Why *attach* bug netting?

[MikeBiondo]

In my contemplation of starting my first DIY hammock, I've been wondering why it seems that the greatest majority of folks attach their netting either with zippers or velcro/omni. What are the downsides of just attaching the netting to the ridgeline, making the width of the sides maybe a foot or two longer, and letting the netting just drape over the sides of the hammock? Sure, it would take more netting, but as light/cheap netting is, it would seem like wash with adding the weight/expense of a zipper.

With a Blackbird clone, I think the netting is somewhat structural in supporting the shelf and footbox, right? Other than the Blackbird, it doesn't seem that other hammock designs would require that the netting be physically attached along the sides. Right?

But then again, maybe I'm completely tarpless, and all WET in my thinking!!!

Mike-

[Highbinder]

Is it still effective if you have it open underneath?

[PuckerFactor]

Breezes are a witch, if the netting isn't weighted or attached somehow. I made a drape-over version with the full 5' of netting on both sides, and it made a pretty good seal, but it occasionally would flip into the hammock if a good breeze blew through. Being that wide, it also dragged on the ground a lot. I did like the convenience of not having to fool with zippers or anything to get in and out. In the summer I always woke up with bunches of daddy long legs up under my net.

PF

[MikeBiondo]

I made a drape-over version with the full 5' of netting on both sides, and it made a pretty good seal, but it occasionally would flip into the hammock if a good breeze blew through.
PF

Ahhhh...didn't think of that! When I thought about wind and the sides rising, I thought maybe bugs could get in...but then, I thought if there was enough wind to blow the netting around, it would probably blow the BUGS around too! I didn't think about it blowing up and into the hammock. That would be a PITA!

But, wouldn't a couple pieces of shock-cord, loosely attached to the two sides under the hammock and a foot or two from each end take care of that problem and still allow easy entry and/or exit?

As for as the width of the sides, I was thinking to cut the netting on a curve following the the shape of the loaded hammock, making the edge of the netting, a foot or two below the edge of hammock. I wouldn't think that it would touch the ground that way.

Mike-

[oldgringo]

It's been done. Someone made one with pockets on the hem for trail rocks to combat the wind and get a better seal.

[gargoyle]

An enclosed/attached bugnet keeps the quilts in. And weighs less overall, compared to a sock style or draped bugnet, since there is less netting required to get a seal.
If the weather/bugs are good, I just flop the net over to the side.
Attached works best for me. ymmv

[Knotty]

I use a drape over the ridgeline type bugnet with my DIY gathered end hammock. It has corner pockets for weighting with trail stones. Works pretty well and let's me use the hammock "topless" in winter. They're easy and cheap enough to make so not a lot of risk in giving it a try.

[PuckerFactor]

Yeah, most of the year, I don't use one, but there are those times when one is necessary for one's sanity. *cough*Assateague Island*cough*
<--- didn't have one the time he went to camp. :-( *eye twitch*

Look up Dejoha's HUG, it might be the thing you're looking for.

PF

[jbo_c]

Having done both, I won't choose to go back to attached. I find a drape or tube works just fine and is more flexible. The weight penalty is less than an ounce and it's far easier to get in and out of, especially at night.

Jbo

[exdiver]

I made a "Risk" style drape-over bugnet. Pockets for trail sticks or stones. Thought was it could be trimmed and attached later if it failed. Still loose I also like going topless when bugs are not out, left at home.