I got caught in a rainstorm in one once. Definitely did not keep me or my stuff dry, the tarp blocks the rain from the top, but you get wet air blowing in from every other direction, and a little bit of spray comes in both ends.

You get used to it.

My biggest fear when camping is not animals but other people, and a tent won't help me then anyways.

Thanks!

I have felt vulnerable yes, I had one experience where I woke up and thought I heard my buddy walking through the leaves, but then I heard him still snoring. I got a little freaked out, and listened closely, I was just hearing things. But maybe I would've felt the same in a tent? Maybe it was just because I was out in the middle of nowhere, which was new for me.

I often roll over from my back onto my side and it works fairly well! I would recommend a longer, wider hammock. 11 or 12 feet in length and just “wide” labeled hammocks from any cottage vendor. I would recommend a pillow as well. I have used both the thermarest memory foam pillow (bulkier and heavier) and a sea to summit Aeros ultralight with great success.

A bridge hammock is also recommended for side sleepers.

Thanks!