Mats that work with hammocks

[Mang]

I am (to this point) a tarp and hammock fair weather user and just have a mkI everyday foam mat which I use with my DD hammock which is fine. I want to look at getting sorted for early autumn hanging and was all set to get a hammock underblanket but wondered if I could invest in something like Thermarest and use it for when I'm in a tent at Cub camp etc.

Last summer I went on a Woodland Ways bushcraft weekend and took a self inflating mat for a hammock and debris shelter night...I found the hammock night a bit...erm...lumpy as the self inflating mat didn't seem to mould to my shape as well as the foam mat.

I started looking through threads on here but I haven't found a mat thread specifc to hammocks so if possible I'd like to hear if anyone uses a specific make of mat to hang or all the mats below too thick to use with a hammock?. My first thought is a thermarest one and I noticed this extra wide one as an example
Extra wide Thermarest http://www.webtogs.co.uk/Thermarest_Basecamp__Extra_Large__100994.html

I've also found this Extra wide Alpkit mat http://www.alpkit.com/sleeping-mats

I did also look at a wide Exped down mat http://www.ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk/exped_downmat_7_lw_with_integrated_pump.html but £130 is a bit prohibitive

All the above are good makes but are they too thick to use with a hammock?

 

[John Fenna]

I have used both self inflating mats and down mats in my hammock (an old Ray Mears Eco system one) without issues.
A coffin shaped self infating mat was probably the best fit inside the hammock

 

[garethw]

I used a self inflator for a few months, but opted int he end for the Snugpak Underquilt. It is very snug and warm and really makes a difference. Even though I was never cold with the mat, it was always a little uncomfortable and didn't cover all of the underside.
It pack up about the same size and my mat too.
cheers
Gareth

 

[JonathanD]

I use a Thermorest with mine. Works well.

 

[Johnnyboy1971]

I have a vango self inflating and thats fine for me. I tried an underblanket but couldnt get on with it. Got fed up of it flicking out of place when i turned over. Both are of a similar size but the blanket is way lighter i can also use the mat if i need to kip on the floor.

 

[streetcleaner]

I have also had this problem but i think i have found the soloution i am lucky enough to have access to all types of mats and have tried most, all are th same and move exatily where you dont want them too...
I have recently started using a reindeer hide and all i can say is wow!!!!

 

[mountainm]

I have also had this problem but i think i have found the soloution i am lucky enough to have access to all types of mats and have tried most, all are th same and move exatily where you dont want them too...
I have recently started using a reindeer hide and all i can say is wow!!!!

Putting a zig zag bead of clear silicon bathroom sealant down the length of the mat can often help stop it moving.

 

[Humpback]

Is this ordinary bathroom sealant?

 

[mountainm]

Yes, smooth it an a bit and it'll 'grip' better.

 

[EastSussexScout]

Ok, i've been hammocking for nearly 3 years now and i've been using a DD camping hammock with a full length self-inflating roll mat for 2 of those. i find that if i lay the mat on top of the hammock it's disappeared by the morning but if i slide it inside the hammock and zip it shut it stays exactly where I want it. maybe the problem is the hammock instead of the roll mat. (no affiliation etc) just an idea.

 

[Warthogiam]

I use an unbranded foam roll mat cut in half and have never had any problems with cold or movement even during cold winter months. I found thermarest too rigid and moved about too much.
Half a mat protects the lumber area adequately and there is no excess floating about to try and stuff into the hammock.
I use a DD camping hammock and slot it in between the two layers.
Another benefit is you get two for the price of one when you buy a full size foam mat!

 

[woodspirits]

I have recently started using a reindeer hide and all i can say is wow!!!!

same as that, only trouble is you roll out looking like you've slept with a goat! but thats another story....

 

[Terr]

The waterproof DD hammocks have a shiny coated layer. I find that it doesn't slide around in between the 2 layers.

To stop my mat sliding around in a tent I put drops of silicon and smoothed them in. I did this on both sides because I slide around on top too. It's ugly but it works.

 

[salad]

I have also had this problem but i think i have found the soloution i am lucky enough to have access to all types of mats and have tried most, all are th same and move exatily where you dont want them too...
I have recently started using a reindeer hide and all i can say is wow!!!!

Do you use two reindeer hides to account for your whole body length or is one enough ? I am asking as I recently got a hammock and am also trying to figure out what I will use for under insulation

 

[JC1984]

I use a Vango 3/4 self-inflating mat and it works pretty well! First hang of the year this weekend so hopefully it's as comfy as I remember!

 

[salad]

I use a Vango 3/4 self-inflating mat and it works pretty well! First hang of the year this weekend so hopefully it's as comfy as I remember!

Thanks for that, So I am guessing that a full length mat is not really necessary then ? and its just for the body area ?

 

[Shewie]

Is this ordinary bathroom sealant?

Mixed with turps until it's a runny consistency, brush it on (tape the edges if you want to be tidy) and then the turps evaporates leaving you with just the impregnated nylon.

 

[Köld]

I tried a large-size neoair (60 or 65cm ? x 196cm) in a frontline hammock and it would barely fit inside the hammock. I did not try the space between the layers. I slept (or at least tried to sleep) by the sea with quite a bit of wind in 0 degrees and I felt cold from underneath. A survival (foil) blanket would probably have been a good thing to have. The added width that is nice when sleeping on the hard ground did not seem like it added any comfort but a little warmth on my sides. Two regular foam sleeping pads side by side would have been so much more comfy and a lot cheaper and lighter weight.

 

[Greek1983]

How about a folding sniper mat? It's not however as thick as a regular military foam mat.


http://hmsupplies.com/1655-foldingmatdpm5panels-Folding/Sniper-Mat-DPM-5-Panels.html

[url]http://www.rvops.co.uk/folding-sniper-mat-uk-dpm-834.html
[/URL]

 

[Barn Owl]

Recently used a folding mat too, worked very well inbetween the layers of a DD scout hammock.