Best Hammock Bug Net For A Bug-Free Nights Sleep

Editors Choice

Outdoor Vitals Ultralight

Outdoor Vitals Ultralight Hammock Bug Net with Underside and Side Splash Protecton (Black, 11 Foot)

Keep the bugs at bay with the Outdoor Vitals Ultralight, our top pick for the best hammock bug net on the market. This product jumps off the screen as having the best all-round value whilst still being one of the largest on our list at 11’ or 10’ x 3 ½”.

Better still, the Outdoor Vitals Ultralight is lighter than most of the competition, only tipping the scale at either 8.2 oz or 7.6 oz in weight. While not one of the more compact models we reviewed, this product still performs well during a backpacking trip.

Adding to its value for money, this also has one of the most durable on our list with the mesh netting made from 20D nylon and its fabric base from 15D nylon. However, the real icing on the cake is that the Outdoor Vitals Ultralight has polyurethane DWR waterproof coating applied to the base.

Bottom Line: The Outdoor Vitals Utralight does so many things required of any premium hammock bug net better than the majority of its competition so much so that any flaws pale into insignificance.

Choosing The Best Bug Net For Hammock Camping

Looking for the Best Hammock Bug Net?

You’re in the right place! In this guide, we will be covering the following:

    • Break down which factors to consider when choosing a hammock mosquito net
    • Why you should prioritise space, durability, and protection over other features
    • Review 7 of the best hammock bug nets on the market
    • Give our unbiased view on the #1 mosquito net for hammocks

Hammocks offer one of the oldest forms of bedding outdoors with the benefit of providing you with a great view of the night time sky as you drift off to sleep. Of course, hammocks are not ideal for all conditions and require additional cover during rain or quilts for the cold.

However, arguably the worst thing about being outdoors, let alone sleeping in it, is the risk of mosquitos and other bugs. There is seldom a bigger bane to the enjoyment of the outdoors than bugs and biting insects deciding to spend the night with you.

Protection from these creepy crawlies is at hand, though figuring out which bug netting will be best for your needs can be tricky. That is why we put together a list of the seven best bug nets for hammocks of 2020, highlighting what each one is best at. We also provide a helpful buyer’s guide, so you can identify the features that offer you the most value and find the best hammock bug net for you.

Choosing The Right Hammock Mosquito Net

Materials

Mesh Protection

Arguably the most important part of the product is the level of bug protection you can derive from the mesh material. To get adequate protection from mosquitoes and other biting insects whilst hammock camping a typical standard for most bug netting is a denier 75D material.

Most mosquito nets are composed of a nylon or polyester mesh, though the strength of those materials will vary. Oddly enough, the denier rating of hammock bug net mesh does not correlate with price, meaning you can get incredibly strong mesh netting at a low cost.

Floors, Seams & Waterproofing Elements

Some hammock bug nets incorporate additional materials to strategically reinforce seams or as part of additional features. These sections tend to be made of similar synthetic fabrics but do also often include specialist materials. One of the more common examples of this is seen in waterproof sections that use a polyurethane DWR coating.

Ease of Use

Setup & Breakdown

Most hammock bug nets require you to run a ridgeline through the netting and then either tie or cinch the net. Cinching tends to be easier, with less risk of the ties loosening, but it can be difficult for larger hammock bug nets.

Entry & Exit

Another important element regarding hammock bug nets is how easy it is for you to get in or out of them. This generally comes down to the placement and arrangement of the zipper for easy access, assuming of course that the model comes with one. A hammock bug net without a zipper will be much more challenging to get into or out of, but even a zipper can be tricky depending on how it is positioned.

Weight & Packed Size

These qualities matter more if you plan to take your hammock bug net backpacking, and less if you just drive up to the campsite. For backpackers going hammock camping the weight is a critical consideration, with anything weighing less than 1 pound an ideal pick.

In terms of packed size, the importance of this can depend on the design of the carry sack. Some larger packed hammock bug nets have carry bags specifically designed for reducing the carrying size, including packing carabiners, to make them more manageable. That said, any packed mosquito netting with measurements around 6” is a solid choice.

Unfolded Size

This factor depends on the size of the hammock you use and the amount of interior space you want. The unfolded size is another quality that does not seem to be tied to price, with there being many larger budget-friendly bug nets for hammocks.

Another thing to consider is that narrow bug nets may sit directly on your skin, in which case biting insects may still be able to bite you through the netting. While not necessarily as important, some people might want to make sure that their hammock bug net provides plenty of headroom too.

Extra Features

Storage

While this is not common, some high-end hammock bug nets may include places to store your gear at night. While you likely keep most of your gear packed up, it is always nice to have a spot to place certain items that you would otherwise want to take into your camping hammock with mosquito net. Plus there is nothing worse than waking up, and finding bugs crawling all over your boots and pack.

Floor

Less common than storage, other high-end hammock bug nets include a floor as part of their design. This offers multiple benefits, but an obvious benefit is that you can store your gear with you in the bug net. Some of these models are large enough to house a dog, let alone your pack. If you look for a bug net with a floor, make sure that it is made out of waterproof materials and uses a bathtub design to keep everything dry.

Ridgeless

Like the other extra features, a ridgeless design is not all that common but offers some unique benefits. With a ridgeline, bug netting will block part of your view of the night sky– assuming you do not need to use a tarp. A ridgeless hammock bug net, on the other hand, threads a spreading pole at the middle point between the top edges of the product. This construction also has the added advantage of keeping the sides of the mesh netting off of your skin.

Looking To Purchase Other Hammock Accessories?

Best Mosquito Net for Hammock Camping: The Results

Kammok Dragonfly

Easiest To Use

As a company primarily focused on sleeping goods for camping, it comes as little surprise that this brand’s bug net is well made. However, this model is one of the best hammock bug nets we reviewed due to features that went far beyond any other model we came across. By far, one of the best qualities of the Kammok Dragonfly is its additional storage that includes three interior gear attachment loops, as well as an integrated stuff sack.

Of course, the stuff sack is not intended to hold your gear, but it can serve in that capacity if need be and is the main reason that the Kammok Dragonfly packs down smaller than most to only 7 ½” x 4 ½”. Keeping in mind that the packed size allows for easier travel, Dragonfly went ahead and ensured this model’s weight followed suit and at 9.8 oz fits perfectly into a backpacker’s needs.

That said, as a more specialized company Dragonfly cannot afford to sell their products at a low price, so this may not be the best option if you need a budget-friendly product. On top of that, the Kammok Dragonfly mesh is not nearly as durable as some of the other entries, which may call into question its value for money.

The inclusion of 2-way YKK zippers means you do not have to worry about struggling to get out of your hammock with mosquito net in the middle of the night. The knotless cord design also makes the Kammok Dragonfly easy to set up without the worry of lines loosening as you sleep.

  • PROs

    • Keeps the bugs at bay
    • Easy setup
    • Only weighs 9.8 oz
    • Packs down to 7 ½” x 4 ½”
    • Has additional storage
  • CONs

    • Is more expensive
    • Not the most durable

Bottom-Line: Aside from the fact it keeps bugs at bay, the Kammock Dragonfly is one of the easiest options on our list to use, also conveniently has additional storage and a connected packing bag.

ENO Guardian SL

Best For Backpacking

Eagles Nest Outfitters - ENO Guardian SL Bug Net, Hammock Bug Netting, Charcoal

ENO, or Eagles Nest Outfitters, is another company that focuses primarily on hammocks and their accessories but has recently branched out to other backpacking and camping gear as well. That being the case, it should come as little surprise that the ENO Guardian bug net SL is our best backpacking bug net for hammocks.

There are several factors that make this entry such a useful hammock bug net for backpacking with arguably the most important being that it weighs only 9 oz. On top of that, the ENO Guardian SL packs down smaller than any other product we reviewed to a compact 6” x 4 ½”.

Unfortunately, the reason this option achieves such a lightweight and compact design is due to being the smallest option on our list at only 9’ x 3’. On top of that, it can be difficult setting up the ENO Guardian SL in the first place and it is not designed for easy entry or exit when it has been set up.

Still, the ENO Guardian SL intends to provide a similar level of quality as ENO’s flagship hammock protection nets and is an excellent option for budget-strapped campers. Even better, this is one of the more durable models that we encountered. The SkyWeave Lite bub net is made out of 40D ripstop nylon, which further increases value for money.

  • PROs

    • Is more durable
    • Only weighs 9 oz
    • Packs down to 6” x 4 ½”
    • Is less expensive
  • CONs

    • Not that roomy
    • Difficult to set up

Bottom-Line: The ENO Guardian SL offers similar durability to ENO’s flagship model yet is significantly lighter and more compact, as well as great value.

ENO Guardian Base Camp

Best Full-Length Hammock Mosquito Net

ENO Guardian Base Camp Product Image

The Eagle Nest Outfitters Guardian Base Camp is the company’s flagship model and provides something that none of the competition does: a floor. While it may seem somewhat simple at first, the inclusion of a floor drastically increases the versatility of this bug net.

For example, many people like to bring their dog along with them when camping but worry about their pet suffering from the same bugs their owners are being protected from. Thankfully, the ENO Guardian Base Camp bug net is large enough to accommodate a dog or even additional gear inside of its spacious interior.

Of course, as the company’s flagship model you can expect a higher price tag and the ENO Guardian Base Camp is not an inexpensive option. Furthermore, the floor and additional netting significantly increase the weight to 2 lbs 12 oz, which is more than a pound heavier than the next heaviest entry.

Still, despite the extra cost and weight the ENO Guardian Base Camp is still a top option due to the bathtub design of the floor which will ensure any gear housed within stays dry. On top of that, this camping hammock bug net affords more headroom than most and offers a bit more privacy with a tighter weave than most of the competition.

  • PROs

    • Extends to the ground
    • Has a waterproof floor
    • Provides more headroom
    • Provides more privacy
  • CONs

    • Is more expensive
    • Is heavier

Bottom-Line: The ENO Guardian Base Camp is the only model on our list that extends to the ground, making it roomier than most and protection for pets too.

Outdoor Vitals Ultralight

Most Waterproof

Outdoor Vitals Ultralight Hammock Bug Net with Underside and Side Splash Protecton (Black, 11 Foot)

Outdoor Vitals may not specialize in the same way that some of its competition does, but that didn’t prevent it from being our pick for best waterproof mosquito net. The Outdoor Vitals Ultralight achieves this with the inclusion of a fabric base made from 15D nylon with a polyurethane DWR waterproof coating.

Even better, this bug net is one of the more durable builds we reviewed with the mesh net made of 20D nylon. Whilst the durable, waterproof construction is excellent, Outdoor Vitals outdid themselves by making this model one of the largest options we saw at 11’ or 10’ x 3’6’.

That said, the latter part of these measurements hints at a flaw, being that it has significantly less headroom than some of the opposition. It can also be challenging to set up, requiring you to seal the bug net off whilst inside the netting and on your hammock, something shorter people may find difficult.

Still, the Outdoor Vitals Ultralight is a more budget-friendly option on our list, with the overall solid build increasing its value well above the sticker price. As if that were not enough, it is also perfect for backpacking weighing only 8.2 oz or 7.6 oz, depending on which model you use.

  • PROs

    • Is 10’/11’ x 3’6”
    • Only weighs 8.2 oz
    • Is more durable
    • Is less expensive
  • CONs

    • Not the most headroom
    • Not the easiest

Bottom-Line: The Outdoor Vitals Ultralight checks so many boxes such as for durability, waterproofing, weight and size, as compared to its competition that its value is almost unquestionable.

Wise Owl Outfitters Snugnet

Roomiest Option

Wise Owl Outfitters Bug Net - The SnugNet Mosquito Net for Hammocks - Premium Quality, Waterproof, Mesh Netting w/Double-Sided Zipper - Essential Camping Gear, Black

As with a few other companies on our list, Wise Owl Outfitters specializes exclusively in hammocks and their accessories, however for this particular model ditches any specialization upcharge and sells it at a surprisingly low price. Even better, the Wise Owl Outfitters Snugnet accomplishes this feat without skimping on size measuring at 11’ x 4’6”.

The larger overall size not only provides ample room for stretching out, but also provides more headroom than many of the other options we came across. Further value is added to the Wise Owl Outfitters Snugnet with the use of 210T ripstop nylon for the mesh net.

On the other hand, you always have to pay for budget-friendly value, and with the Wise Owl Outfitters Snugnet that cost comes in weight, weighing in at 1 lb 4 oz– the second-heaviest reviewed. Also, while the mesh netting and seams are durable, the zippers do not fare as well.

Still, as long as you are careful, the fact that this hammock bug net employs a double zipper system will make getting into and out of that little bit easier. Also, while the Wise Owl Outfitters Snugnet may be a bit heavier than preferred, it still packs down to a surprisingly compact profile at only 6” x 6”.

  • PROs

    • Is 11’ x 4’6”
    • Is more durable
    • Packs down to 6” x 6”
    • Is less expensive
  • CONs

    • More substantial 
    • Not the best zippers

Bottom-Line: The Wise Owl Outfitters Snugnet is not the absolute best in many categories but ranks highly in most of them and provides the most space when you factor headspace into the equation.

Foxelli XL

Best Double Mosquito Net for Hammock Camping

Foxelli XL Hammock Net – 12ft Net for Hammocks, Lightweight Portable Hammock Netting, Fast and Easy Set Up, Fits All Camping Hammocks

Unlike most of its competition, Foxelli does not specialize in hammocks or their accessories, which is likely part of the reason it sells its XL mosquito netting for hammock use for such a low price. As with a couple of other budget-friendly models, this low cost does not seem to reduce the overall value either.

For example, the Foxelli XL measures in as the largest model on our list at 12’ x 4’4 ½”. While this size provides for a more spacious interior and more headroom, it also means that the Foxelli XL is the only option that we reviewed which is large enough for a double hammock.

On the other hand, this hammock bug net suffers from the same size issues that other larger models do as it does not pack down quite as well with an 11” x 9 ⅘” profile. To compound this issue, the Foxelli XL is also one of the heavier models at 1 pound, making it a poor choice for backpacking.

Still, the Foxelli XL is somewhat durable with reliable double zippers and the material has reinforced double-stitched seams. It is also easier to use than most thanks to the inclusion of knot-free cord locks.

  • PROs

    • Works for single and double hammocks
    • Is 12’ x 4’4 ½”
    • Has more headroom
    • Easy to use
    • Is less expensive
  • CONs

    • Heavier weight than competitors
    • Not the most compact

Bottom-Line: The Foxelli XL lives up to its name as the largest option that we have reviewed and is the only model on our list that can truly offer protection from bugs in a double hammock.

Sea to Summit

Best Protection

Sea to Summit Hammock Bug Net Product Image

Our last entry comes from another generalist company, and the Sea to Summit model leans heavily on the protection it provides more so than any other qualities. This comes through most notably in the form of the mesh’s tight weave, which packs 500 holes per square inch and is one of the best weaves we found.

Another impressive quality of the Sea to Summit is the absence of a ridgeline and inclusion of a spreader pole instead. This arrangement prevents the ridgeline from impeding your view of the night sky whilst lounging and eliminates the openings that plague some of the other options we reviewed.

Sadly, the Sea to Summit logo seems to have bumped up the price with this not being budget-friendly for the amount of features it has. This mosquito net is cramped at 9’8” x 2’7” and heavy at 13.4 oz, making it less than ideal for backpacking or comfort.

Though, if you have the ounces to spare and want to make sure you get a good view, the packed size of 7” x 4 ½” offers a compact profile to take backpacking. It also does not hurt that the absence of a ridgeline makes setting up the Sea to Summit much more straightforward than some of its competitors.

  • PROs

    • Has 500 holes/sq in mesh material
    • Easy to use
    • Packs down to 7” x 4 ½”
    • Does not use a ridgeline
  • CONs

    • Is more expensive
    • Heavy weight

Bottom-Line: The Sea to Summit provides some of the best mesh net we came across with 500 holes per square inch while also opting for a design that eschews the ridgeline.

Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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