Sleeping mat in a hammock?

[Porkpie]

Should I go and wash my mouth out :)
Perhaps neoair with the tubes being width ways it may suit the hammock shape better?
Used for summer duties only so dont want to go down the underquilt route.
Any thoughts/ advice appreciated

[Bearbonesnorm]

I've used a slightly underinflated AlpKit wee airic in the past and it was fine. I think an air mat might be a little unstable due to the thickness but I've never tried one, so could well be wrong.

*Oddly, I've tried a snugpak under quilt in the past but found I prefer a mat in there.

*Flatfishy will be along shortly to tell me to shut up

[Cheeky Monkey]

If it's a double layer and you can access the gap how about just putting a layer of the tinfoil / bubble wrap stuff in between? In theory putting it between the layer should keep it in place better than simply lying on top of it in your hammock.

A slightly more bulky option is an "old-style" foam cell mat. Never done it myself but there's lots about it on hammock forums. There's also a bunch of stuff about "needing" to add width at the shoulders for good insultation. Whether that's a significant issue to you .....

I'd love an underquilt as they just make sense to me but I'm currently sticking to the option the FF sold me last time I asked about underquilts (HH Supershelter).

[Porkpie]

Just a single layer hammock so what ever I use has to go inside. Perhaps the answer is a new double layer hammock :)
I used to 'get away' with using a bit of expanded polythene new tv packaging, which was fine with my synthetic bag but just didn't work at all with down - too much condensation I guess.

I have a wee airic which I've never tried in the hammock - perhaps I should...

[Cheeky Monkey]

Again, not having done it myself, but all recommendations I've come across regarding air mats in hammocks is to under-inflate them. This is supposed to help them stay in place, under you.

Have you looked on Hammock Forums (US based site)? Loads of good info' on there.

[Taylor]

Shut up Stu!

Ultimately underquilts are the comfiest option, be it, down or synthetic but pads are an option if funds don't allow.
All forms of pads will create a bit of condensation though.
The best way to use a pad is to get a cheap CCF pad and cut it in half(width ways), then turn one half to make a "T", this makes the pad wider for your torso as its wider than your legs. On the lower section you'll find the pad creases a bit causing it to dig into your legs a small amount.
Self inflating mats just need to be opened out, release the valve, let it self inflate then seal again. Don't be tempted to blow some extra in as you'll be awake most of the night wrestling to stay on top of it. I've tried these and would never go back.

In my experience UQ's work best.

[Porkpie]

Cheers flatfishy.
No, funds wont allow me to go down the underquilt route, plus they do look kinda bulky?
I have a dead airic which could be the donor for something similar to your ccf idea.... Hmmm [strokes chin]

[Jack]

I'll add my bit.. I've just used a CCF mat, whatever the standard size is, without alteration in a single layer HH, I can't afford anything fancier.. I slept in that every night for four weeks without a problem last summer in the Pyrenees. Had a min temp of perhaps 5* and used a 3 season synthetic bag, plenty warm enough. Had minor amounts of condensation (perhaps due to the damp weather/thunderstorms though? Not had that issue in drier weather) but not really enough to affect sleeping, and the bag dried out during the day when it was left in the hammock. Also it's worth trying unzipping the bag and using it as a top quilt, tucking it around you and having your feet in the footbox. Saves the ridiculous wriggle that is trying to get into a HH through the bottom entry then slide into a zipped bag. This is just what I've found. Hope it helps.