I learned the hard way that nothing ruins a perfect night under the stars like relentless mosquitoes, which is why I now never leave home without hammock bug protection gear. The first time I tried hammock camping without a proper net, I spent the night shivering, swatting, and re-tying my tarp—zero sleep, and a dozen itchy welts to show for it. Since then I’ve refined a setup that keeps insects out, comfort in, and worry at bay.
Start by matching the net to your hammock: an overly small net pulls tight and makes you clammy; an oversized one flaps and lets bugs find weak spots. Look for a fine mesh (no-see-um rating if you’re in skeeter country), a reliable zipper that glides without catching, and a ridgeline suspension so the net stays taut above your face. I prefer a double-door design—one side to enter, the other for gear—because fumbling in the dark is guaranteed otherwise.
Material and treatment matter. Treated nets (permethrin or factory-applied DWR) give an extra layer of protection, but I still pair them with treated clothing or a small, safe repellent. Weight-sensitive hikers should prioritize ultralight nylon with reinforced seams; weekend car-campers can opt for heavier, more robust nets that stand up to repeated use. Always test your setup at home: set the hammock and net in your backyard, zip up, and spend an hour moving around. You’ll find where the pockets form, where the mesh bunches, and whether your zipper needs lubrication.
Practical extras you’ll thank yourself for: a tiny repair kit for emergency stitches, a few toggles or cord locks to tighten the ridgeline, and a small stake or guyline to anchor the net’s lower edge if wind is a problem. When humidity or condensation builds, vent by loosening the ridgeline slightly rather than sacrificing coverage. And pack a soft cloth to wipe any dirt from the zipper—sand is the zipper’s worst enemy.
If you’ve hesitated because nets feel fussy, remember this: a good net is less gear hassle and more sleep. I’ve camped in mosquito swarms and still slept through dawn because the barrier did its job. Investing in quality pays off fast—less itch, less fuss, more mornings where coffee tastes like victory. Try one out on a nearby trip, tweak the fit, and you’ll stop dreading insects and start looking forward to nights outdoors again.