Well, I'm a new member but an old hanger...I have spent a lot of time, effort and money to get the perfect hang...Some of the items that people recommend wasn't even available, I don't think, when I started hammock camping so I am extremely happy that this industry is moving forward and got a lot more mainstream. And although I'm a new member, I really appreciate a forum like this exist to do just that. So, small talks aside, out of my own experience and what's available out there currently, below are the things that I whole-heartedly recommend.
Under $100
ebay double size hammock: $15 these are surprisingly comfortable and quality is very good IMO. they are comparable to ENO double nest for fraction of the cost. Regardless of which ebay store you buy from, they all seem to have same craftsmanship so I think they are all from same manufacturer. made in china though. As much as I want to stay away from imported goods, I can't seem to get away from products like this when I'm trying to save money. I mean, the Walmart sprung up solely due to availability of such low cost products. I have to admit I take advantage of that from time to time.
Grand trunk tree strap: $19 (you can skip this part and go w/ webbing $-10)
(another good way to make webbing is using your old backpack straps and sewing them together, it works better because these are at least 2" in width compared to 1" or 1 1/2" commercially available webbings and it already comes with a cinch buckle $0)
Whoopie slings: $12 - $20 - Make your own! Buy some amsteel blue lines because you know you will have more than 1 hammock! You can make continuous loops for tarp or hammock ends, soft shackles to replace your carabiners, etc...
PLUQ (poncho liner under quilt - use "the ultimate hang guide") - $15 - $40 Military surplus store is full of goodies for different uses. you can pick up a poncho liner for cheap and since they are going on the outside, underneath, you really don't need a perfect new one. I used to have 4 piece complete military bivvy sleep system and never felt the need for an underquilt. Downside is they are very heavy and your movement is somewhat limited being in a sleeping bag.
8x10 nylon tarp - $15 You can find bigger or maybe cheaper nylon tarps. These are chinese made and usually made out of oxford so they are waterproof...can't escape the condensation though.
USMC field tarp - $15 - 25 This is a better option out of the two I'm providing due to its versatility. They are much durable but little on the heavy side. But if you are like me, you really do not want to stand out with cheap nylon tarp in the woods, because these only come in couple of colors: blue or orange. both are super bright colors that really don't blend anywhere.
Well, I hope this helps, it might be little more costly depending on your local surplus store but get to know the owner! he will make you a deal!
Dream Set-up
Clark NX-150 or 250 system. $430 - $470 Comes with suspension and rainfly.
Whoopie sling upgrade - $0 if you can make your own or up to $20 depending on the length you want.
Clark z-liner insulation $190 Covers the entire bottom of the hammock, reinforces already very cozy set up down to freezing temp.
I really don't recommend going with one brand for everything but you really need to determine what you are looking for out of your own system. Clark jungle hammocks provide pretty much everything you need right out of the bag with top notch quality material and craftsmanship as you would expect but it is not for everybody due to its hybrid pole spreader system. Some like them, some don't care for them. It is a preference. People who like open hammocks will tend to stick with open hammocks. I like them because they are practically a tree hanging tent (IMHO). 4 season, naturally provide some insulation by closing mosquito & weather shield. I live in california so I rarely use any UQ with this system from spring to fall. I use klymit static V luxe, the 30" wide air pad underneath and snugpak jungle blanket for top quilt. Let me tell ya, only thing you really need at night, is a bathroom in there.... This set up is the tajmahal of the hammocks IMHO. WOW, my first post! took me a month to figure out how everything goes around here.
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