Using a headnet in place of full bugnet

**clb** · 05-22-2011, 08:50

I have a WB Traveler and I'd really like to save some wt in summer by not carrying the bugnet. i'm always covered in a quilt or light sheet, and sleep in clothes. I'm sure someone is doing this, how well does it work? Which headnets work best?
Thanks!

**MacEntyre** · 05-22-2011, 09:02

I just use a 3' square 'wild rag' which is a large, silk cowboy bandana... drape it over my face and don't even know it's there. It works just fine for me! In winter I move it to my chest to serve as a breath frost catcher.

**Ladybird** · 05-22-2011, 09:38

I tried to find the thread, but no luck... someone posted a DIY half bugnet. Similar idea, but it hangs from the RL and drapes over the head/shoulders instead of the entire body.

**Cannibal** · 05-22-2011, 09:41

I've used this method a number of times. I'm actually finding myself leaving the bugnet for the hammock at home more often as a result. The only issue I don't like is having something on my face and a head-net will most certainly be in your face. If I'm tired enough, it doesn't matter. But there have been nights where the head-net has kept me awake.

**Wise Old Owl** · 05-22-2011, 09:47

Ladybird has a good answer, the traditional Head nets were for "moving" ; you might be able to get away with sleeping in one. From sleeping in Maine or Canada - the mosquito will explore and take advantage of every place the net come even slightly close to the skin. Even if you use non deet products and a head net - be prepared to be a pin cushion.

I cannot imagine that not having a bug net is that much of a weight savings. In the places I mentioned you will need both the head net and the net and a double layer on the back and shoulders. Having a smoky fire did nothing up there.

**R00K** · 05-22-2011, 09:49

I'll post pics of how I've used the sea to summit headnet, and the stuffsack it comes with attached to my ridgeline. Quick, easy, and mostly off the face...

I just gotta get off work first.

(used the papasmurf bugsock last night, I freaking love that thing and it weighs about the same as the sea to summit)

**clb** · 05-22-2011, 10:14

Thanks for the info everyone.

MacEntyre, would a google seach turn one up?

LadyBug, I'll search for that, I do vaguely remember it now that you mention it.

Cannibal, that was my fear, that it would drive me crazy on my face.

Owl, 7.7 oz. (my bugnet wt) seems significant to me, but I'm sure not to others

I don't frequent really buggy places, but do permethrin all my gear/clothes.

Rook, thanks also, I'm looking forward to your report on the tarp as well.

**MacEntyre** · 05-22-2011, 10:48

Originally Posted by clb

MacEntyre, would a google seach turn one up?

Yep! Search for "silk wild rags" and you will find many sources!

**southmark** · 05-22-2011, 10:53

Link to thread LadyBug was referring to:

http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...ad.php?t=24029

**Bradley** · 05-22-2011, 11:34

Originally Posted by Wise Old Owl

Having a smoky fire did nothing up there.

This thread got me to thinkin' . . . Oh . . oh . . .

I wonder if the skeeters were offered something sweeter,

like raw blood . . .

. . . ya know on our way outta town we stop at the local blood bank and make a small withdrawal . . .

and place it in a dish or marinate a weenie and place it . . .

. . . Ok . . ok . . . 2 far . . .

I would think the weight savings for light bug netting might be negligible . . . and not worth considering.

IMO . . . But I'm about to carry 5.9lb of night time bear deterrent . . .
With that in mind . . .
I wonder if I should consider backpacking a small power plant and a bug zapper . . .