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Argo
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There's lots of storage room under a hammock tarp. Plus I made the switch to waterproof packs a few years ago.
I can't imagine outfitters getting into the hammock renting business. If you don't know how to set up a hammock and a tarp, a back-country canoe trip is no place to start in my opinion. And if you are a hanger, you already have your own gear. As mentioned earlier, the learning curve for hanging is much steeper than with tents.
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TCon17
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Do outfitters rent hammock sleep systems, or is it best to bite the bullet and buy one? I haven't been on a trip in 10 years (over 30 before that) and have little interest in a rock in my back in a tent. My wife has little interest in the cost of purchasing this option though!
Also... how does one keep all your gear dry overnight if you aren't using a tent? Just dry bags inside the pack? Do you take your clothing for the next day in to the hammock at night?
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TCon17
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My wife surprised me after this post and agreed I should go the full hammock system route if it's more comfortable. I'm shocked. Guess I'm off to a few stores to start checking gear out!
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Tbridge56
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Awesome that she gave you the go ahead! My advice would be to shop the cottage vendors and aske them questions. You will get way better gear than going to a store. Superior Gear Hammocks or Hammock Gear are 2 great companies that I have gear from. You can order a package that will contain everything you need.
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Othello
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+1 on the cottage vendors, and I highly recommend the Trail Lair by Simply Light Designs. Most comfortable hammock I've tried to date. Numerous customization options and outstanding speed of service.
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mags459
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Hammockgear.com makes great hammocks both my kids have them. I have a dream hammock and I really like that one also but for the money I would buy a hammock gear one. We have tarps from dutchware, UGQ and hammock gear. Cottage vendors are far superior. If the hammock is not actually 11’ it will not be comfortable. Plus American jobs and the price is about the same.
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bhouse46
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Welcome to BWCA.com!
I have not read anything about outfitters renting but am unsure about other options such as REI or similar outdoor gear companies. You might check your city/area recreation departments. I took the plunge and have two systems so haven't been paying attention.
Helenox and others make some lightweight cots for ground dwellers. Rocks and root problem solved, not sure about sliding off if not level.
I have cut several 50# plastic bags corn and sunflower chip come in (from feeding the birds) into 30x30 sheets. In the packs they add a layer of water protection and in camp cover firewood, packs and serve as ground cover.
Clothing goes into my chair which works as a nightstand just outside the hammock and under the tarp.
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907Tundra
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Great news! Hammock systems can be a little tricky to figure out but in my experience it has been worth it. I spent many hours watching Shug YouTube videos and reading forums like this one. My wife was supportive but rather skeptical. I bought a bridge style hammock for myself and an asymmetrical one for her. The day finally came when we could try them out together in the backyard. She crawled into hers and in only a few minutes she was fast asleep. We’re both in our 50’s and we both have bad backs but switching to hammocks has made it possible to sleep very comfortably and wake up pain free.
Read and watch as much as you can before buying. This forum is also a great place to ask questions. I wish you the best of luck.
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TCon17
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Thanks for all the advice! I'm sure I'll be back soon with more questions.
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907Tundra
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I agree with shopping the cottage vendors mentioned and would also include Warbonnet in that group. These are no doubt more expensive but are high quality and have great customer service. The good news is that the cottage vendor models tend to hold their value. If you should decide it’s not for you in the end you can sell them and likely not be out much more than what you would expect to pay for a rental. (For the record I’m not aware of any rental options).
I mentioned the videos by Shug. Adventures with a Marine also has good tutorials and both are avid BWCA visitors.
Good luck.
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moray
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+1 on Warbonnet. My RidgeRunner setup is my best gear purchase to date. After seeing my hammock and how well I slept in it my jealous trip partners all bought the same rig and love it!
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Tony
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Another happy war bonnet hammock user here I started out with their blackbird and several years ago I moved to their bridge hammock called the ridge runner and I'm very happy there is a learning curve to the hammocks use though so make sure you get one well before you go on your trip
As far as keeping things dry I usually stacks my stuff under my hammock at night and put most of my stuff in my packs that I'm using and like bhouse I also put stuff in my chair which I also use as a nightstand to put my water bottle and other things I might need during the night  
Tony
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