Hey Tobit,
As to the increased weight and bits and bobs all I can say is that I faced the same decisions. I am into lightweight backpacking but after making my own hammock and tarp and getting the most luxurious nights sleep ever I am remiss to ever ground sleep again. The way I see it is that the rest of my gear is lightweight and new but waking up refreshed and not wanting to "get up" out of the hammock sealed the deal for me. And in mild weather there is no weight issue. Seems to work about the same as tarp camping. Just depends on how strict you are with that sort of thing personally.
I just returned from a solo 3 night trip here in Minnesota and did need underquilt and brought a hammock sock and other various pieces but winter is a whole different game. I have posted a couple of pix as I just got home today and will post a full trip report later but thought you could take a gander. Might have saved a few pounds with my Golite Hex3 but did not want to sleep on the cold snow. I stayed toasty warm and will always hammock given the choice. By the way, six months ago I thought that I would never be saying this, hammocking seemed "fiddly" when I read about it. I was wrong. Hammocking is tons of fun and what else are you gonna do in the woods? Messing with gear and tweaking is the fun part aside from that morning cuppa.
Welcome to the Hanging Society.
Shug
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