Bugnet as vapor barrier??

[Red Wing]

I've been seeing some posts about vapor barriers and what not and micro-climates and I think I saw some calculus mixed in there somewhere and now my mind is BLOWN. I also saw a bugnet post talking about the necessity of them and how some people didn't like them inthe summer because they were so hot. The lightbulb went off and I said, man I'd love to be hot in the winter, then I started remembering this vapor barrier business. Do you guys think a bugnet would help creating a microclimate in the winter, maybe give me a noticeble difference in warm inside the hammock?

[turnerminator]

They definitely do for me, more noticably in extreme cold and high winds. I find it takes some of the 'nip' out of the air when its around freezing or colder.

[zukiguy]

Vapor barrier, No....Microclimate, Yes. Noseeum mesh blocks a surprising amount of wind. Just ask any tenting ground dweller or screened hammocker on a hot day. My HH is much cooler with the mesh unzipped (2Q2Z zipper mod). I never really thought about using it to stay warmer but I guess it does act as a really breathable overcover.

[cataraftgirl]

I'm a relative newbie, and not a winter camper (yet), but this is what I've kind of gleaned from reading on HF. Most folks say that a bug net (either built-in or separate) can be a bit hot in warmer weather. It seems to stem from a decrease in airflow over the hammock causes by the netting. While netting doesn't block airflow, it does impede it a little. Some folks who have WBBB or HH with integrated nets think the nets add a tiny bit of warmth, and do get some condensation on them in colder weather. Not sure if a net alone would boost the temp significantly. I have no personal experience with this. Just what I've read. I'm sure others will chime in.
There was a recent in depth post on vapor barriers. I'd say give that a read. It explains what a vapor barrier is far better than I can.
As for myself, I'd like some kind of overcover for early spring & fall to boost temps in my hammock. However, I'm kind of claustrophobic, so a full on cover wouldn't make me happy. I'm going to experiment with a Driducks poncho as a partial overcover in the spring to see how that works. It's an inexpensive way to give it a test drive.
KJ

[Red Wing]

hmm, you so maybe an overcover is really what I'm looking for? I'm getting a bug netbefore spring regardless so I thought it might be a pro to buy it earlier and use it to help keep warm but I'm looking for noticeable differences. As far as overcovers go, if I have a closed a-frame tarp setup, would an overcover still useful?

I was also thinking bug net because of the condensation factor but it looks like as breathable as they are, they'll still get wet too. Am I better off with a closed door tarp?

[MacEntyre]

There are lots of posts where people report increased temps in winter using a bugnet.

[oldgringo]

... As far as overcovers go, if I have a closed a-frame tarp setup, would an overcover still useful?

I think so, yes. But that's an uneducated guess, just two clicks up from a W.A.G.

[cataraftgirl]

hmm, you so maybe an overcover is really what I'm looking for? I'm getting a bug netbefore spring regardless so I thought it might be a pro to buy it earlier and use it to help keep warm but I'm looking for noticeable differences. As far as overcovers go, if I have a closed a-frame tarp setup, would an overcover still useful?

I was also thinking bug net because of the condensation factor but it looks like as breathable as they are, they'll still get wet too. Am I better off with a closed door tarp?

From what I can tell, the tarp in winter mode (steep pitch with doors) helps a lot with weather protection & warmth, but an overcover or hammock sock is what really provides the micro-climate. AHE makes an overcover called the Bear Burrito Oven specifically for the WBBB that people seem to like a lot. It's made from breathable ripstop nylon to help deal with condensation. Molly Mac Gear makes several variations of hammock socks with IX. I believe Papa Smurf also makes a hammock sock. I saw a post for a DIY "KISS" cover (by Grizz I think) that looks pretty simple to make. Do a search for hammock sock or overcover and you'll find info. I saw a post by Wisenber about using the Driducks poncho, and that's what I'll try. Cheap and no thread injecting skills required. I can add the Driducks with my bug net to make a very breathable partial overcover.
KJ

[Red Wing]

you guys rock my world.

[cataraftgirl]

you guys rock my world.

Thanks for posting this question. I don't know if I would've considered adding my bug net to the overcover scenario before seeing your question. Always good stuff to learn on HF.
KJ