The Perfect Hammock Sleeping Pad?

What insulation do you use when hammocking? If you don't hammock, then what do you use when ground sleeping?

Hi Craig, here's my tuppence worth! I put foil mat in between the bottom layers of my hammock (DD Travel hammock). I put my Klymit insulated inflatable mat into the hammock, and generally use a quilt with a footbox, always have remained warm even in winter months. I sleep directly on top of the inflatable mat so it is easy to make any adjustments to it should the need arise, something that was very tricky when the mat sits between the bottom two layers as you alluded to. Prior to using my quilt, I had a heavy duty(2.2kilo) army artic bag with centre zip, again, no prob shuffling mat into position. I hammock camp with a group, some of who swear by underquilts, and I totally understand the logic, whilst another uses same method as me. Like you, my reason for using a Foil blanket/sheet is down to bulk and weight. So far (18 months of using) I have not experienced any issues with condensation at any time of year and I make a point of camping every month of the year. I did once try putting my thermarest mat (slightly narrower and thinner than my Klymit mat) directly into my sleeping bag which also worked a treat, but I found that I had less wriggle room than I liked, hence the move to a quilt. Keep up the good work, I'll await your winter update with your set-up!

I wasn't sure if I wanted to spend lots of money for a top quality down underquilt. I bought a full length cheap Chinese one from Ebay, then sewed 4 long baffles each side and stuffed it with good down from an old double bed quilt. Works a treat with minimal bulk (25 x 15cm compressed), could have made it lighter by removing the original cotton layer and using down only. In the process of making one for my wife. I also take a small 50cm x 50cm cut foam sheet from a cheap camping/exercise mat, which I use as cushioning in the backpack and as a sitting mat, just to lay on under the bum/lower back area for extra cold nights in the hammock.

The bubble wrap Reflectix alternative works perfectly when placed under a cheap airbed in a tent. It's the bubble wrap element that creates the necessary air gap. A thin silvery sheet will do nothing on its own.

Hi Craig, A well-presented argument on his subject. This has been an issue for me as well. I like to walk on the long-distance footpaths around our green and pleasant land. I usually take a tent but have experimented with a lightweight hammock as an alternative where possible along the route. Lying in the hammock to obtain a flat lay was awkward. I found the foam mat and an air mattress a pain (not at the same time) as I had to keep adjusting either the pad or mattress which made for a fitful night's sleep. I have bought a "designer" insulation mat that has wrap-around wings that fit directly into the hammock sides to complete the insulation around the hips and shoulders. The DD Travel Hammock with that designer mat was bulky but light. I am now experimenting with a very thin insulating/reflecting foil to place inside the double-skin hammock. If that doesn't work will try to modify my Yank poncho liner to fit under the hammock or within the double-skin and see if that works! Staying warm with the minimum kit but maximum comfort is certainly a brain teaser! Interesting reading the comments from others on this subject. Keep up the good work!!

I tried a space blanket underneath my hammock, didn't work in cold weather, space blankets (radiant insulation) require an air gap to work, got my gap by putting some leaves in a trash bag and stuck it between the space blanket & hammock. Moisture did collect in space blanket, poked a hole in the low point of space blanket for moisture to drain. Not my preferred choice for insulation, have a 20F down underquilt is my top choice, takes up a lot of volume so requires a bigger pack. I have a 40F synthetic underquilt I use in my summer setup.

Hi Craig, I met you at last weekend at the Bushcraft Basics course, just wanted to thank you for all your advice and support. Top YouTube channel matey! Cheers Ian

Works great , I use the same emergency blanket hammock camping .havent used it in winter but I'm sure it does the job just as well .

Greetings from the states. I use a similar approach. I have a DD Travel Hammock. I put a sheet of Reflectics between the two layers of my hammock. Reflectix is an aluminum covered bubble wrap used as a duct wrap in HVAC systems. I also use a inflatable sleeping pad inside under my quilt. On one side of the pad, I put some silicone to keep it from sliding around. This approach keeps me warm well into the lower 40's faranheight. Happy camping!

Very good information look forward to the videos when it has gotten colder to see how it works. Thanks again

It's been 2 years, would be nice to see an update on this :). Good video, and what a beautiful place you live in!

Hi Craig, I just discovered your channel and I'm finding your videos informative and fun! I don't have much experience with reflective blankets, but I've read that they work best when there's an air space of about 1 inch between you and the blanket. So when you try it in colder weather, instead of putting it between the layers of the hammock, you might try suspending it under the hammock like a typical underquilt. I have one of those blankets; I think I'll try it myself soon. Thanks for the idea ... and may the Forest be with you. :^)

Thanks for the video. I don’t use a hammock (my wild camping is in the mountains above the tree line) but I have a good inflatable pad with a decent R rating which is good for 3 season. When it gets really cold I bring a sheet of aluminium foil bubble wrap insulation to put under the pad. It’s used in lofts, garages etc for insulation and is like very thin bubble wrap covered in foil on both sides (it’s a few mm thick). You can get it in a roll 0.6m wide (about the width of a sleeping pad) in various lengths and it’s dead cheap (currently 25 meter x 0.6m roll is £15 on Amazon). It’s similar to the foil blanket you showed but maybe a little warmer as you also have the air in the bubbles. I’ve found it to be an excellent (and cheap) way to up-rate my pad for the winter. It packs down to a little bigger than your blanket, but weighs next to nothing. Best thing is that if you trash it, you just bin it and cut another length off the roll for next time!

another reason I like this solution is that an underquilt is a single use item. With a pad like this it can also be used for sitting on the ground comfortably

I prefer the underquilt approach but like you said, it comes with the bulk

Another great video. 👍

Normally I dont use anything under me. If its very cold I have tried the sleep mat idea but the bugger kept moving about. The best thing I have used is my poncho liner, laid between the layers. Insulated well and did not move over night. Regards JB (Allan)

I just subscribed. Is there a follow-up to this video in cold weather (45-55 deg. F.)? I'm trying to avoid the traditional under quilt option because of bulk, cost, harder to hang, and only one use for the extra weight. Many thanks. Cheers.

Great work on video mate greetings from spain 👍👍👍

Looking forward to a follow-up