Bug nets, integrated vs. separate, etc.

**Cosmo** · 08-19-2014, 07:38

I have a Thunderbird, single layer. I love it, but two minor things. With a 3/4 length under quilt, I find myself getting bit by mosquitoes through the fabric fairly often. It makes it hard to comfortably spread out or be outside by top quilt. My old ENO has the heavy all-encompassing bug net, which certainly makes it completely bug proof, whether or not I'm completely surrounded by quilts.

I'm thinking of getting a FreeBird next, and adding on a separate net. What is the consensus about bug nets of this fashion? I've searched and it seems opinions go both ways, so maybe that's all there is to it. Is it easy to leave the net attached and never really think about it? If I have to use the hammock as a ground bivy, does the add-on, non-zippered net make things more difficult?

And then lastly, what's the best add-on net? I have narrowed it down to the Dream Hammock net and the Buginator Nano. I'd like something durable and easy to get in and out of; and something that would stand up well on an AT through hike. Or should I just stick with the zipper?

Thanks for any thoughts.

**miyanc** · 08-19-2014, 07:47

I dont as of yet have a hammock with an integrated bugnet, but I love my wilderness logic net. Its a zippered net. One of the things I love about it is its completely enclosed. So I can put stuff under me when needed. Extra clothes, a jacket, my bladder. I try not to overload it, but it is very nice. I also like knowing when I leave the hammock I cant keep it secure. Like the intergrated net I can zip it closed so no bugs can get in when I am not.

The other thing that will be brought up is permithrin. Use it often and it will stop the sketos from getting you.

**evilleotter** · 08-19-2014, 07:55

+1 on the Wilderness Logics net! I use it with my 11' SLD Streamliner and it fits perfectly. Easy in and out and pretty light (as nets go).
Having never had an integrated net/hammock, I can't speak to the advantages/disadvantages of one over the other. I can say that I tried without the net one night and the skeeters biting me from below were more annoying than the attackers from above. The WL bug net eliminates those critters all together. Never have had another issue with skeeters (except BWCA in June but they are unavoidable up there).
I do really like the ability leave the net at home and save weight when it's not buggy.

**MAD777** · 08-19-2014, 08:07

Consensus about bugnet? Now that's a good joke! Lol.

There was quite a long thread about 3 months ago that covered this topic very well. It will be worth your time to Google it. I'm on my phone & can't post the link.

**Cosmo** · 08-19-2014, 10:30

Originally Posted by MAD777

Consensus about bugnet? Now that's a good joke! Lol.

There was quite a long thread about 3 months ago that covered this topic very well. It will be worth your time to Google it. I'm on my phone & can't post the link.

Some of the bug nets look like they get snug up against the hammock without a quilt. If that's the case, do they just bite through anyway?

**MAD777** · 08-19-2014, 10:43

No matter what kind of bugnet is used, Pemithrin is also used. If it's a fully enclosed, separate net, treat all the net. If it's an integrated net on the hammock, treat both the net and the hammock.

**HillbillyHanger** · 08-19-2014, 11:36

My son has a Freebird hammock. I first purchased him the Buginator, but he ended up with the Wilderness Logics bugnet. He just likes the zippered, side entry bettery. I kept the Buginator to use with my Lite Owl. I have a Hennessy with the integrated bug net and I have the Lite Owl. I purchased the Lite Owl for colder weather and being able to adjust the underquilts easier.

**PTAaron** · 08-19-2014, 14:58

I really like the DIY Fronkey bug net that I made - the bottom entry is really easy and I've used it quite a few times in my mosquito farm of a back yard and have yet to end up with a bite.

**MAD777** · 08-19-2014, 15:04

I've made them all, both separate & integrated, and I like the Fronkey nets as well, but I don't even put any cord in the bottom; it still keeps out the bugs and makes entry & exit even easier. I don't like the integrated nets because they affect the shape of the hammock (I like to switch sides/diagonals) and they make it harder to adjust the under quilt.

However, you will get as many different opinions as there are hangers! Lol

**PTAaron** · 08-19-2014, 15:15

Originally Posted by MAD777

I've made them all, both separate & integrated, and I like the Fronkey nets as well, but I don't even put any cord in the bottom; it still keeps out the bugs and makes entry & exit even easier. I don't like the integrated nets because they affect the shape of the hammock (I like to switch sides/diagonals) and they make it harder to adjust the under quilt.

However, you will get as many different opinions as there are hangers! Lol

I was actually considering taking the cord out of the bottom of mine - the last few hangs I didn't even tighten it and the results were the same... figure it would save a little weight to get rid of it.