Bug Net - Separate or Attached?

**ThatTallHammocker** · 07-29-2015, 16:59

I am open to any opinions on whether having a simple, gathered end hammock with a separate bug net is more comfortable than a gathered end hammock with an attached bug net. I am talking solely in terms of comfort - not modularity, weight savings when net not needed etc.

It seems that the attached bug net changes the shape of the hammock and pulls the sides tighter. I have noticed some ankle pain in almost no matter what position and I am wondering if this might be a cause.

**ShellHammock** · 07-29-2015, 18:44

can't you tell with your XLC? completely removing the net (and consequently the foot box and shelf) makes the XLC into just a simple gathered end hammock, only with half a zipper attached to the hem. There's no reason an attached net should affect the comfort of a hammock, there's just different hammocks with different whipping techniques. Take them apart, and hammocks are all rectangles, just gathered differently.

**Theguywitheyebrows** · 07-29-2015, 20:05

i'm nearly finished with a Sgt Rock style bug tube. the shoddy Singer i was using would NOT stand up to the mozzy netting enough to do a good job so it ate my lunch for two whole runs of the long side and one run of the other long side before it D I E D a terrible needle shattering death (needs to go to the shop with the 1970's singer that i've got) but the White 1620 super zigzag machine did a fantastic job trucking right through the last long run and the shockcord channels. will post more tomorrow after i finish it all the way. im good with separate, im all about modularity and using only whats needed and i like to camp in the cold. less bugs in the cold, less reason for the bugtube.

**ThatTallHammocker** · 07-29-2015, 20:20

Thanks for your input. It does seem that it would make a difference if the bug net is attached.

**ThatTallHammocker** · 07-29-2015, 20:22

Originally Posted by ShellHammock

can't you tell with your XLC? completely removing the net (and consequently the foot box and shelf) makes the XLC into just a simple gathered end hammock, only with half a zipper attached to the hem. There's no reason an attached net should affect the comfort of a hammock, there's just different hammocks with different whipping techniques. Take them apart, and hammocks are all rectangles, just gathered differently.

I plan on trying it with my XLC but I just haven't had the time to do it. I was just wondering if any of the other knowledgeable people on this forum could share their expert opinions.

**bkrgi** · 07-29-2015, 20:38

I do not see the bug net making any difference with comfort
Ankle pain a result of squish??
or a result of the very beginnings of bed/pressure sores from being stationary in the hammock...something that does bother me and requires moving the position of my feet every once in a while in either of my Hammocks

**ShellHammock** · 07-29-2015, 20:40

Originally Posted by ThatTallHammocker

I plan on trying it with my XLC but I just haven't had the time to do it. I was just wondering if any of the other knowledgeable people on this forum could share their expert opinions.

Ahh well yeah, try it out and see! I think a lot of the comfort and security of a zippered net could be psychological. You are able to get into different positions when a top is zipped onto the edge, so maybe without that wall of fabric there, you'll slide into a different position, one that hopefully releases the ankle pressure.

**Floridahanger** · 07-29-2015, 20:50

I have temporarily tried an 11' UL Darien from Papa Smurf, Ala, Dream Hammock. It has an integrated bugnet and I love this hammock. The 11' may have some reason why the bugnet didn't effect me, I don't know.

That said, I have a DIY simple gathered end 10'x5' netless hammock. I use a Fronkey bugnet that the hammock slips into. The net is not attached to the hammock, but instead, it surrounds it. I love the Fronkey style because it doesn't effect the hammock lay at all and there are no zippers to worry about. This comes from experience using the net in Summer, except 2 weeks ago(no bugs 2 nights, whoo) and no net in Winter. The lay is the same with or without Fronkey bugnet.

2 weeks ago, first night. In Florida.
IMG_0319 copy.jpg
Second night. No bugnet either night.
IMG_0372 copy.jpg
With bugnet.
DSCF0214.jpg DSCF0213.jpg
It's hard to tell because there is no one in the hammock at either stage. The net just lays loosely on the SRL until I get in and then it slides around the hammock as I move around without pulling on either side of the hammock.

**MAD777** · 07-29-2015, 20:59

This is totally a personal preference thing. The conventional netted hammock with attached zippered net does limit the hammock to one shape. Not necessarily a bad thing. (The exception being TTTG Switchback hammocks.)

A separate net lets the occupant change diagonals back & forth during the night, with equal comfort. So, maybe if you toss & turn a lot (like me), you might prefer a separate net.

The other main difference is some folks want to be buttoned up, and others want a quick exit. Maybe it depends upon how many times you water the bushes at night.

And then there's setup time. There's nothing to set up with a built-in net.

**SilvrSurfr** · 07-29-2015, 21:01

My first hammock was a Hennessy Expedition Asym Zip but I also tried a Byer Moskito Hammock and spent one night in a WBBB. All three hammocks had integrated bugnets, and I got leg cramps (calf ridge).

After a couple of years, I tried a Buttinasling Weight Weenie DL. No more leg cramps! I've since tried tablecloth hammocks, a couple of other Buttinasling hammocks, and am currently using a Dutch PolyD 1.4 hammock. I haven't had a leg cramp since leaving integrated bugnets behind.

Here in NJ, I really only need the bugnet for three months out of the year (mosquitoes are lethargic at 60* F, and immobile at 50* F), so I get nine solid months with no bugnet. Is a Fronkey-style bugnet a bit more of a pain in the butt than a zippered bugnet? Maybe, but it's a price I'll pay. Besides, I hate zippers.