I use one of the stiff bottomed hammocks, Dryad Suspended Sleeping Shelter.  I like the ability to sleep in almost any position and to have some gear in the hammock with me.  Dryads have a stiff horizontal support (webbing) across the top which you can hang stuff from, and some room at either end for a small pack or two.  The rest of my gear is in a waterproof Sealine pack and within reach under the tent.  I also have made a tarp for mine as it is not too waterproof as built, and set the tarp up much as Magicpaddler does.  It has the same cold weather problems of being drafty and cold underneath as other hammocks.  In cold weather I go back to using a ground tent.  The main ropes used to suspend my shelter are left permanently on the tent when packed, so are handy and ready to go when the tent is unpacked.  For both the hammock tent and my ground tent, I carry an old rag towel which I use for a small carpet just outside the tent.  This gives me a clean place to step out on to put on my shoes or take them off when getting in/out of the tent.    :D