What features should I consider when evaluating a hammock-tent hybrid?

Question

I have seen a number of hammock posts which replace the traditional tent structure by incorporating a waterproof bivi as top cover.

Have any Outdoors.SE used a system of that description and can they make any recommendations of features I should be looking for?

Answer 1

Hammock

• Can you lie flat in it?
• How large/heavy is it?
• Footbox?
• Color (stealth camping?)

Suspension

• How easy is it to adjust?
• Can you adjust your hammock to different sags? Do you always want to have the same amount of sag?
• What is the furthest distance between trees that your suspension can accommodate? This will depend on
  • How much stretch there is in the suspension
  • If you have a structural ridgeline that allow you to get the amount of sag you want while running your ropes closer to horizontal
• If it rains will water run down your suspension onto your hammock? (Hint - drip lines).
• Weight/size

Insulation

• Choices are typically: Underquilt or sleeping pad for the bottom, sleeping bag or top quilt for the top.
• Do you want to sleep on the ground if you can't find suitable trees?
• Typical insulation questions and tradeoffs such as: weight, what temperature range are you targeting?

Shelter:

• Do you want to use the shelter for other things or sleeping, ie cooking, etc.
• Small & light
• Shape?

Bug Protection:

• How should it attach to the hammock?

Integrated system or separate system?

• You can sometimes get systems that include insulation/bug netting/hammock in one system.
• Benefits: Lower cost, comparability
• Drawbacks: Harder to use pieces independently (day in the park).