Bug nets really necessary?

**dakotaross** · 02-01-2010, 10:04

Hey all,

I don't get out as much as I would like, but when I do, I prefer Dos Equis! But seriously, when I get out I'm almost always in the mountains, and I can't ever remember having an issue with bugs. Was considering cutting the net on my Hennessy.

Just wondering, before I consider it any further, where have people had issues with bugs? I guess there are obvious places, low grassy areas, campgrounds, but has anyone else ever had a problem in the mountains? I live in Ga, you'd think I'd have experienced bug problems here if they were going to be anywhere. My experience is limited to GA/NC mountains. (I'm aware of occasional black fly issues in NE).

So, have I just been lucky? Maybe I've never noticed them at night because I have a net? If so, you'd think I'd notice them before I crawl in. Or if I stick to the mountains, am I good to cut the net?

**MacEntyre** · 02-01-2010, 10:06

We were discussing that this weekend... the bugnet on the HH adds considerably to the warmth.

**mbiraman** · 02-01-2010, 10:10

Why not consider getting the zipper mod. for the hennessy by ZQ then you have options . You can top load your gear, throw back the net on a starry night , zip the net up for extra warmth.

**oldgringo** · 02-01-2010, 10:56

This is a good reason to have more than one hammock.

As Mac stated, the net keeps bugs and breezes out, and warmth in. That door swings both ways, and in the murgy months, just when the bugs are at their worst, the net can keep you warmer than you'd like.

This summer, I'm going to be experimenting with permithren on my hammock, and a Thermacell close by.

**dakotaross** · 02-01-2010, 11:13

Originally Posted by MacEntyre

We were discussing that this weekend... the bugnet on the HH adds considerably to the warmth.

Seriously? Seriously! I probably don't get out much in temps that would make it so that there's a big difference here. As long as I'm warm on the bottom.

I assume this warmth with the bug net applies to any hammock with one. ?

**gargoyle** · 02-01-2010, 11:39

Originally Posted by oldgringo

This is a good reason to have more than one hammock.

We needed more reasons.

I wouldn't just cut the netting. Send it to 2Q/ZQ and let them sew in a nice zipper. You won't regret it. No one has yet.

http://www.2qzqhammockhanger.com/

**MacEntyre** · 02-01-2010, 12:00

Originally Posted by dakotaross

Seriously?

Yes. A bugnet cuts wind and holds warmth, on any hammock.

So, if you have a bugnet rigged, and you hang inside a winter tarp with the ends closed, it's like having an overcover.

- MacEntyre

**sk8rs_dad** · 02-01-2010, 12:07

Originally Posted by dakotaross

Just wondering, before I consider it any further, where have people had issues with bugs?

Blackfly season in some parts of Ontario can best be described as brutal. I remember whitewater kayaking the Lower Madawaska in June and having a pleasant time until we reached the take out. The trip from the river to the road was about 50 yards of trail through some woods. By the time I reached the car I was bleeding from pretty much every inch of exposed skin, and I was one of the lucky ones who remembered to pack a bug hat. So if you ask me, bugnets are absolutely necessary in my neck of the woods.

OTOH, having a bugnet in winter traps condensation, but winter camping in Ontario is significantly different than winter camping in Georgia.

**cavscout** · 02-01-2010, 12:08

Is there a reason you can't just flip the HH over and top load?

**HappyCamper** · 02-01-2010, 12:42

I have a tendency to keep a lot of junk in the hammock with me. The bug net helps keep it all from ending up on the often muddy ground. Go for a zipper mod.