizona...what is this guy talking about...were at 7000 feet...it gets cold at night.)

Here is the progress and product from Saturday's 4 hours of work by a complete imbecile. If I can do this anyone can.








The test..Will the fat pad fit for insulation and comfort for a fat man? I left a gap between the layers large enough to fit the pad in.



IT WORKED!!! No one was more surprised than me. The large pad actually forces the sides out at a diagonal.



Side view.



The true test. This hammock is more comfortable than I expected...In fact I hope to never sleep in the dirt again. It is 9' 6" between the ties and is 58 " wide. The large pad acts as spreader bars and keeps most of the cloth off my shoulders. I look forward to its maiden voyage this next week.



Here is the lighter weight pad. I tried it at40 degrees F for one night and it was quit warm for backpacking (it needs extended insulation at the shoulders). It is not as comfy as the monster pad. The gaps in the side of the pad work wonders for comfort.



Packed up and ready for next week.

The next project will add more room for the feet and sholders and I will also build an under quilt for warmth.

Scott

That's pretty cool, man.
The only concern I would have is the corners of the pad ripping through the hammock material itself once you're laying in it?

I like the idea of slipping the pad in-between the layers. Nice work.

KD

Good info on this thread
thanks