Therm-a-Rest Slacker Hammock Pad

More like a cosmic surfboard, the Slacker Hammock Pad is how you’ll ride the ripcurl to dreamland. Testers, concerned about the product’s bulk when rolled, cursed their own ignorance once the Pad slid into position in the Therm-a-Rest Slacker Hammock as well as other models reviewed. At 1lb 11oz, this is no children’s play toy or half-hearted effort to transform the hammock experience. Even campers with back, hip and knee injuries and ailments find relief with this pad on board (and we should know). Self-inflating foam sits inside AirFrame technology, topped off by about 20 puffs of air. At 25”x 75,” even taller campers get what they need from this well-constructed pad, one in a long line of wise designs from Therm-a-Rest. The manufacturer claims suitability for single or double hammocks, but Active Junky testers got the best result in one-person models.

Pros: Shape fits wide range of hammocks, ribbing means structure plus comfort, R-value of 2.1 helpful on spring and fall evenings

Cons: Rolled size and weight push the limits, inflation valve system is medium duty

Tester Comments: “The word is, quite simply, joy. Happiness while unrolling, delight during inflation, satisfaction in stretching out on another Therm-a-Rest innovation. Love that it combines some of their proven, proprietary technology to create a serious contribution to the hammock experience. Planning to take it to ground level to see if the shape works for tent camping.”

Key Attribute: Comfort

Best For: Three-season use in a variety of climates, pairing with the ThermaRest Slacker Hammock as well as other, shallower models (mostly one-person styles)

Available 2017