Best zipper length, orientation, and type for a bug net?

I'm redoing my bug net. I had picked up a couple surplus bug tents to make my nets. My first generation was open on one end with a draw string so I could cinch it above my head. It turned out to be better in theory than practice.
My thought now is to close the end with a zipper or Velcro so I can still pull the net back and use my hammock as a chair. To get in and out while it is in use I plan on putting a zipper in the middle of one side. The thing I'm wondering about is what length zipper makes for easy entry and egress? Second, is vertical or horizontal orientation better? Also, what size and type of zipper works best? Any ideas or experiences would be appreciated.

So, is this a project that isn't commonly done, or did I post it in the wrong section?

I can't help ya, as I've never installed a zipper! But I'm curious as to your questions because my newest DIY will have one.

I bought 7ft of #3 zipper with two coils.

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Originally Posted by Mouseskowitz

The thing I'm wondering about is what length zipper makes for easy entry and egress? Second, is vertical or horizontal orientation better? Also, what size and type of zipper works best? Any ideas or experiences would be appreciated.

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The beauty of DIY is that this kind of question really doesn't mean much. Not to say it is not a good question... but the answer could be different for everyone. It depends on how much room there is in the bug net. How high the ridgeline is, if there is one. What length zippers do you have to work with. How long your hammock/bugnet is. Lots of questions without many details to help clear up the questions. Play around with the design. Sooner or later you'll figure out what is going to work best for you.

as far as size and brand... you can't beat YKK continuous coil. I wouldn't go any higher than #5. #3 would probably be sufficient if you take good care of your gear.

Sorry here too, I've never messed with a zipper :scared:. There is a great bug net here that opens from the top and springs back shut, and you can get in on either side. That is going to be my next bug net. http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...ad.php?t=33714

My preference is no zipper / open bottom / like the one seen here. http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...ad.php?t=39983

I've made Pips bugnet, which built on Hangnout's sewn in bugnet and I liked it a lot. I just finished a zippered bugnet, zippered on both sides. I'm about to build one of Fronkey's open bottom designs to compare the three.

I vaguely remember some early hammock sock designs had a vertical zipper in the middle of the sock. Thats similar to your situation. Do a search for hammock socks, concentrating on hits from a few years back.

I went and looked at what I have. It's called a Skeeta-tent, Army surplus item. Here's a link if you want to look at it. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...ht_1565wt_1120

Here is what the current setup looks like. http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/p...ictureid=14273

I'm also going to be making a new hammock with a structural ridge line, so this will be my wife's setup.
I don't have a zipper yet as I'm waiting for the results of this discussion. I'll probably get the stuff from Outdoor Wilderness Fabrics as I'm already getting several other things from them. They have DIY stuff by the foot and premade ones as well. One of the premade ones that I was thinking of is 34" but that seems a little short and wondering if something more in the 48" range would be better. I'm also having a hard time picturing whether vertical or horizontal would be better. Although, now that I've seen the curved ones I'm even less sure what I want.

If you haven't yet, go over Pips poll and let us know what method of bug net entry you like best. http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...ghlight=zipper

Fronkey's bugnet, it's a sticky. Check it yo.