I switched to a hammock 4 years ago and I will now go to great lengths to avoid sleeping in a tent. Most of my camping is in northern MN with thin soil, few flat spots, it is hard and rocky in most places (Canadian Shield). One of the guys that I fish with had always used hammocks. For canoeing/portaging I find my hammock, ENO double nest, packs much smaller and is quick and easy to set up. My kit includes bug net (a must up there the mosquitos are killer) and rain tarp. I pack it all into a small dry bag, weighs about 3 lbs.
The key for comfort is getting a good diagonal lay. I put my Thermarest pad in at the angle I want. I find it helps keep you in the proper direction and also adds a layer of insulation against convection heat loss on colder nights. I have an iffy back and I sleep so comfortably in my hammock that if my wife would let me I would put a couple anchors in the wall and hang one in the bedroom.
Hammockforums is a good one. I also got a lot of great newbie tips from The Ultimate Hang.