View Full Version : Hammock system weight
In order to entice my husband into joining me on an ocassional campout I bought him a HH. Now I'm thinking I'd like to use it when I'm backpacking without him. My base weight now is at 13 lbs for cold weather. But if I use the Hammock it looks as though I'll be adding weight and bulk with the under quilt, the over quilt, wings for my sleep pad, snake skins, and additional 15 feet of webbing for those really big trees. So now my 2 lb shelter has grown to what? And will it all fit into my 3000 cubic foot backpack? It just doesn't seem hammock camping is for the ultra light. How does one thru hike the AT or PCT with a hammock while staying light weight, compact and warm on those cold nights?
Ox97GaMe
06-22-2009, 22:32
I switched from tent camping to hammock hanging. I have the Henesey Expedition hammock.
Where I found the savings is as follows:
Sleeping bag is used as my overquilt
I do not need a sleeping pad. I carried a long thermarest for the tent.
I do not need the tent footprint/ground cloth. I do have a small piece of plastic (half a garbage bag) that I use to lay on the ground under the hammock to set my boots on and keep my feet from getting dirty when putting on/taking off boots.
The hammock is 4 lbs lighter than my tent was. (yes, I carried a 2 person tent for luxury)
I have strapped around some decent sized trees and not had a major issue. Havent hiked on the PCT, so cant speak for how large the trees out there would be. The biggest thing is getting familiar with distance between trees. Sometimes, I find myself picking trees that might be 3-4 ft further apart than what the ropes support. But, it has been pretty easy for me to just move to diff set of trees.
Wise Old Owl
06-22-2009, 23:18
Well the comfort level is awesome - but I am a toss & turner all night long. I am on the fence about the overall weight. And I will tell you right up front, I don't know enough here as I have tented or bivy over the years. In my tests in the back yard I am having trouble getting used to it for the moment. (I am 225 and 6 foot)
Correct me if I am wrong.... Take a Hennessy Hammock 2lbs +-3-11 ounces and add a underquilt and some support ropes and other ideas like a BA UL pad (maybe) and you are right back up to the weight of a tent.
Not really the weight, it's the bulk volume. No, two quilts won't fit in a 3k pack.
boarstone
06-23-2009, 07:05
I don't know your wt/ht ratio, but for me 5'2" 150, I use a ENO Eagle Nest outfitters hammock. It's shorter than most, thus less material, easier to pack. I use a thermarest self infate med pad lightly folded and packed to the inside of my pack against my back. ( Eureka! 3500 cu. in. internal) A 30 deg. synthetic bag. External seperate bug net. Fully loaded I'm between 17-20 lbs.
I have another hammock called "the travel hammock" two-tone green. Longer, heavier. I use this at home. I pack my hammock/bag together at bottom of my pack w/straps/caribiners/bug net.
Fiddleback
06-23-2009, 10:42
I keep reminding myself and others that pack weight is only one of many factors affecting comfort. And for me, ultralight backpacking is motivated by 'comfort.' I'm a UL wannabe...my base weight is generally one side or the other of 14 pounds.
My Hennessy, with snake skins and some WalMart pegs, comes in right at two pounds. My pad from Oware adds another seven ounces. That's not bad for the best sleep I've ever experienced on the trail. Not to mention the comfort and convenience of not having to search for a suitable tent/tarp site, being bug proof, and a handful of other conveniences I've discovered hanging.
As are all sleep systems, mine is specific to me personally, the region I backpack, and the anticipated weather. I don't do underquilts, overquilts or anything other than than the most simple and lightest of pads. And I'm 'comfortable' down to the mid-20s. YMMV but it's unlikely, IMO, that you'll find a more a pleasing comfort-to-weight ratio than a hammock.:)
FB
Last summer I carried a Shires Rainbow Tarptent in Maine. It is a great tent at 2 lbs. But I had a hard time finding level spots, being the last one in each night, so I ended up sleeping on a slant. I got wet more than once! This year I switched to a hammock setup (a Warbonnet Blackbird, OES tarp, and landau pad) My weight increased by about 7 oz, but I didn't have to worry about level ground and I stayed dry. Just the sleeping comfort was worth the extra weight!
Cannibal
06-23-2009, 11:42
It can be done on the lite; costs a little, but it can be done.
I can and have had my sleep system (hammock, tarp, quilts, suspension) just a hair over 6lbs for winter use. I've been to -14F with that set-up and that was using a synthetic underquilt (torso length) and a hammock with bug-netting.
I usually giggle when being lectured by a tenter about how heavy my hammock is. Usually they are comparing my entire sleep system to just their tent and telling me how much heavier hammocks are compared to tents. My hammock and suspension was 26 oz, but they weren't counting their ground sheet, pad, or sleeping bag.
I use all down in my quilts now, but haven't put my winter system on a scale. Bet I'm closer to 5lbs these days and I sure sleep a lot more comfortable than on the ground.
HikerRanky
06-23-2009, 13:25
In order to entice my husband into joining me on an ocassional campout I bought him a HH. Now I'm thinking I'd like to use it when I'm backpacking without him. My base weight now is at 13 lbs for cold weather. But if I use the Hammock it looks as though I'll be adding weight and bulk with the under quilt, the over quilt, wings for my sleep pad, snake skins, and additional 15 feet of webbing for those really big trees. So now my 2 lb shelter has grown to what? And will it all fit into my 3000 cubic foot backpack? It just doesn't seem hammock camping is for the ultra light. How does one thru hike the AT or PCT with a hammock while staying light weight, compact and warm on those cold nights?
My Warbonnet Blackbird with storage sack, straps and carabiners comes in at 33oz. My down UQ comes in at 21oz, and my tarp with anchors comes in at 9.7oz. That totals up to 3.98 lbs.
When I was on the ground, I carried a BA Insulated Air Core pad that weighed in at 27oz. My tent weighed in at 48oz. That is 4.69 lbs.
So let's say that I had the same tent as you and I still had the same pad, then I would come up 4.7 ounces lighter( 59oz vs. 63.7). Yet the comfort factor for me sleeping in the hammock is much better than sleeping on the ground.
Randy
JaxHiker
06-23-2009, 15:35
Last summer I carried a Shires Rainbow Tarptent in Maine. It is a great tent at 2 lbs. But I had a hard time finding level spots, being the last one in each night, so I ended up sleeping on a slant. I got wet more than once!
This is a big one. A hammock gives you a great deal of flexibility. If you find you're losing daylight and won't make your planned stopping point you can pretty much stop anywhere you want and find something to tie to. If you find the shelter is packed to the gills you can walk 100 yards into the woods and get away from everyone.
take-a-knee
06-23-2009, 17:09
JRB Rocky Mtn No Sniveler top quilt plus JRB down hood 28oz.
Hennesy Hyperlight with bug net removed 15oz
Suspension-tree huggers, LW biners, rap ring 4oz
Warbonnet synthetic underquilt 21oz
Ridge Rest 48" 9oz
77oz/ 4#13oz
Okay, we still need a roof.
Add my OES Spinnaker Macat DLX, complete with lines/stakes 15oz, 5#12oz total.
Want more wind protection? Use a Speer Winter Tarp, that'll add ten or so ounces
Want to make a 10 F system a minus ten system? Add a couple of evazote pads from Oware. Weight penalty, about 12 oz.
If you can't carry an insulation/shelter package that weighs less than seven pounds, you really need a better conditioning system. I suggest www.crossfit.com
Thanks for all the input. My current set up with tent, bag and pad comes in at 4lb-13oz. It can take me to 10 degrees. And I have bug protection. I guess I'll leave the hammock for my husband's enjoyment since he is a fair weather camper and not depend on a hammock system to shelter me on a long distance hike. I will certanly be taking advantage of the cooler to cold nights in my back yard this fall and winter experimenting with a light weight, low bulk system, one that will work for me. I have only spent a total of three nights hanging between two trees and I have seen the light. The comfort and good night sleep in a hammock can not be beat.
peter_pan
06-27-2009, 06:47
Thanks for all the input. My current set up with tent, bag and pad comes in at 4lb-13oz. It can take me to 10 degrees. And I have bug protection. I guess I'll leave the hammock for my husband's enjoyment since he is a fair weather camper and not depend on a hammock system to shelter me on a long distance hike. I will certanly be taking advantage of the cooler to cold nights in my back yard this fall and winter experimenting with a light weight, low bulk system, one that will work for me. I have only spent a total of three nights hanging between two trees and I have seen the light. The comfort and good night sleep in a hammock can not be beat.
BYC,
If your tent, pad and shelter is 4-13 pounds and your base pack weight is 13there seems to be a lot of other stuff.
I get an entire three season, read 25* set up, Large tarp, BMBH, two quilts all under 6 pounds and it fits along with 5 days of food, water and fuel in a 3000 pack.
The issue is comfort....you can keep a cut down 1/4 in pad and 40* bag in a tiny tent/shelter.... for the 19 oz difference....far more comfort and probably far greater range of warmth...( ther are lighter hammocks and summer quilts in my gear locker that get me to a lighter 4.5 pounds)
Pan
Strategic
06-27-2009, 12:07
BYC,
My pack is a bit larger then yours (a Golight Gust, medium, about 3600ci) but I manage to get in a hammock system that weighs in about the same as your combo. Here's what I carry:
HH Hyperlight (stock tarp, snakeskins, titanium stakes) - all in weight just under 30oz
DIY Overquilt (PrimaloftOne, heat reflective shell, w/ stuffsack) - 13oz
DIY Underquilt (as above) - 13oz
DIY Hammock pad (1/4" cc foam, reflective back and taffeta surface) - 11oz
Total weight - 67oz (4lbs 3oz)
That's my rig for standard three-season hiking, good as-is down to about 25* (in warmer weather I'll often leave the underquilt at home and just use the pad for 40* and above.) Piling on the extra insulation I usually carry in cooler weather anyway (polartec socks, silk-weight longs, light DYI insulated jacket) I could go down another five or ten degrees without any trouble. I don't do a lot of strictly winter hiking, so I've never bothered with more, but for a thru-hike I'd make a slightly heavier over-and underquilt set of the same stuff (basically 6oz of extra PrimaloftOne in each) to use for the Springer-to-Virginia sections and the Whites, and then carry my current set-up the rest of the time.
Getting light in a hammock is really all about using gear that's designed properly for hammock use, which is why so much of mine is DIY. Not that there aren't good, hammock-specific quilts being made commercially now, but what I've done serves my purposes better. You have the advantage that, like me, you're not particularly large and can thus get away with things your husband can't. I use the HH Hyperlight, which is great, but only works if you're less than 5'10", ruling out a lot of guys (on occasion, being a small guy does have it's advantages :D) My advice would be, don't try to use his hammock, get your own and get a system adapted to it to get the same kind of weight and size performance as you get from your current rig. It can be done and you're body will thank you for the vast increase in sleeping comfort that comes with the package.
If I use my stock HH, it weighs in at 2 pounds, same as my Tarptent Squall. In either case, I carry half a z-rest and an inflatable pad (either a thermarest prolite or big agnes insulated air core, both shortie models), and a sleeping bag (which gets used as a quilt 90%+ of the time). So for me, there's no weight difference between my hammock set up or my tent setup. If I'm carrying my HH, I can sleep on the ground if I choose (obviously I can't hang if I bring my Tarptent).
My Blackbird/Speer winter tarp setup is heavier by a pound and a half or so, but is so roomy and comfortable that it's worth it for a longer trip.
Either way, I have enough flexibiity to handle weather in comfort (sometimes luxury) down to the posted rating, or a bit colder, of the sleeping bag I'm carrying, with no real weight penalty, and plenty of space in my GG Vapor trail.
In three-season use, with an EMS Thaw 40 bag (2#, conservative 40* rating), my whole sleep/shelter setup ranges from just under 5# to just under 6.5# depending exactly on what I choose to carry, comfy down to 30*.
Hammock = Warbonnet Blackbird (1.7 single) with webbing suspension 27oz.
Tarp = OES MacCat Deluxe 13oz.
Under Quilt = Warbonnet Yeti 12oz.
Over Quilt = Nunatak Specialist 16oz.
All this great advice and gear info. It's really got me intrigued. Thanks.
My 13 LB base weight is for cold weather and does include camera and cell phone. I better check contents though. Maybe my husband put a rock in my pack. I'll be back with with my findings.
Tent and ground cloth - 2.4 lbs
Sleeping bag - 2 lbs, 10 degree
Pad - 9 oz, Z rest cut down - (not very comfortable on the ground).
I'll just have to see how cold I can go with the current bag and pad.
I hiked the AT in 07. I know it can get cold at night. I've got another long distance hike planned and I want to be geared right if I choose to hammock.
My now retired Kelty pack was only 2370CI & my set up fit with clothing & food for 6 days. During cold weather (I had snow 3 times).
Grand Trunk (regular) Skeeter Beeter, 2 ~ 14' 1.5" webbing, 2 climbers biners, RayWay (top) quilt with Alpine Upgrade, JRB no sniveller underquilt. All in a sil nylon Black Bishop sack. I don't have the weight in front of me right now, but I seem to remember it being 6.5 Lbs (plus 2 Lb, 13.5' x 10' sil nylon tarp), maybe less. A bit heavier than my tent set up, but I can sleep at night with the hammock set up,,,, not so much with the tent. AND I can actually walk around under my 2 Lb tarp. i could barely sit up in my 2 Lb tent.
My pack is now 3560CI, & I don't know what to do with all the room.
Oh yea, my base weight is 16 Lbs. Which is pretty good considering my first hike base weight was in the high 50s. My FSO base weight is 20 Lbs, mostly cause I will not wear shorts to hike, & my kilt weighs 18 oz.
Rockhound
06-27-2009, 18:34
I have recently discovered that a HH is not quite strong enough for two people. It will hold up for a while but will break at the most inconvenient time.
I have recently discovered that a HH is not quite strong enough for two people. It will hold up for a while but will break at the most inconvenient time.
Ha ha ha
I hope that no one was hurt :)
Not really the weight, it's the bulk volume. No, two quilts won't fit in a 3k pack.
I disagree. I had 2 JRB quilts and they both fit with all my gear in a ULA Conduit.
I guess I should say more. It was March hiking in Shenandoah. It was ~20F when I started hiking for a 5 day trip, so I had 5 days of food with me. The quilts I carried were the no sniveler and the stealth. My hammock was home made and the fabric was 1.1oz nylon. My tarp was a home clone of the cat tarp deluxe. I had snake skins for both these items, which were also home made. Again the pack I was using was the ULA Conduit. In my bag I was carrying the following clothes when it was warmer; Patagonia Micro-Puff (Mens Medium), extra pair socks, long underwear, fleece socks, fleece hat. I was also carrying a z-rest sleeping pad (7 segment), heineken pot, alcohol stove, Ziploc tupperware container, and a small first aid kit.
I am probably forgetting some stuff, but I know all that was in my kit. I decided to not use hammocks because a tarp is less weight and less bulk. When I am hiking with my wife I use a tarp tent.
Just Jeff
06-28-2009, 09:51
Haha - many folks who say hammocks are so much heavier than ground systems haven't actually tried a full-on hammock system. Or they compare "all that stuff" to a tarp and CCF pad, even though they carry a full-length ThermaRest and full tent, etc. You'll probably add a few ounces to a ground setup for a similar temp, but after they try it, more people stick with hammocking than go back to the ground.
This table is a bit dated but it shows systems people ACTUALLY use, rather than a theoretical "how low can I go?" discussion, organized by temperature rating. Check out Risk's cold weather setup near the bottom.
http://www.tothewoods.net/HammockGroundWeights.html
Carol at BPL did a sub-5 lbs SUL trip with a hammock and has a pretty good write-up at www.backpackinglight.com (http://www.backpackinglight.com).
Not really the weight, it's the bulk volume. No, two quilts won't fit in a 3k pack.
I disagree. I had 2 JRB quilts and they both fit with all my gear in a ULA Conduit.
Our quilts are not the same. My RMS has 3.5" of loft compared to your stealth's 1.5" of loft.
I suppose that one can compress down enough to make it fit, but the long term damage isn't worth it IMO.
I,too, came to hammocking to save weight and bulk. The picture of the HH in the palm of one's hand was compelling. No mention (at the time, three years ago) was made of under insulation.
In the end, my hammock system wound up about equal to a one man tent system. Just Jeff's site has a good breakdown comparison of weights.
As in any other part of hiking, the more money you throw at it, the lighter your load. I do think you probably need down quilts to keep the bulk manageable.
I wound up with a two layer hammock with the pad in between. The pad became the frame of my gearskin type pack.
I tried a tarp tent this spring, but have come back to the hammock setup.
Haha - many folks who say hammocks are so much heavier than ground systems haven't actually tried a full-on hammock system. Or they compare "all that stuff" to a tarp and CCF pad, even though they carry a full-length ThermaRest and full tent, etc. You'll probably add a few ounces to a ground setup for a similar temp, but after they try it, more people stick with hammocking than go back to the ground.
This table is a bit dated but it shows systems people ACTUALLY use, rather than a theoretical "how low can I go?" discussion, organized by temperature rating. Check out Risk's cold weather setup near the bottom.
http://www.tothewoods.net/HammockGroundWeights.html
Carol at BPL did a sub-5 lbs SUL trip with a hammock and has a pretty good write-up at www.backpackinglight.com (http://www.backpackinglight.com).
I decided it was too heavy for me and too complicated. I hike with two dogs and a wife. Wasn't exactly the best system for me. Notice everything I said was for me. I probably had one of the lightest hammock systems out there, but it was still much heavier than a tarp setup. However, hammocks aren't suppose to be compared in weight to those systems. To tell you the truth I wish the hammock system was better suited for my needs, because it is very comfortable. I personally believe it is too complicated of a system. I really like simplicity.
It also cannot be said that I didn't give it a good enough shot. If you recall I started hammocking a few years back and even contributed to the DIY world with my catenary calculator, so that others could make a black cat or custom cat tarp in a much easier way.
Strategic
06-28-2009, 21:19
I decided it was too heavy for me and too complicated. I hike with two dogs and a wife. Wasn't exactly the best system for me. Notice everything I said was for me. I probably had one of the lightest hammock systems out there, but it was still much heavier than a tarp setup. However, hammocks aren't suppose to be compared in weight to those systems. To tell you the truth I wish the hammock system was better suited for my needs, because it is very comfortable. I personally believe it is too complicated of a system. I really like simplicity.
It also cannot be said that I didn't give it a good enough shot. If you recall I started hammocking a few years back and even contributed to the DIY world with my catenary calculator, so that others could make a black cat or custom cat tarp in a much easier way.
And we still thank you for it, lvleph, it's a great tool. I'll be using it to make my replacement tarp when I can afford the proper fabric (Cuben) to get a good-sized cattarp for less weight. It's true that hammocks are best for solo (or at least solo-sleeping) hikers: no issues about having to have space for someone else, be they person or beast. If you need to acommodate dogs or a spouse (maybe I should reverse that before my wife sees this post) then it becomes a whole other question. I'm pretty solidly a solo kind of hiker, so it works for me, but it's definately not for everybody.
Just Jeff
06-29-2009, 10:51
Meph - yep, there are legitimately people who give hammocking a try and decide it's not for them. No issue with that at all...everyone's style is different. I was talking about the naysayers who haven't even tried it and try to convince others that it's too heavy and complicated.
And definitely thanks for your contributions...I remember you being pretty active in posting helpful info.
Wise Old Owl
06-30-2009, 15:42
It can be done on the lite; costs a little, but it can be done.
I can and have had my sleep system (hammock, tarp, quilts, suspension) just a hair over 6lbs for winter use. I've been to -14F with that set-up and that was using a synthetic underquilt (torso length) and a hammock with bug-netting.
I usually giggle when being lectured by a tenter about how heavy my hammock is. Usually they are comparing my entire sleep system to just their tent and telling me how much heavier hammocks are compared to tents. My hammock and suspension was 26 oz, but they weren't counting their ground sheet, pad, or sleeping bag.
I use all down in my quilts now, but haven't put my winter system on a scale. Bet I'm closer to 5lbs these days and I sure sleep a lot more comfortable than on the ground.
That's what my thoughts were, it really quickly adds up. 6lbs? not exactly UL and what does it weigh in the summer?
Geez, I don't know - 6 lbs sounds pretty light for 14 below to me. If I were heading out mid-winter, I don't think I could do a tent/pad/bag set up for sub-zero temps for less than 6 lbs.
Hammocking might be heavier on a per-person basis (i.e. 2 hammocks need for 2 people), but if you're a dedicated hanger, I think it's as light as anything else.
It gets problematic when you like versatility - I like to sleep on the ground sometimes, so I need a pad instead of an underquilt.
Been at my desk too long today... ruminating like an old man... not sure if I'm making sense :-?
buzzamania
06-30-2009, 18:10
After many years in tents and the hard ground I tested my dad's HH and was instantly in love. The weight savings that I have accomplished came from a decent pad that had cloth on one side to make it a little mor breathable. It's actually an 8mm thick exercize mat (7 oz) that I stole from my wife. It added just enough insulation from the fabric of the HH that my home made flannel sleeping bag liner was warm enough down to about 55 degrees. No pad = cold. There is no comparison to the weightlessness of hanging in a hammock. I have a $1000 matress at home that I love. I probably sleep as well in the hammock as I do in my own bed. That's something I can't say about tent camping. I also don't take pegs or stakes. I use rocks and sticks and other trees to tie everything down. Set up and take down with the snake skins is a snap. I also like the fact that you can use the hh fly to scoop air like a parachute when you are hot like it usually is here in Florida, or tighten it down tight when you get caught in the pounding rain or cold. Wouldn't trade it. Good move.
Cannibal
07-01-2009, 11:17
That's what my thoughts were, it really quickly adds up. 6lbs? not exactly UL and what does it weigh in the summer?
No, not UL, but not exactly heavy either. As Deadeye pointed out, the real key is how cold I was able to go with that weight. As I said, I'm sportin down in all my quilts now so I've been able to shave a bunch of weight. Switching out my winter tarp for an early model OES MacCat Standard in Spinn saves me over 17 ounces alone. Not exactly a summer set-up, but here is my sleeping weight for my Colorado Trail thru starting next week:
Warbonnet Traveler hammock and suspension: 14.9 ounces
OES MacCat Standard tarp in Spinn: 7.2 ounces
DIY 3-Season Topquilt: 17.9 ounces
Warbonnet 3-Season Yeti Underquilt: 12.2 ounces
3lbs 3oz.
Barring a particularly nasty storm, this set-up can take me into the low 40s with no problems. If I put every stitch of clothing on, probably upper to mid 30s; although I haven't had that situation present itself yet. Tarp lines and stakes are not included, so you can add another few ounces. Still, not too bad for sleeping in luxury. :D If I wasn't going to be up around 9000' (and above) on this hike, I could lose some more ounces by switching to a 15oz topquilt and a 9oz undercover.
Cannibal
07-01-2009, 11:25
Oh, I forgot. The stuff sack (Bishop Bag) that holds my hammock and underquilt weighs .6 ounces. Just finished it last night and trying to practice full disclosure. :rolleyes::)
Fiddleback
07-01-2009, 11:46
When trying to keep warm, here are just too many variables too compare absolute weights. Climates and weather systems are different, backpackers are different, sleepwear and bags/quilts are different, underinsulation is different...on and on and on.
There are some that carry relatively heavy sleeping bags in relatively warm temps while others do just fine well below freezing without a bag or top cover. Systems are different and the first and biggest variable is the backpacker him/herself.
But again, the weight to comfort ratio is most likely going to favor a hammock over sleeping on the ground. It does take 'more' (more thought, more practice, more weight) to stay warm in a hammock than on the ground, all other factors the same, but there is a huge jump in sleeping comfort for most. Plus there is a jump in convenience.
This rational won't be bought by those that value low weight above all else. But pack weight is just one of the measurements of comfort. One sacrifices other comforts if low pack weight is the ultimate goal. My clique in Scouts had a motto, "Any fool can be uncomfortable."
FB
This rational won't be bought by those that value low weight above all else. But pack weight is just one of the measurements of comfort. One sacrifices other comforts if low pack weight is the ultimate goal. My clique in Scouts had a motto, "Any fool can be uncomfortable."
FB
A good night's sleep is worth whatever it weighs.
Downhill Trucker
07-01-2009, 14:44
My system:
Hammock: A DIY Claytor style, extra big (I'm 6'4" 180 and love a wide hammock), double bottom, includes storage pockets and oversized straps with a ring buckle set-up and carabiners. Also includes two bishop sacks to keep straps seperate and aid in drip prevention and some storm protection. Total cost to make... MAYBE $100.
Tarp:OES Maccat Deluxe in SpinnUL. If you spend money on one item, this is it. Large and light. Invaluable and versatile.
Insulation: DIY top quilt (Cost about $30) and a Speers 1/4 ccf pad cut to size for inside the hammock sleeve.
This system replaces my three season combo that I used before. I was tarping but most people probably use a tent or tarptent in three seasons.
TOTAL WEIGHTS:
Hammock (w/ all hardware, etc.): 25.5oz
Tarp (w/ long guys & 5 stakes): 17.6oz
Quilt, pad, & stuffsack: 35.2oz
TOTAL WEIGHT: 78.3oz or 4.89 pounds
There are lighter systems out there, for sure. I have extra long straps for big trees, the ring buckle setup for instant camp set-up, and a big hammock with a structured bugnet for comfort. I have a huge tarp with long guy lines for use as an awning which allows great versatility for cooking, reading, etc. My synthetic quilt was cheap and easy to make.
I just took this setup on a 5 day section where it poured the whole time and it was in the forties at night. I slept way too comfortably in just boxers. Other hikers were jealous as I stayed dry, comfortable, bug free, and clean. Way more than if I would have stayed in a tent, tarp, or shelter. YMMV, but I am SOLD on hammocking for three season camping.
Be sure to extensively check out Hammock Forums, thats how I put together my killer system. It may not be the lightest system, but it is more than worth the weight, which is still only 5 pounds. How many tent or tarp/bag/pad combos go under that? And if they are lighter do they have anywhere near the comfort and versatility?
Good luck and welcome to the cult!