Openeyes, my husband and I use Hennessey Hammocks when we backpack. They are much lighter than traditional tents, with all the stakes and the footprint and the fly and MUCH more comfortable! The hammock can double as a chair, which is comfy for relaxing before it's time to crawl in and drift off to sleep. And much easier to sleep on than the cold hard lumpy ground.
Besides sleeping, sitting while backpacking can be quite uncomfortable. It's hard to find a position that supports your back really well, but is also easy on the bottom. Sitting in a hammock is like sitting in a nicely cushioned porch swing
The only drawback is that in the cold weather, it's difficult to stay warm without the added insulation of a Therma rest or some other insulating object, which adds weight.