Bug net/bivy

**T-BACK** · 03-23-2010, 08:08

During my "long hike" a couple of years ago, there were many times that I had to sleep on the side of the road. Because mosquitos were so bad, I opted to carry a tent on certain sections where I knew hanging would be limited. Also there were some nights on the AT that I chose to sleep in shelters because of the weather or the company present at the time. Because of that, I am in the process of designing a hanging/ground system that is very user friendly. My idea, so far, is to make a circumferential bug net with a side zippered opening. It would also have loops sewn onto it that would allow it to be staked out as an "A" shaped bivy with a ground cloth inside. The netting should give me a bathtub style floor for ground water runoff protection. Also, I believe that small toggles could be used to slip between the boards or "baseball bats" making up the floors of most shelters to support the netting inside making it a pseudo free standing net tent. If not, a plastic shim (available from home improvement stores) should easily secure a guy line. It goes without saying that I would use a pad as under side insulation. I would carry a sleeping bag for use topside.
Has anyone tried this type of setup before? If so, are there any negatives that I have overlooked. Input is greatly appreciated.

**bear bag hanger** · 03-23-2010, 08:38

I've always wondered how hard it'd be to add four tabs to the bottom of a Warbonnet Traveler Net (has horizontal side zip) or ENO Bug Net (has vertical side zip)? Might need a little modification to the shape of the bottom. You would need to have a ground cloth or poncho and then use hiking sticks to hold it up. I think it would be simpler than what you describe and almost, but maybe not quite, as good as your setup?

**sclittlefield** · 03-23-2010, 11:39

Maybe try something like this and adapt it: Mosquito Net, Single.

It looks like it comes with a bottom, but I'm not sure.

**FishBone** · 03-23-2010, 11:40

You might want to take a look at SMD's Meteor bivy - they offer DIY instructions or a fully made-up version.

If you go with the DIY and want to make the bottom out of 1.1 DWR for better breathability (kind of like a sleeping bag cover rather than a bivy), I have 3 yards of black 1.1 DWR (never used from Thru-hiker.com), 2 yards of noseeum net (unused from Speer) and the 9" zipper w/2 double pulls (unused from Thru-hiker.com) needed for the project for sale. I thought about making the Meteor, but changed my plans. PM if interested.

**goodcaver** · 03-23-2010, 14:58

If you do this, I would love to know how it works out--I have thought this over myself but my concern is extra fabric... I think that a net for a hammock would need to be longer than a conventional bug bivy you would pitch with one or two trekking poles... Aren't most hammock bug nets like 9 feet long or so?

**E.A.Y.** · 03-23-2010, 17:47

Originally Posted by FishBone

You might want to take a look at SMD's Meteor bivy - they offer DIY instructions or a fully made-up version.

I made that bivy. Decided that I didn't like bivys (this was while I still slept on the ground). I found it too confining. I think the basic idea of the Meteor would work, but you'd have to make it quite a bit bigger around for a hammock bugnet.

**T-BACK** · 03-23-2010, 18:56

Eay,

I agree, the bivy is too small and I don't really want a nylon bottom.

Goodcaver,

Yes, they are pretty long. Mine will be 12'. My idea is to support the center 8' with my trekking poles and still be able to close up the ends with drawstrings. Maybe tapered on one end and drawstring at the other. Noseeums have never been a real problem for me and they subside at dark anyway. Because I only worry about mosquitos, I use fine meshed tule as a netting. It's wicked light and very inexpensive. The tie outs should give it a triangular shape. A least that's the plan

**spidennis** · 03-23-2010, 22:23

this subject has my attention as well and I got a thread about it here:

http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...ad.php?t=13131

what I discovered it that my tarp is gonna be the tough part to do, the bug bivy/tent not so much. since I have some trips coming up I had to break down and get a tent but will get back to my designs and prototyping later now that I have a sewing machine.

**spklbuk** · 03-24-2010, 19:37

Would this net work as a starter?

skeeta tent

**optimator** · 03-24-2010, 19:53

Originally Posted by sclittlefield

Maybe try something like this and adapt it: Mosquito Net, Single.

It looks like it comes with a bottom, but I'm not sure.

I'm liking this. I've been trying to come up cheap and light for my Traveler. I looked at Stansports website and it doesn't have a floor. I could probably hang that from my ridgeline and trim it to fit. If it doesn't work I'm only out 10 bucks. Thanks Scott