The way I defeat that is simple- I use a packcloth bag cover (homemade) in summer to keep the outside of the bag clean and mostly dry in my hammock (pine sap sucks). In winter, I stuff my pad down in there with bag. If it all one peice, you might roll over completely, but squirm off.

This winter, I'm thinking I'm going to try doing my hammock, about 12" off the ground, with an A-framed tarp that has snow piled on it. It's worth an experiment.

I have not slept in a hammock since I was a kid, but I have a new Hennessy Hammock on order now, I was not thinking of using it in the winter though. Without added non-compressed insulation I read that they were very cold to sleep in when it was cold outside.

I have done the snow quinzee (sp) camping with my old Scout Troop, after the weekend we parked a snowmobile on top of it; it had frozen very solid.

Good idea about putting the sleeping pad in a sack with your sleeping bag.

Mike

I've been SO tempted to get the hammock. The lake scenario is the only reason I've held back. If I'm confident I could make it a couple of nights on the lake, I may get the hammock as everywhere else it's a viable way to go.

Not all foam pads are sponges.

Open cell foam pads will soak up a lot of water but closed cell foam pads do not and generally offer better insulation and durability.

I have used the same yellow evazote pad during the winter for the nearly 20 years. It is a bit dirty but still in one piece and does not absorbe water.

http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524442094579&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302701645&bmUID=1196015801591

I would recommend a test trip in a more wind free location before committing to the open lake scenario. Test your tent, sleeping pad & Bag and get a feel for what cold weather camping is like. Just a thought.

"No, I am not Bear Grylls, but I stayed at a Holiday Express Inn last night and Bear was there too!"

LOL widget, I like that!

Mike

No one ever seems to mention that multiple-layer, laminated Reflectix insulation. I've never used it for sleeping on, just to line a lawn chair while sitting around a fire on a cool evening. It sure makes a lot of difference there.

So, has anyone ever tried sleeping on it?

Sue

That's exactly what this is widget. A test run in the back yard before I have to do the real thing.

I've recently discovered the Blizzard Bags and I'm tempted to order one...would be the perfect scenario for one...especially if I never truly figure out how to anchor stuff to ice.

Thanks Mike, I was wondering if someone would notice that!