Hammock vs. tent

So if I’m reading the dates right – you’ve done your thru hike. I have an eye toward 2019. Wondering if you went with a tent or hammock and what your thoughts are.

With a hammocks system there is more heat loss on the underside as opposed to sleeping on a pad on the ground.  The Z-Packs sleeping bag is great, but you will need something equally warm underneath.  An under quilt is the most comfortable and expensive option.  Using a pad for insulation in a hammock can be tricky, and it needs to be very wide so that the shoulders and arms don’t freeze.  Since you say that you have not slept in hammocks previously, you would do best to test several variables of hammock and insulation options to see what works best for you.  Bridge versus gathered-end hammock.  Pad versus under quilt.  Long ones, short ones, skinny ones, wide ones.
The obvious benefit to bringing a pad would be using it in shelters.  Some hammocks are better designed to work with pads than other hammocks.  Either by being double layered, or having a sewn in pad sleeve which prevents the pad from sliding out of place. Bridge styled hammocks, like the popular Warbonnet RidgeRunner come with a pad sleeve option that stays in place trouble-free.  In fact Warrboonnet.com has the whole enchilada; hammock, bugnet, tarp, under quilt.  It works together like a well thought out system.  Keep in mind that the whole system gets a bit heavy for hammocks, and bridge hammocks in particular.  Unless the spreader bars are your hiking poles.  But your comfort and quality of sleep may be worth it.

The owner of Dutchwargear.com hiked the AT in a hammock, and has created many specialized pieces of gear for the hammock hanger.  That would be a great place to look.  And there is a ton of information over on HammockForums.net   I have no affiliation with any company mentioned in this post, but am a long time bridge hammock user.

Hi Scott.  I went with a Zpack tent that my husband surprised me with.  I had tried a couple of hammocks before the trip and did not like the feeling of nothing under me.  They also bothered my back even with a flat lay.  I think the only way is try a hammock, like I did, and see how you like it.  I stayed toasty warm in my tent and am glad I went that way.  Good luck with whatever you decide.