I thought that might get someones attention, Here's the deal, just got back from Car Camping for a few days. My wife has some problems with degenerative discs in her back. She has to this point been fine sleeping on the ground with a Themorest 1-1/2" Pro-Lite pad. On this trip, she ended up sleeping in the car, with the seat reclined back, for 3 nights.
She said her BWCA tripping days might be over, I didn't like the sounds of that. I know that some people with back problems find hanging works for them.

I'm a gear junkie, so I've followed some of the discussions here on hammocks. I understand the need for insulation under the sleeper, we use Big Agnes bags which have a sleeve that holds the Thermarest, is that an OK place to start, we're talking a cold sleeper here. Any suggestions on where to start? I've heard of Hennessy, WBBB, Clark Hammocks. I'm not too concerned about buying something with some quality built in, and being able to unload it if it doesn't work out. In my own self interest, I've always wanted to give a hammock a try in a solo trip. Thanks in advance.

Trying is believing. Make an effort to go to one of the wingnight camping weekends. More great gear to check out than many expos and folks willing to let you try it out. You are welcome to try my gear out if ever in my area and many others have the same attitude.

If you are in the twin cities area there are several hammock hangers that regularly get together for group hangs. I can tell you from experience that they have a ton of extra hammocks that they will let you try. There are two main options for hanging your wife, the gathered end type of hammock, and the bridge style hammock.

Good luck

Only hangers will understand some of the language in this post. If an uninitiated person picks up on this, you might get arrested for attempted murder. :-)

I am sure that back problems are never universal and so your wife's mileage may vary but I have a fairly severe lower back issue which thankfully only flakes up occasionally. The rub is that I am not supposed to carry a lot of weight on my upper body. Whoops, don't tell my doctor about that upcoming Meeds portage I am taking!

Up until this year I have been just thrilled with my Exped down mat. Best sleep I have ever had in the woods.

Then something changed this year. A more strenuous style of tripping was the most likely trigger. I spent my 10 day solo tossing and turning every hour trying to find a comfortable position. I never did.wheni got back from my trip I promptly ordered a Warbonnet blackbird double layer.

I love it. I will start out by saying that I am an utter novice at this hanging stuff so I can only tell you what I have experienced so far.

I have only used my hammock on one 8 day trip but I slept great and without the tossing and turning. My trip was in early August so I just slipped my partially inflated Exped downmat into the sleeve area and slid a Thermarest seat cushion that I use in my canoe under my feet in the foot box. My cover was an Enlightened Equip 10 degree topquilt. I was just fine with this set up with slightly cooler temps at night with just some slight chill on my shoulders and arms which overhung my pad area.

Fast forward to September. I just picked up an Arrowhead Equip Jarbridge underquilt for my upcoming trip. From my research I knew that the underquilt would provide better insulation coverage of my arms and shoulder area. I am still going to bring my Exped mat because I am a cold sleeper and there is a possibility of rain/snow during my trip.

So in a more concise nutshell...I am a woman with back issues who likes to be warm. My setup is Warbonnet Blackbird double layer, a 10 degree top quilt , a Jarbridge underquilt, and for now an additional layer of an Exped downmat and Thermarest seat cushion.

I've been hangin in a Hennessy for about 5 years now and Love it!
But if I were in your position I would take a close look at Luft's gear list. It is very good quality gear and if for some reason it doesn't work out for her or you it can be resold without much issues.
Also if you are around for the wingnight weekend later this month there are usually some hammocks there that you could check out.

Thanks all for the advice so far. The wingnight weekend is a bit of a long trip for me, and I have a busy Fall going on. I do appreciate the offers to test drive, there's usually a Spring get together isn't there, maybe then. I guess I'll poke around and do some research, and ask questions as they come up. Thanks.