Absolutely. Spot on. I invested in the War Bonnet Ridge Runner, under quilt, and top quilt and it’s like heaven when you are in it. Now, I must confess that my first experience with hammock sleeping was as a Boy Scout in 1957. Our Scout Master was a retired Navy Warrant Officer and he got a hold of some surplus jungle hammocks and they were bridge hammocks. So when I tried gathered hammocks, I truthfully didn’t care for they experience of being squeezed tightly and enclosed in a high walled cocoon. So I bought the Ridge Runner and I was back in the luxury I experienced as a Boy Scout. Great video. Thanks for taking the time to explain the different ways to avoid the dreaded “cold butt. “
Nice presentation, I've seen alot of people talk about bridge-hammock underquilt challenges on forums. I just spent my first sub-freezing evening in a bridge hammock over the weekend. I found that my JRB Mt Washington 4 that I've used countless times on my gathered-end hammocks, perfectly fit my new JRB James River Bridge hammock. There was instant warmth, trouble-free installation, and a glove-like fit requiring no adjustments following necessary trips throughout the night. The big positive with this setup for me is that I can still use the same underquilt on my gathered-end hammocks when I choose to use those. I think the other great feature of any bridge hammock in addition to a flat lay, is that there is no worry of foot "pop out" in the middle of the evening as is experienced with many gathered-end systems.
I've used the RidgeRunner for years. I have used everything that you have talked about. The air mat is comfortable but your body has to alway produce enough heat to not only keep you warm but also the air in the mat. I've used my regular hammock under quilt but I always had problems getting it just right to keep me warm. Then I got the Ridge Runner 20 degree under quilt which was perfect. No air gaps and so easy to put it on. I would recommend the dedicated under quilt by far. You will only cry once. This will last for a long time. I'm like you, I don't ever want to go back to a gathered end hammock or a tent. I keep my regular gathered end hammocks and underquilt for someone who wants to go camping with me.
Great point on the air needing to be heated as well in the pad, another reason not to inflate it quite as much in the hammock. Thanks for the comment, I appreciate it and agree, buy once, cry once!
I prefer the pad option as a side and stomach sleeper. Very warm, as flat as you're gonna get in a hammock, and once you figure out the inflation level that works best for you it's very comfortable. Underquilt is great too, it mostly comes down to personal preference.
Great, informative video. Was thinking about going from gathered end to bridge. Hesitated because of costs and didn't realize I had cheaper options like using my existing underquilt. Thanks
I don't need another hammock. I don't need another hammock. I don't need another hammock. DAMN YOU!!! Seriously, well thought out video. SOLID information! Loved the demos and the recap at the end! I was hoping you were going to say it was just OK... as you were getting to that point, I was thinking, "Don't like it... don't like it..." Maybe it's not too late to put that on my Christmas list! Thanks for another great video!
I did wonder a bit about the chill from the sides when trying out my Hammock Gear UQ on the Ridgerunner. I think more than anything it helps my Ridgerunner to have the quilt protector even though it's a tiny bit pricey. I had one night out with my brand new 6 oz Arrowhead Equipment Ridge Creek XL but it was not a typical trip. I did not know that had caught a fever (typical where I get days off and body lets down guard and gets illness right then) and shivered for some time while it rained and I did not have the quilt protector installed. Showers stopped and I warmed up and fell asleep again. I'd say that's the down side of Apex insulation. And maybe the short wind coverage of the Thunder Fly tarp. I survived because I had a 0 degree down topquilt. But I had to cut the trip short to go home and recover from the flu. I'm itching to try the full setup at Hangcon 2023.
@@SpiguyverBackpacking1 I'm always experimenting. The RR UQ protector was backwards compatible with my Chameleon with a pair or alligator clips and some elastic cord. Too bad I did not make the time to unpack that setup bag and get it before it rained. Sickness brain fog. So in a pinch a RR quilt could rig up make an extra insulation or top cover on a gathered end.
I use bridge hammocks with normal underquilt. I have sewn toggles at the middle of the long sides and run a shock cord from one toggle, over the ridge line and down to the other side. That closes the gap between hammock and quilt.
@@SpiguyverBackpacking1 ah ha! an answer for a question I was here to ask :D I have a HG UQ on the way based on your Townsend video set-up. Looking at the Banyon UQP to add to it, for that extra bit of fitted-to-bridge-profile help...and because I have a border collie who is *bound* to get my UQ damp with doggy-affection at some point! Thoughts on the Banyon UQP welcome, if you have them :D
I know that Warbonnet makes one that people use with the ridge runner, I believe it goes up the foot and head end to keep drafts from being able to enter at the ends.
Late to the party, but I'm considering a 2025 AT thru-hike and might take my Banyan (which I bought, but haven't used yet). I really like the idea of using a pad so that if I want to sleep in a shelter or go to ground for some reason, I can, but I can still hammock most nights. So, what Exped model/size pad did you use in the video? It looked like it fit well and I'm looking to replace my XLite with something rectangular. Thanks!
I know what you mean. I just sold my chameleon before Christmas and was a little sad about doing it. However I know that I won't be using it anymore and hanging onto it was not a smart idea.
No, I don't think it will. When you get the Towns End it is actually recommended that you use a regular UQ. It's due to the dimensions and construction of it.
@@swanben11 I use any of my standard UQ's. The ones that work the best though seem to be the longer ones. Since I move up and down in the hammock depending on if I'm on my back, side or stomach, that gives the best coverage. The Hammock Gear Incubator is one of them.
I got a double layer Banyan for Christmas and have been playing with insulation. One thing that drew me to the Banyan was the ability to easily use the underquilt and pad I already own in tandem. I haven't been able to take it out for an over nighter, both think I have it dialed in. The Banyan and Warbonnet's bridge hammock both give the user a lot of options. They are very modular and customizable. Good video!
@@SpiguyverBackpacking1 Your review helped me choose between the Ridgerunner and Banyan. Both hammocks are winners, but the Banyan seemed to fit my needs best.
Have you had time to sleep with your nee hammock? I am thinking of getting the Banyan and I am not sure if I should get the single or dual layer version. If you have already slept with it using the pad how did you like it? Is it more or less comfortable than using underquilt? And how would you say it compares to sleeping on the ground with the pad?
Great video! Would the Warbonnet Lynx Underquilt work on the Banyan Bridge Hammock? Any other recommendations on where to get the custom bridge hammock underquilts. They seem hard to find.
Yes, while I don't own one, I have been told they work perfectly. I believe Warbonnet and Loco Libre are the only ones that have one. Maybe Dutch will make one sometime soon??? You could always see if one of the other companies would make a custom one.
I have, you can feel the suspension under your calf and I don't like it. Also, I've moved on to the point where I just want full length all the time, I don't want my feet getting cold.
Hey from the UK. Interested in your thoughts. I'm buying a banyan. I have a jerven bag thermo hunter. Not sure if you are aware of them. I'm thinking of using this for a winter top cover/sock. Rain cover, insulation, light blocking. Do you think this would work with the banyan, dimensions wise. With the ridgelines. Love the channel. Sam
Hey Sam, where are you in the UK? I have enjoyed each of my backpacking trips out there. I looked up the Jervin Bag as I had never heard of it before, an interesting piece of gear. While I would recommend going with a normal top and under quilt, you may be able to find a way to rig this up to make it work. However, I wouldn't use it for a rain cover, I'd stick with a normal tarp. Thanks for the support!
@@SpiguyverBackpacking1 I'm in the south of the UK. Near Brighton. Yeah, i think it would work best as extra insulation in the hammock or as an underquilt to add degrees but also as a protective layer.
I have never tried a hammock. Always slept on the ground usually under an open tarp. After watching many videos here, I have started to make a bridge hammock using Bic's (hikerdad) diagram. I am thanking of adding a layer under the main layer to hold a sleeping pad. What are your thoughts on that idea? Thank you for your time.
That's essentially what Dutch has done with his double layer Banyan. If I'm not mistaken you can get the Warbonnet Ridge Runner that way as well. Should work out well as long as it's able to keep the pad snug up against you.
@@stevesummersell_K4WXX I think it would depend on the specific closed cell foam pad you're using. I don't think I'd go too low with one, but there are some that perform surprisingly well, like the ones from Gossamer Gear.
@@SpiguyverBackpacking1 Now that I think about it, something like the Thermarest self inflating Trail Scout (the large is 25” wide & 1 inch thick), might be better. It would be rigid without raising you up so high. Rabbit holes! 🤣
Absolutely. Spot on. I invested in the War Bonnet Ridge Runner, under quilt, and top quilt and it’s like heaven when you are in it. Now, I must confess that my first experience with hammock sleeping was as a Boy Scout in 1957. Our Scout Master was a retired Navy Warrant Officer and he got a hold of some surplus jungle hammocks and they were bridge hammocks. So when I tried gathered hammocks, I truthfully didn’t care for they experience of being squeezed tightly and enclosed in a high walled cocoon. So I bought the Ridge Runner and I was back in the luxury I experienced as a Boy Scout. Great video. Thanks for taking the time to explain the different ways to avoid the dreaded “cold butt. “
Thanks for checking out the video. I understand not enjoying the gathered end experience, glad you found the RR!
Nice presentation, I've seen alot of people talk about bridge-hammock underquilt challenges on forums. I just spent my first sub-freezing evening in a bridge hammock over the weekend. I found that my JRB Mt Washington 4 that I've used countless times on my gathered-end hammocks, perfectly fit my new JRB James River Bridge hammock. There was instant warmth, trouble-free installation, and a glove-like fit requiring no adjustments following necessary trips throughout the night. The big positive with this setup for me is that I can still use the same underquilt on my gathered-end hammocks when I choose to use those. I think the other great feature of any bridge hammock in addition to a flat lay, is that there is no worry of foot "pop out" in the middle of the evening as is experienced with many gathered-end systems.
Glad your JRB works with the JRB!
I've used the RidgeRunner for years. I have used everything that you have talked about. The air mat is comfortable but your body has to alway produce enough heat to not only keep you warm but also the air in the mat. I've used my regular hammock under quilt but I always had problems getting it just right to keep me warm. Then I got the Ridge Runner 20 degree under quilt which was perfect. No air gaps and so easy to put it on. I would recommend the dedicated under quilt by far. You will only cry once. This will last for a long time. I'm like you, I don't ever want to go back to a gathered end hammock or a tent. I keep my regular gathered end hammocks and underquilt for someone who wants to go camping with me.
Great point on the air needing to be heated as well in the pad, another reason not to inflate it quite as much in the hammock. Thanks for the comment, I appreciate it and agree, buy once, cry once!
Thanks for the video! Another option is the super cheap and generic foam pad. A 1/2" pad conforms to every body part and offers excellent insulation.
Thanks for sharing!
I prefer the pad option as a side and stomach sleeper. Very warm, as flat as you're gonna get in a hammock, and once you figure out the inflation level that works best for you it's very comfortable. Underquilt is great too, it mostly comes down to personal preference.
Cool, do what works best for you! It also gives you a better option if you get to an area you have to go to ground.
One of these are on my list. I really think I’ll love it, just need to get one ordered.
Thank you for all the info !
Any questions you have, let me know!
Great, informative video. Was thinking about going from gathered end to bridge. Hesitated because of costs and didn't realize I had cheaper options like using my existing underquilt. Thanks
Happy to help!
I don't need another hammock.
I don't need another hammock.
I don't need another hammock.
DAMN YOU!!!
Seriously, well thought out video. SOLID information! Loved the demos and the recap at the end!
I was hoping you were going to say it was just OK... as you were getting to that point, I was thinking, "Don't like it... don't like it..."
Maybe it's not too late to put that on my Christmas list!
Thanks for another great video!
Thanks! I have just found so much better sleep, especially with my bad shoulder, since I switched to the bridge.
I did wonder a bit about the chill from the sides when trying out my Hammock Gear UQ on the Ridgerunner. I think more than anything it helps my Ridgerunner to have the quilt protector even though it's a tiny bit pricey. I had one night out with my brand new 6 oz Arrowhead Equipment Ridge Creek XL but it was not a typical trip. I did not know that had caught a fever (typical where I get days off and body lets down guard and gets illness right then) and shivered for some time while it rained and I did not have the quilt protector installed. Showers stopped and I warmed up and fell asleep again. I'd say that's the down side of Apex insulation. And maybe the short wind coverage of the Thunder Fly tarp. I survived because I had a 0 degree down topquilt. But I had to cut the trip short to go home and recover from the flu. I'm itching to try the full setup at Hangcon 2023.
Sorry about the bad trip, it does sound like the UQ Protector is a big help. I have one but rarely use it.
@@SpiguyverBackpacking1 I'm always experimenting. The RR UQ protector was backwards compatible with my Chameleon with a pair or alligator clips and some elastic cord. Too bad I did not make the time to unpack that setup bag and get it before it rained. Sickness brain fog. So in a pinch a RR quilt could rig up make an extra insulation or top cover on a gathered end.
I use bridge hammocks with normal underquilt. I have sewn toggles at the middle of the long sides and run a shock cord from one toggle, over the ridge line and down to the other side. That closes the gap between hammock and quilt.
that's pretty much what I do on my TownsEnd Luxury UL. I actually may add a second one on that hammock.
@@SpiguyverBackpacking1 ah ha! an answer for a question I was here to ask :D I have a HG UQ on the way based on your Townsend video set-up. Looking at the Banyon UQP to add to it, for that extra bit of fitted-to-bridge-profile help...and because I have a border collie who is *bound* to get my UQ damp with doggy-affection at some point! Thoughts on the Banyon UQP welcome, if you have them :D
Looking good out there! I wonder how an UL under protector would work with that hammock .
I know that Warbonnet makes one that people use with the ridge runner, I believe it goes up the foot and head end to keep drafts from being able to enter at the ends.
Thanks a lot Mark for showing us this much appreciated 🪵🔥
My pleasure! Thanks for watching!
Late to the party, but I'm considering a 2025 AT thru-hike and might take my Banyan (which I bought, but haven't used yet). I really like the idea of using a pad so that if I want to sleep in a shelter or go to ground for some reason, I can, but I can still hammock most nights. So, what Exped model/size pad did you use in the video? It looked like it fit well and I'm looking to replace my XLite with something rectangular. Thanks!
Thanks for the video, I have been considering a banyan hammock. Don’t tell my chameleon
I know what you mean. I just sold my chameleon before Christmas and was a little sad about doing it. However I know that I won't be using it anymore and hanging onto it was not a smart idea.
Would the Ridge Reaper under quilt work on the Towns End Luxury hammock?
No, I don't think it will. When you get the Towns End it is actually recommended that you use a regular UQ. It's due to the dimensions and construction of it.
@@SpiguyverBackpacking1 Great! Thanks Mark!!!
Anytime.
@@SpiguyverBackpacking1well, you’ve got way too many UQs, what do YOU use with the Towns End??
@@swanben11 I use any of my standard UQ's. The ones that work the best though seem to be the longer ones. Since I move up and down in the hammock depending on if I'm on my back, side or stomach, that gives the best coverage. The Hammock Gear Incubator is one of them.
I got a double layer Banyan for Christmas and have been playing with insulation. One thing that drew me to the Banyan was the ability to easily use the underquilt and pad I already own in tandem. I haven't been able to take it out for an over nighter, both think I have it dialed in. The Banyan and Warbonnet's bridge hammock both give the user a lot of options. They are very modular and customizable. Good video!
Thank you! Good luck with your new Banyan! I am enjoying mine!
@@SpiguyverBackpacking1 Your review helped me choose between the Ridgerunner and Banyan. Both hammocks are winners, but the Banyan seemed to fit my needs best.
Happy I was able to help!
Have you had time to sleep with your nee hammock? I am thinking of getting the Banyan and I am not sure if I should get the single or dual layer version. If you have already slept with it using the pad how did you like it? Is it more or less comfortable than using underquilt? And how would you say it compares to sleeping on the ground with the pad?
Excellent content Mark! Very informative video 🙂
Thanks so much, glad you enjoyed it. Anything you'd like to see?
I ordered my banyan today can't wait
Awesome! Congratulations!!!
Great video! Would the Warbonnet Lynx Underquilt work on the Banyan Bridge Hammock? Any other recommendations on where to get the custom bridge hammock underquilts. They seem hard to find.
Yes, while I don't own one, I have been told they work perfectly. I believe Warbonnet and Loco Libre are the only ones that have one. Maybe Dutch will make one sometime soon??? You could always see if one of the other companies would make a custom one.
Thanks for the quick reply. Have you ever tried using a partial Underquilt on a bridge hammock? I’m wonder how those would work.
I have, you can feel the suspension under your calf and I don't like it. Also, I've moved on to the point where I just want full length all the time, I don't want my feet getting cold.
Hey from the UK.
Interested in your thoughts.
I'm buying a banyan.
I have a jerven bag thermo hunter. Not sure if you are aware of them. I'm thinking of using this for a winter top cover/sock. Rain cover, insulation, light blocking. Do you think this would work with the banyan, dimensions wise. With the ridgelines. Love the channel.
Sam
Hey Sam, where are you in the UK? I have enjoyed each of my backpacking trips out there.
I looked up the Jervin Bag as I had never heard of it before, an interesting piece of gear. While I would recommend going with a normal top and under quilt, you may be able to find a way to rig this up to make it work. However, I wouldn't use it for a rain cover, I'd stick with a normal tarp.
Thanks for the support!
@@SpiguyverBackpacking1 I'm in the south of the UK. Near Brighton. Yeah, i think it would work best as extra insulation in the hammock or as an underquilt to add degrees but also as a protective layer.
I have never tried a hammock. Always slept on the ground usually under an open tarp. After watching many videos here, I have started to make a bridge hammock using Bic's (hikerdad) diagram. I am thanking of adding a layer under the main layer to hold a sleeping pad. What are your thoughts on that idea? Thank you for your time.
That's essentially what Dutch has done with his double layer Banyan. If I'm not mistaken you can get the Warbonnet Ridge Runner that way as well. Should work out well as long as it's able to keep the pad snug up against you.
What about a closed cell foam pad?
I mentioned closed cell foam pads and self inflating pads when I discussed the pad option. It's something you can use for sure.
@@SpiguyverBackpacking1 I’m thinking it would keep you low in the hammock; just not sure of the performance.
@@stevesummersell_K4WXX I think it would depend on the specific closed cell foam pad you're using. I don't think I'd go too low with one, but there are some that perform surprisingly well, like the ones from Gossamer Gear.
@@SpiguyverBackpacking1 Now that I think about it, something like the Thermarest self inflating Trail Scout (the large is 25” wide & 1 inch thick), might be better. It would be rigid without raising you up so high. Rabbit holes! 🤣