Originally Posted by
Mtsman
The difference for me was something like this:
After years of trying pads and the like (even several different hammocks) I was O.K. with my final choice saying things like "I guess this will work".
After trying just one UQ in one weekend I was saying things like " I will never go back to pads" or "you will have to pry this UQ from my lifeless kungfu grip"
UQ's work for me. I don't hate on the pad users but I would doubt that they have ever tried a UQ and gone BACK to trying pads. If I did have to play devils advocate and suggest using a pad in a hammock it would only be for three reasons. 1) you are new to hammocks and don't even know if you like to hammock camp (its not for everyone but as long as there are trees around, I will try to be in a hammock) 2) you are REALLY strapped for cash and don't want to invest in your sleep on the trail (although I also think this is a temporary fix as you will spend more in pads trying to get comfy than a UQ once) 3) If you are in a REALLLY wet environment for months at a time with no way to dry out/ keep dry your UQ.
Now, with that said, please realize I am extremely biased as I spent many nights pissed off at pads over the years.
HYOH YMMV