I'm a fairly experienced backpacker, but I'm having trouble deciding if I want to start with a tent or hammock on my AT thru next year. I switched to a hammock three years ago, I've tried many different setups, but I never went back to a tent.
My trail hammock would be a Grand Trunk U.L. with whoopie sling suspension and poly straps with toggles. I'd probably pick up a cuben fiber tarp if I went with a hammock.
My ground setup is a tarptent Notch minus the supplied mesh net. I have my own bug net(for when I need it) and ground cloth.. this setup weighs less.
I feel like the ground setup is more versatile because If I'm tired and just want to sleep in a shelter, floor, etc.. I have this option. Even though I can setup the hammock and tarp fast, The notch seems to be less of a PITA..
I'm sure the answer will be obvious to me after about a week on the trail.. but for you experienced guys, do you have any advice? or will all be personal preference? For those of you who hammocked, did you ever find yourself missing out on things because of the hammock?