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Been Hammock camping for around 8 years - maybe more. Son and I hang pretty regularly - except this year only a few camp outings with him - had to do with the schedule with the Ex - but that's a whole other story.
YOU CAN WINTER hammock camp. I haven't actually done it - I've only been down to around -5C , which is 23F - but I was warm.
IF YOU WANT TO GET STARTED - You can buy a cheap hammock off amazon - but go longer. 10 feet or 11 foot hammock.
Like mentioned above - Hammocks are cold without insulation. Many are happy, and use a sleeping pad in the hammock or foam. If inflatable - I suggest putting it inside your sleeping bag as they're slippery as hell.
If inflatable, Blow up all the way - then let a little air out so you can contour it inside your bag. I've head a yoga mat or roll can help in the bottom of the hammock to hold a pad in place if you want it outside the bag.
The ultimate is of course the Underquilt, which is like 1/2 a sleeping bag that wraps under the hammock - the reason for this is you don't compress it with your body, losing R/ insulation value. It hugs your body. I have 2 partial UQs and 1 full down UQ. Top quilts are the other 1/2 of the sleeping bag in the hammock - with a little foot box to hold your feet. But you can skip top quilts - can use blankets or a regular sleeping bag or whatever you want.
If you're going ULTRALIGHT - you'll be wanting the lightweight tarp, Down UQ and TQ - plus for suspension / straps - there's a bunch of options there as well.
TARP - you'll want one if there's a chance of cool nights or rain or dew. you can start with a cheap tarp. I have multiple tarps now, including a Kelty Noah 12 which I can cover 2 hammocks with. My son now likes to have his own tarp so rock 2 most the time now..
ALL my gear is from Little Shop of Hammocks in Canada - the guy James ships all over the world and makes amazing stuff. With exchange can save some money.
