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Thread: Inflatable mat for hammock

  1. #1
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    Default Inflatable mat for hammock

    Fancy a change in the warmer weather from an UQ, so my question...
    Is there a decent inflating mat out there that fits something very similar to a Warbonnet BB?

    I was toying with MLD's Klymit X Frame XLARGE, but reviews are mixed. Alpkit appears to have dropped the Numo,
    but a few other company's do a similar style (for stupid money) so I'm looking at exped down mats at the mo.
    It does not have to be full size as I was happy with a 3/4 UQ before.

    Any suggestions

    Cheers, al.
    This is my firestick... There are many like it, but this one is mine.

  2. #2
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    I've got the "Tenth Wonder, Green Hornet" hammock, and this time of year I use a length of space blanket insulation between the 2 bottom layers. Cut it to length, then seal the cuts with duct tape. Works for me.
    Colin.
    I am not young enough to know everything.
    Oscar Wilde

  3. #3
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    Cheers collin. I had the same hammock. Nice kit for the price

    I've used a foil laminated 5mm mat (with the UQ) in the depths of winter and it was too warm. Looking for a happy medium that will do 3 seasons or so...

    atb, al.
    This is my firestick... There are many like it, but this one is mine.

  4. #4
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    Some of the Pacific Outdoor mats would work well Al, the coffin shape should stop it from trying to creep out
    Rich




    My Blog

  5. #5
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    My Pacific airmat (500g) does the job in warmer weather and doesn't move about in any of my hammocks but I don't take it unless I'm definitely sleeping on the ground for at least one night.

    For me, summer insulation is usually a 2/3rds down underquilt with 2" loft or a 24" wide CCF mat. I find any airmat in a hammock makes them tippy compared to ccf or an underquilt.
    In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks. ~John Muir



    Pete.

  6. #6
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    Interesting, cheers guys.

    The idea of the mat was to allow both ground dwelling and hammocking. Making my kit a bit more swappable. Have to give this one some thought....
    This is my firestick... There are many like it, but this one is mine.

  7. #7
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    Hi
    I have been thinking about getting one of these http://www.militarymart.co.uk//polis...prod_1778.html for use in my hammoc because it looks like it would bend to fit the shape of the hammoc better. Now that they are back in stock I shall buy one and see how it goes!
    ATB
    Ben

    Sent from my ARCHOS 80G9 using Tapatalk 2

  8. #8

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    Quote Originally Posted by Teepee View Post
    My Pacific airmat (500g) does the job in warmer weather and doesn't move about in any of my hammocks but I don't take it unless I'm definitely sleeping on the ground for at least one night.
    Like my mate Dave at last years Bardsters Farm do.

    "Nature is an old lady with few suitors these days, and those who wish to make use of her charms she rewards passionately" Tim Krabbe

  9. #9
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    Quote Originally Posted by Ben98 View Post
    Hi
    I have been thinking about getting one of these http://www.militarymart.co.uk//polis...prod_1778.html for use in my hammoc because it looks like it would bend to fit the shape of the hammoc better. Now that they are back in stock I shall buy one and see how it goes!
    ATB
    Ben

    Sent from my ARCHOS 80G9 using Tapatalk 2
    They are big and heavy, but well worth the dosh in my opinion. Nice waterproof base as well. I've used them onthe ground and as a mattress on a cot, but not in a hammock.

  10. #10
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    That looks like a good solution ben, thanks for adding.
    It may be a little too heavy though as most of my camps are 1-3 miles on foot from the motor. Might invest in one for meets though!

    Cheers, al.
    This is my firestick... There are many like it, but this one is mine.

  11. #11
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    Any one tried using a wool blanket cut to size and inserted where the mat would go ? Like the idea of the space blanket :thumbup:

    Sent from my HTC Explorer using Tapatalk
    Git-R-Dun

  12. #12
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    Any inflatable mat that isn't too massive should do - you'l possible need to deflate it a little to allow it to mould/conform to the hammock shape.
    Cheers,

    Mike

    It's Adventure In A Bowl...

  13. #13
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    Cheers Mikey... Just wondered if there was a particular brand someone found effective.

    The search continues
    This is my firestick... There are many like it, but this one is mine.

  14. #14
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    These mats are really good in a hammock as they are totaly non-slip and don't move ( so i've been told ) i use then in a tent with sleeping bag and they are REALLY grippy. ( the Artiach Skin Mat 2 )

    http://www.the-big-outdoors.com/camp..._mattress.html

    some very good reviews if you google fu is working.
    Last edited by Robbi; 17-04-2012 at 22:14.

  15. #15
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    Hmmmm

    What are they like in colder weather on a personal level robbi?
    This is my firestick... There are many like it, but this one is mine.

  16. #16
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    I've not had a problem with them, good insulation from the ground ( in a tent with ground sheet ) although i've not done really cold weather camping, just a light frost in the mornings

    They're reasonably thick, I'll have a look see for a review for you.........back in a bit

  17. #17
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    http://www.torpedo7.com.au/products/...TIACH-Skin-Mat

    I'll keep looking and post in this "post"

    From: Stephen Dmetruk, 02/24/98
    Email: sdmetruk@sas.upenn.edu
    Review Type: Sleeping Pad
    Manufacturer & Name of Gear: Artiach Skin Mat Reg Midlength
    Weight: 1 lb 14 oz
    Cost: $64.00 US
    Conditions: Rated 35 degrees / Summer
    Usage: Hiking & Backpacking
    Capacity: Long
    Reviewer's Height & Weight: 5'6 - 130 lbs
    Conditions: 4-Seasons - Moderate
    Usage: Ultralight Fastpacking

    This is an excellent self inflating pad.

    Comfort: I've never slept on a Thermarest, so unfortunately I can't compare it to what would be the most viable alternative. But then again, I can't imagine sleeping on anything more comfortable (short of my own bed). The pad insulates well and is easy to adjust the right level of 'cushion' with the valve.

    Setup/Use/Maintenance: This pad does not always inflate itself (I've read other reviews which expressed the same complaint). It always requires a bit of blowing, which is disconcerting since I imagine this will shorten the life of the pad because of mildew issues. The pad is also somewhat of a pain to roll up to fit it in its stuff sack and it takes a bit of time.

    Packability: The pad rolls up into a package the size of, oh, a cylinder with the diameter of the middle of a football and about the same length. This is much much smaller than the Thermarests compress (I'm comparing to comprable Thermarests - not the ultralightweight ones). The package is very very dense once rolled up and I find it awkward to fit on the inside of my pack (I used to use a ridgerest, so having a pad in my pack is strange to me to begin with).

    Durability: This pad is probably a little more delicate than Thermarests, but I have yet to experience any problems with it on the trail. I did, however, put it up against a wall which had a small pin (smaller than a sewing needle) sticking out of it and this punctured the pad. I didn't have time to repair the hole before my next trip and the pad didn't leak at all - I was shocked. I give the durability of the pad one thumb up. The patch looks pretty....wimpy too. I've seen Thermarest patches and they look much much better.

    Verdict: I like this pad a lot. Its not perfect, but I have yet to find gear that is. I would buy it again (although maybe in a lighter weight - there are smaller ones). Yes - I'm quite pleased with my sleeping pad.

    Also, the surface is the tackiest available, thus there is no sleeping bag slippage whatsoever.

    -------------------------------------------------------------
    Last edited by Robbi; 17-04-2012 at 22:34.

  18. #18
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    Cheers Robbi... appreciated one for the list then!

    While I'm here, anyone had dealings with Thermarest warranty? One pad has caught my eye. But it 'aint cheap
    This is my firestick... There are many like it, but this one is mine.

  19. #19
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    why do u make an underblanket out of a jungle british issue sleeping bag cos then summer is soughted

  20. #20
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    I use a 3/4 self inflating mat all year round just change between winter bag snugpack RE and snugpack softy 9 spring/autumn bag and wool blanket in mid summer. http://www.base.com/buy/product/gele...b001493dz0.htm or try the higear matt its exactly the same just a diffrent name printed on it http://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/hi-gear-...ng-mat-p143705

  21. #21
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    Cheers Karl... So you dont get any cold spots then?

    I dont mind paying (good or bad) for something that will handle all year around really... It makes the hammock/pad/bivi bag a complete changeable kit.
    This is my firestick... There are many like it, but this one is mine.

  22. #22
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    I do not get any cold spots, in winter if I think my feet are going to be cold I wrap my flees around them just as I did when I used a full length mat. I find the 3/4 actually fits the DD Hammocks better than a full length matt.

  23. #23
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    Quote Originally Posted by Chiseller View Post
    Any one tried using a wool blanket cut to size and inserted where the mat would go ? Like the idea of the space blanket :thumbup:

    Sent from my HTC Explorer using Tapatalk
    Bump

    Sent from my HTC Explorer using Tapatalk
    Git-R-Dun

  24. #24

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    I use a full length Thermarest in my Warbonnet. I like this set-up as I can ground dwell too (I usually carry a bivy bag as well) if no trees (crossing Dartmoor can be a challenge to find suitable spots) and use the hammock as a bug net suspended below my tarp on my poles. I have no comfort issues whatsoever with the pad in the hammock above ground as long as it's deflated enough to conform to my body.
    "Never creep up on a horse. For everything else, use your discretion."
    (Excerpt from Top Tips thread)

  25. #25

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    "Never creep up on a horse. For everything else, use your discretion."
    (Excerpt from Top Tips thread)

  26. #26
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    Nice one zarkwon

    I think that's clinched the 'quest' with yours and Karl's post.

    Appreciated, al.
    This is my firestick... There are many like it, but this one is mine.

  27. #27

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    Hope it suits you mate. Let us know how you fair and any innovations you come up with whilst tinkering.
    "Never creep up on a horse. For everything else, use your discretion."
    (Excerpt from Top Tips thread)

  28. #28
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    Will do

    Happy hammocking!
    This is my firestick... There are many like it, but this one is mine.

  29. #29

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    How did you get on?
    Regards,

    Lostplanet

    " Discovery consists of seeing what everybody has seen and thinking what nobody has thought. " Albert Szent-Györgyi

  30. #30
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    You don't need much insulation Al. I've never known you to turn in until the sun comes up anyhow.

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