Nemo Switchback + Quilt experience?

The switchback is flat enough that when your arms dangle you wont notice the difference in height. You'll be alright. Ive used pad straps with the switchback too, and it was fine.

Hi fellow Hammocker. I’ve used a switchback and it worked. I’ve used my 1/8 inch gg thin light and that worked too in a pinch. Elbows off the side is not a big deal. I use my normal quilt with it and it’s fine, no need for a sleeping bag. If you want to be super comfortable, buy an inflatable Pad like a thermarest nxt wide.

Can you test the switchback out and see if you can sleep on it close to your home?

Haha this is my fave sleeping system combo for summers in the Sierra: quilt + Nemo Switchback (8 panels). Works great for me with no straps but YMMV

Easy-peasy, been doing this forever as a ground dweller:

2x 1/4" thick evazote pieces, about 15" long. One is 8" wide since I also use it as a sitpad during breaks, the other is 6" wide, and I use it as a pot cozy wrapped around the pot, held by a shock cord.

Each of these gets attached with shock cord on top of each of my trail runners, and then located along the Switchback where my lower arms land during sleep. This setup keeps my arms a bit higher than my torso, which helps keeping me centered on the pad. And provide sufficient Insulation for my arms and elbows from the ground.

Comfortable, efficient, multi-use.

Unless you like sleeping on the hard ground, I would put my money into buying an inflatable mattress, like the Nemo Tensor, over a sleeping bag. It might weigh a bit more but will take up way less room and will be 1,000x more comfortable. If you want a cheaper option check out the Klymit brand.