Here's the hoop that I prefer for hand quilting:
http://www.keepsakequilting.com/productdetail/9113.htm
It is a lap hoop, so both hands are freed up for quilting. The ball makes it very easy to adjust the tilt to any angle you desire, and the wing nuts are very easy to loosen and tighten.
If you use a hoop, whatever hoop you use, be sure not to hoop the quilt drum tight. This is a common beginner mistake. The quilt should be loose enough in the hoop so that you can move the center about a fist's width in either direction. This looseness allows you to manipulate the quilt to help stitches form on the needle.
Hand quilting thread is stiffer than regular thread so it is less likely to knot up on you as you quilt.
Be sure not to cut more than 18 inches of thread at a time; more, and it is likely to snarl and knot before you finish the thread. It is also more tiring on your arm to pull too much length through at the beginning.
For the same reason, do not buy a hoop that is too large; it is tiring to have to reach all the time. Better to re-hoop more often than to have a hoop that is overly large.
Be aware that traditional quilting is done with a single thread, not doubled thread, so you knot only one end of the 18 inches. Learn to make a quilter's knot (very small), so you can pop it through the top to hide it at both beginning and end.
It's a good idea to thread several needles at a time so you have a new one ready to pick up after you finish one length.