Easy second layer?

**FLRider** · 03-08-2012, 09:20

Originally Posted by BillyBob58

Plus Permethrin treated clothing and hats, especially the outer layers if you are nervous about skin contact with the Perm. That covers 90% of my needs. That plus a little 20% Picaridin on any exposed skin has so far proven 100% effective even in MS swamps. Not necessarily recommending it for any one else- because YMMV! - but I have now done at least 2 bug season trips ( in MS and ID ) without even a hammock bug net - and not had a single bite. I did find that I would have been more relaxed if I had the net, because I was still a little paranoid about sleeping net free. Still, no bites, mostly bugs would not even come near me.

Yep. I use DEET rather than Picaridin, mostly because none of the stores near me carry Picaridin, but the Permethrin works wonders. I found six ticks in three days on my legs during my Ocala trip this last summer, despite 100% DEET on my legs. However, I did not find even one underneath my Permethrin-treated clothing (I hike in shorts). I'd say that's a pretty good endorsement right there.

**toddhunter** · 03-19-2012, 17:36

After reading about the HUG, I realized I could use the Byers with its bug net underneath, and get some netting for the top, using some easy diy. Not that this is my first choice, but it should be an inexpensive option because the Byers can be flipped over.

**gunner76** · 03-19-2012, 18:33

I have a Blackbird and I treat the whole thing with permethrin. So far, no problems with the skeeters (once I'm in the hammock

)

**SteveJJ** · 03-20-2012, 06:23

Be certain your mosquito net is no-see-um fine. Those tiny vampires get through window screen like it isn't there. Most mosquito netting is pretty coarse. No-see-um has a fine thread through the middle of every cell making it more effective.

The BWCA is a wonderful place, designed for hammocks! Enjoy

**Lorax** · 03-20-2012, 06:57

Originally Posted by toddhunter

I'm headed to the Boundary Waters in August, where it will be buggy. It also can be warm or chilly. I am a newbie, with a new Byers mosquito, and a ccf pad, which I plan to use with a sleeping bag in the hammock (probably). I am concerned about bugs biting through the hammock, and the colder nights. So I'm wondering if I can make a cheap and easy underlayer that will help. What if i buy some ripstop and rig it as an underlayer (no sewing, please)? Will it work, and how can i do it? This seems preferable to the extra weight of an underquilt.

I'm there for ten days every mid-September. The pad will protect you from the skeets and also should be enough for insulation. It's all I take and I'm a cold sleeper.

**L.D. Cakes** · 03-20-2012, 07:26

How about you use your netting normally with pad inside then add a No Sew PLUQ like THIS?

**fishbait** · 03-22-2012, 17:57

Originally Posted by L.D. Cakes

How about you use your netting normally with pad inside then add a No Sew PLUQ like THIS?

That was going to my suggestion as well. You can get a Poncho Liner relatively cheap.

**toddhunter** · 04-10-2012, 18:10

Bought a Frog Toggs poncho at WW for about $10 (good price). Ran mason line, to be replaced by shock cord, through the hems with the snaps, which was a little tricky at first. I intend to test this by gathering those ends and connecting them to the hammock suspension. I will likely attach cord clips for adjusting. I'll consider other mods, and the possibility of putting insulation, including my ccf pad between the poncho and the hammock. I may put my down jacket in there instead, though that could be overkill (but more comfortable). The other hems may need cords as well, but we'll see. So far, no sew.

**toddhunter** · 04-10-2012, 22:11

Line needed to go through the poncho's short side hems without the snaps, which was easier to thread anyway. Connected it to the hammock suspension, tightened it up some, inserted pad, worked great, then tried a down parka, and that worked great too! Pics to follow. One concern is that with the Byers attached bug net, it will be difficult to adjust the insulation, but I think this is going to be a very easy, versatile, inexpensive second layer.

**peggy29forever** · 04-11-2012, 00:47

I made one with a cheap plastic table cloth from the dollar store. Used shock cord to attach it. With the emergency mylar blankets and a cheap down comfortor I slept warm in the low 20s. Use it to store extra gear and it stayed dry in a rain storm. Just telling you how I did it cheap.