Separate or integral net?

[JCinnc]

Getting close to making the plunge; couple of questions I can't seem to get settled on my own. Lifelong tent camper, need more comfortable sleep, and getting too hard to get dressed in backpacking tent. First, can't decide on net; separate or integral. Thoughts? Second quandary; hate to spend too much when I've never camped with a hammock, but I don't want to go too cheap and decide I don't like it because of bad gear choice. Seems like I could probably get most of my money back out of quality gear if it's a no go. Had been thinking about Blackbird or Traveler, depending on what I decided about the net but it's still open. Be more kayak camping than hiking at this point.

[Otter1]

Dutch Hexon Netless + Fronkey style net.

Cheap and you're right: it'll sell well if you hate it.

I prefer separate nets for a few reasons: 1) offers better protection from biting things (when my arm is against otherwise unprotected fabric), 2) I can easily adjust my UQ, 3) I can go netless when it's cold enough, 4) no added zipper weight

[Billy Goat]

I don't use a bug net, period. I find permethrin to be plenty adequate. Two solid treatments a year and it's all good, from spring to deep winter. Backpacking in southern MO, we have plenty of (more than plenty, actually) of biting bugs. Never have a problem with ticks, flies, or skeeters. There's probably a good chance that I eat a bunch of spiders in my sleep, but I'm alright with that.

[Rolloff]

delete double post

[Rolloff]

Agree with all of the above. For me the real question was, when and where do I plan to spend most of my time in the woods?

Bug season was at the very bottom of the list. I don't enjoy hiking in the heat, so I don't do it. I still treat my Buganator each year with the rest of my gear, but it's yet to make a trip to the woods.

Glad I'm not forced to carry it!

[TrailSlug]

I only have integrated bug nets. They can be removed or stored when not needed but I always use a bug net for the critters and they tend to hold a bit of heat in as well. I've had too many "things" get under my tarp with me. Last winter I was camping and woke up to a vibration under my hammock. It was a bird that somehow got between my under quilt and the hammock. Once it got out the bug net saved me from the white stuff birds leave behind

[Monkeyboy42]

You'll get both sides of the argument, and there's no right answer. I started with integrated, But switched to Fronkey for many of the reasons Otter stated. I mostly get out in summer, so I always take a net.

I couldn't imagine just relying on permerethin. I end up sleeping half out of my quilt waaayyy too often to be netless at buggy times.

[TrailSlug]

You'll get both sides of the argument, and there's no right answer.

Good point. I'd say get a hammock that you can remove the bug net and you have the best of both worlds.

[Trail Troll]

I love my fronkey style bug net. Works great and cooler months I don't gotta take it with me.

[SilvrSurfr]

I'm a Fronkey bugnet fan - can't stand zippers because it's too hard to get out quickly (cramps, critters, whatever).