How light can I go? Compare to ground dwelling option . . .

[QiWiz]

I’m an ex-hanger. I used to hammock camp even in winter, but as I was trying to lighten my load, my hammock kit seemed heavier and heavier as my ground sleeping system got lighter and lighter. This was especially true when the weather was cold, and I backpack year-round. My hammock was the Hennessy UL Backpacker Asym with a JRB Nest underquilt when needed.

I know that there are new hammocks, new suspension systems, new tarps, etc. that are much lighter than my old hammock system. I’d like to find out just how much the weight penalty would be (if any) to get back into a hammock. I know this is the place to get my questions answered.

I’m interested in the lightest options, ideally with bug protection and 4-season worthiness, but I would also consider a hammock system that I would only use in summer. For comparisons to my miserable, lowly, ground-dwelling system (but very light), here are the weights:

Hexamid shelter with full bug net, cuben ground cloth, 8 ti stakes: 13.4 oz
NeoAir pad: 12.4 oz

Quilt for temps 40 degrees and above: JRB Shenandoah: 16.0 oz
Quilt for temps 25 degrees and above: JRB Sierra Sniveller: 21.7 oz
Below freezing would supplement NeoAir pad with Evazote pad weighing 5 oz
Sleeping bag for temps below 25 degrees: Western Mountaineering Badger: 40.6 oz

As you can see, my shelter and sleep system come in under 3 pounds for most of the year, and just over 4 pounds even in the winter. How close to this can I get in a hammock? Many thanks for your ideas. Oh, BTW, I'm 225 lbs, so hammock system would have to deal with that.

[2Tall]

There are endless possibilities in the DIY world. The Ghost Hammock comes to mind. The "HUG" bug net also.
Many good cottages that make or will help you specific needs with a hammock or tarp as well.

Quilts can.be made with lighter materials saving some weight. Such as M50, 7D etc. Also I believe hammock quilts a narrower too. But your JRB's are pretty much solid choices. From the Masters themselves!

Depending on your weight requirements, cordage can be minimized by use 1.25mm tech line for guy outs and dynaglide hammock suspension.

Cuben can be your friend with tarps and stuff sacks.

All these come with limitations and sacrafices but arent too bad. Your height and weight also play a factor as expected. For me ultralight is a little different than most.

You certainly can get within reason.

[raiffnuke]

You can check out Watermonkey's Blog, he has a post about this.

[thenate1]

You can check out Watermonkey's Blog, he has a post about this.

Water Monky outlines a set up that is – 53.4 oz or 3.3 lbs ($926)"

[Raul Perez]

Water Monky outlines a set up that is – 53.4 oz or 3.3 lbs ($926)"

If there's a better set up to be bought I'd be happy to update the blog.

[Yukon]

If there's a better set up to be bought I'd be happy to update the blog.

I think "better" is subjective, better isn't always better to each individual...

[Rooster]

If there's a better set up to be bought I'd be happy to update the blog.

There are a few lighter top insulation options.

I use a Zpacks 30* bag that weighs 14.4 ozs. You can get it without the zipper to save a few grams.

http://www.zpacks.com/quilts/sleepingbag.shtml

This bag is 4.6 ozs lighter than a WB topquilt.

[Raul Perez]

There are a few lighter top insulation options.

I use a Zpacks 30* bag that weighs 14.4 ozs. You can get it without the zipper to save a few grams.

http://www.zpacks.com/quilts/sleepingbag.shtml

This bag is 4.6 ozs lighter than a WB topquilt.

Has anyone used this bag down to the limits and beyond?

[Jimmy The Jet]

Wish i had the answer. But like most, I'm going to say that you can certainly get pretty close, I'm guessing within 6-8 oz.
To be honest, I`d eat a pound of extra weight for the added comfort and convenience of the hammock. Shoot, I`d be happy with 2 or 3 extra pounds, and skimp somewhere else. Nothing like not having to search for the perfect camp spot. Just me, though. I`ve lost interest in extreme ultralight packing these days, and am fine with just `light`.

Happy hunting!

[Yukon]

Definitely give SGT Rock a shout, that dude is a wealth of knowledge on UL set ups...