Bugnet or No Bugnet?

[nwmanitou]

Well, the time has finally arrived to rebuild the bear taco...

beartaco.jpg

I'm feeling a little more bold and have some design changes in mind, being inspired by the Jerry #5 style hammock.
However, I'm still on the fence concerning a bug net and the associated zippers. My bear taco did very well while it lasted and I never really had any trouble with insects. But I may be camping near some wetter parts of the country this year where the insects could definitely pose a problem. Then again I have a friend who hangs in the amazon without a bugnet. I'm attracted to the simplicity of just a double layer, channel end, hammock. I've never slept in a hammock with a net though so I may be missing something.

So now it's really just a matter of opinion. For those of you who've used hammocks with and without bugnets, which do you prefer and why? Are the bugnets worth the extra sewing and complexity?

thanks in advance.

[NCPatrick]

I slept last Summer without a bugnet in a very marshy area. I had a bottle of 100% deet, which I applied frequently, thinking this would deter bugs.

This did not stop the bugs from landing and crawling all over me, flying up my nose, buzzing in my ears all night long. I will not ever want to repeat that experience. So put me down for the pro bugnet camp.

[Randy]

The bugsz are already out down here and will vet worse soon.

BUG NET ........yeppers BUG NET...

Factory, aftermarket...dont matter.........

[Knotty]

I vote unattached bugnet. Best of both worlds.

So how'd you blow out your original hammock? What was it made of, etc?

[SmokeHouse]

I vote unattached bugnet. Best of both worlds.

So how'd you blow out your original hammock? What was it made of, etc?

Ditto,,, I just made a bug net that 200 holes per SQ in vs the no-see-um at 625 holes per SQin. very breathable and doesn't keep your body heat in... the only bad side its alittle heavier,,, but I can feel the slightest breeze...
I have not done a good bug test on it yet,,, but its coming...

[Fronkey]

+1 on Knotty's advice. It feels great to sleep in the open when you don't need a bugnet.

Fronkey

[nwmanitou]

Well, I'm leaning towards a bugnet that can be rolled up out of the way...

As for the death of the bear taco...

It was made from double layers of 1.1 ripstop. It worked well for a little over a year. That night the juniper trees I tied off to were a bit too small and during the night bent enough for my butt to scrap against a very sharp rock on the ground. With a loud pop I was birthed onto the hillside.

[Knotty]

Well, I'm leaning towards a bugnet that can be rolled up out of the way...

As for the death of the bear taco...

It was made from double layers of 1.1 ripstop. It worked well for a little over a year. That night the juniper trees I tied off to were a bit too small and during the night bent enough for my butt to scrap against a very sharp rock on the ground. With a loud pop I was birthed onto the hillside.

Born again. Hammockeluiah!

[Riverpirate]

If you are ever in the South East, you will need a bug net pretty much year around.

[gunner76]

Never leave home with out a bugnet.

I thought you had invented a new style bottom entry hammock