Sleeping pad vs hammock underquilt for cold nights... which side are you on?

Last month I camped up near Flagstaff where it dropped to 28 degrees. I used my closed cell foam pad inside a tent and stayed warm enough but my back hurt from the ground. The guy next to me had a hammock setup with an underquilt and said he slept like a rock. So I'm trying to figure out if I should switch to hammock camping for better sleep or stick with my tent setup and just buy a thicker pad. Has anyone tried both and picked a clear winner?

2 comments

2 Comments

emmam3210d ago

I watched a video from that guy who hiked the Pacific Crest Trail, Justin Outdoors or whatever, where he tested both setups in 20 degree weather. He ended up saying the underquilt was way better for warmth because it traps heat underneath you instead of compressing it like a pad does. But I also read this blog post from some woman who said hammocks suck if you're a side sleeper because you can't spread out, which is my main issue with my pad when my hips dig into the ground. I've never tried a hammock myself but the insulation physics makes sense, plus your back won't ache the next morning.

murray.cole10d ago

Tbh, the side sleeping thing is my biggest worry too since I'm a tosser and turner. But honestly, that hip pain from a pad on the ground is brutal and makes me wanna give the hammock a shot anyway.