When Hammock Instead of Tent?

[Theo]

I am a dedicated hammock hanger. So much so that if I have to sleep on the ground, I'm going to a motel. As far as being lighter, my current set up is around 3.5lbs. Heavier than some ground systems I've got, lighter than other systems. But as Lorax said, hammocks are not a cure all nor are they for everyone. They work for me and that's all that matters.

[oldmangunner]

I love sleeping in a hammock. I tend to use them more for my mid day nap than for anything else. I have one here at home that gets regular use and another packed in with the camping gear.

[charley]

I have been sleeping in a DIY hammock for a cpl years. I only have a few nights on the trail and in a campground, but many in the yard testing new things. I now have a system that I would trust below freezing, maybe as low as 20. I could make additions to get lower but not sure I want to. My hammock is more comfortable than my pad in the tent. I am at the point now that one time I sleep like a baby and then the next I lay there and wonder why I'm not sleeping.

[briansnat]

I've never slept in a hammock while backpacking or canoe camping even though I often bring one along. I use it for relaxing in the morning or after dinner.

I've been considering hammock camping but have no illusions that I'll be saving all that much weight. I actually tested my new ENO Single Nest last night in my backyard to see how it slept with temps in the 30's. I was quite warm using a full length Thermarest under my 0 degree sleeping bag. My next test will be to sleep in it with temps in the teens or single digits.

From my backyard experiments with the ENO and a tarp I've learned that hammock camping can present it's own challenges. For instance one of the reasons I was attracted to the idea of hammock camping was so I could camp in tight places without worrying about looking for flat ground. But in order to pitch the tarp I actually need more space than I would for my two person tent. It's nice that I don't have to worry about rocks and roots but I do still need to look for an area that is open enough to pitch the tarp.