Bug Net Opinions

**HillbillyHanger** · 12-08-2013, 15:29

I have a 12 year old son and I just purchased him a Freebird. I'm looking at bug nets. I'm looking at the products from Dream Hammocks, Wilderness Logics and Bias. Any feedback on which one would "hold-up better" with a 12 year old?
Tnx

**Gravity** · 12-08-2013, 16:57

Both the bias buginator and dream-hammock's bugsock don't have zippers that could snag and damage the mesh. The buginator has a "bottom entry", while the bugsock slides on the ridgeline. I own the buginator and it is very sturdy. The bugsock may offer easier entry for a young kid.

**tylojuky** · 12-08-2013, 17:29

Not sure a child will be able to reach the end of the big sock to cinch it up tight enough to keep the bugs out.

**gmcttr** · 12-08-2013, 17:36

I would think it might be difficult for a kid to reach up and close an end closing sock style bug net. It's a long awkward reach for me at 5'-8" and makes me feel trapped.

**HillbillyHanger** · 12-08-2013, 18:36

Appreciate the opinions/feedback. Nothin like the school of experience to build a good knowledge base.

**L.D. Cakes** · 12-08-2013, 18:52

The Wilderness Logic's would be the easiest for a child and the no see-um netting is tougher than you'd expect. The zippers are double and you can put those glow in the dark zipper pulls on them that Arrowhead Equipment sells for easy to find in the dark. Kids love glow in the dark stuff!

**grannypat** · 12-08-2013, 18:55

Originally Posted by L.D. Cakes

The Wilderness Logic's would be the easiest for a child and the no see-um netting is tougher than you'd expect. The zippers are double and you can put those glow in the dark zipper pulls on them that Arrowhead Equipment sells for easy to find in the dark. Kids love glow in the dark stuff!

Heck, I still like glow in the dark stuff! Sorry, off topic.

**Detail Man** · 12-08-2013, 19:18

Three kid hangers in my crew.

Bug socks aren't very kid friendly (or good for claustrophobic hangers), even if they can reach the end to cinch it. There's no quick way to get out (e.g. "Daddy, I got to PEE!"). My 12yo like's her bottom entry/Fronkey style she made, and that Bias sells. My 9yo and 5yo hangers also like it. Zippered options like Warbonnet and WL are tougher than you'd think. Warbonnet has binding around the mesh edges next to the zipper. Kids understand zippers, so that type is also kid friendly.

One thing I've learned about bugnets: IMO they fit best if the length along the ridgeline is about 3-6" longer than the hammock ridgeline length. This keeps the bugnet just taut without stretching. Zippered versions work best if sized to the hammock this way.

**Detail Man** · 12-08-2013, 19:29

Soapbox warning!

If you go with a zippered version, just make sure your son understands how to open a zipper the correct way. Meaning use the pulls to open it (keeping the direction of movement inline with the zipper) rather than pulling the zippered halves apart (like opening a ziplock bag). That's good for hangers of all ages to practice.

Ok. Sermon over.