Might list what camping gear you already have. For example, though an underquilt (UQ) is the preferred “best comfort” option, many have gotten started using their camping pad, albeit in a double Layer hammock.

Though many use a top quilt (TQ), if you have a sleeping bag you can unzip it about 2 ft from the end (leaving a footbox) and drape it over yourself, tuck it in, like a top quilt.

A big choice is to get a gathered end hammock or a bridge hammock. The bridge hammock uses spreader bars at the ends and has a definite following. Unfortunately, unless you live somewhere near a hammock gathering, it’s a bit of an investment to try out these options. If you have an REI store nearby, they do carry a bridge you could try out in the store or maybe at home.

Hammock gear is like any other gear - if you are new, what you use your first year will probably not be what you end up with once you have some TIH (time in hammock) under your back. Keeping that in mind takes the pressure of finding “the best”. You’ll want to find something with enough quality to give it fair trial and when you are ready to try something else, you can sell the quality gear in this forum or save it as a spare for a friend or if you are going somewhere (like out of the country) where you don’t want to take your best gear.

If fact, instead of buying new, you might find a good kit at a great price in the For Sale area. Problem is, without personal experience, it would be difficult to judge. Hammocks have different “feels” - depending upon fabric and cut.

I got started with a Hennessy Explorer (classic bottom entry) with a 20% REI discount. Still have it. I've heard that sometimes people have more than one hammock. Some stop at single digits; some don’t