I'm sure this has been covered, but I couldn't find anything. What are your thoughts about an all-in-one hammock (Hennessy, Blackbird) vs open top with a separate mosquito net "tent".
I am going on a canoeing trip to Minnesota next spring and trying to decide what to do. I don't know if I can swing a Blackbird, but the Traveler hammocks look nice.
Can I make do with an open hammock in mosquito country or is that asking for trouble?
No net at all during bug season is asking for a sleepless night or two. But any bugnet, whether it's sewn on or not, will suffice nicely.
You mention the Traveler specifically, and it's a nice option. I find that it's every bit as comfortable as a Blackbird. The net for it works well too. Traveler Net review here.
“I think that when the lies are all told and forgot the truth will be there yet. It dont move about from place to place and it dont change from time to time. You cant corrupt it any more than you can salt salt.” - Cormac McCarthy
You're only planning on having one hammock?
I'd suggest (if budget allows eventually) picking up a no net hammock for winter use and a blackbird style for summer. But either mosquito hammock or separate netting will do the job admirably.
IMO, they both have their advantages and disadvantages… I like both types. If it’s not bug infested, It’s really nice not to have the net around you to get a breeze during the warm/hot months.
This was indeed one of my main considerations when purchasing a hammock and is only opinion based.
Most of my backpacking is high in the mtns where bugs are less an issue and much preferred to sleep in the open without a net and/or tarp.
When on the go and the weather is nice its so much faster and lighter with just a simple top loading hammock,sets up in minutes and i now have a camp chair.
I did purchase the separate net and tarp and sure i will need both but as for now i've been fortunate enough to get by with just the hammock and have yet to carry the net.
OH....i have a Speer A.
One thing to consider that is often overlooked about the integrated bug nets is the ability to trap a little heat and absorb a little moisture (ie. fog). The temp bump I can attest to; there is a noticeable difference inside a hammock with integrated bug netting when the temps dip hard. The moisture repelling abilities is just a theory that I haven't had the opportunity to test yet. Last night would have been a good time; it looks like London here today.
Trust nobody!
How big of a pain is it to use the separate netting?
It's snot.Originally Posted by swinglow
Trust nobody!
I slip mine over on end of the hammock suspension, done.
Its not a pain, just an added step during set-up. Once its on, I can leave it on the hammock for the next night. Now that all the blood sucking bugs have frozen, I can leave the net at home.
Ambulo tua ambulo.
My "Risk Style" DIY bugnet has an attached 4 inch strip of paracord which gets tied around the structural ridgeline somewhere near center and the two ends get cinched up around the gathered ends of the hammock. Setup is that simple and quick. Then the front side can be thrown over the ridgeline making entry and egress easy. If netting is needed it is simple to just grab the edge and pull into place from inside the hammock. As others have said , keeps out bugs, and will keep in some heat. Mosquito netting breathes better than no-see-um netting IMO.
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