I'm beginning to think now that The whole hammock is lighter/heavier than tent thing really depends on the gear and personal preference for how you want to spemd the night. I have a 2 person (read 1 in comfort) backpacking tent. It weighs a kilo and is about the size of a 2 litre coke bottle. I've also got a canvas bell tent that weighs over 20 kilos (before the stove) last session in the woods I used the hammock as a ground nest and was able to leave some of the insulation I used when hanging it behind. So far I'm finding hammocking heavier. (And makes me wee more overnight) but come the wet ground in winter I may change my mind.
I'll keep experimenting and getting the experience until I find what works for me. Couldn't make this weekend but doing a woodlife trails tracking course next weekend, I'm going to experiment with a slimmed down cook system and pick up some more words of wisdom.
Hope to see you all in November
John
You should certainly give the "swing low" technique a go (the one I discussed in my earlier post).
If you're so low to the ground that even a thin/light poncho liner hung under the hammock is resting on the ground... there's no air moving under the hammock (which is the main cause of the heat loss). Worked great for me this weekend, and that's how I'll be hanging right through 'til spring now.
No need to up-rate my underquilt (poncho liner works great), no need to bring extra blankets or a higher-rated sleeping bag... it'll be just fine