Our group is thinking about bringing a screen tent without poles and rig with line. My question is this overkill?

for our july family trip, we bring a homemade 10x12 screen tent that clips onto the edge loops of our tarp and hangs on the underside of the tarp. the evening bugs bother my dad and some of the kiddos, so it helps keep the skeeters at bay in the evening while we are all sitting around together. certainly not overkill for that trip. however, I don't bring it when I trip with my friends.

We bring a Nemo 9x9 Bugout Shelter along with our tent. Never had any regrets. Most nights hung hammocks and slept under it, as it has zippers on two sides. Kept the bugs and rain off of us, but still had the feeling of sleeping out in the open.

I'd bring one for sure in bug season, in July/August you might not need it.

Really just a personal choice, but my opinion if you have enough people to lug stuff at the portages, go ahead and bring it.

I got one from Bass Pro & take it for June trips. Works great & is very nice to have when the bugs are bad.

I have taken our REI screen house and put it up using ropes instead of the poles. Works pretty well and gives a good size area.
Center rope and corners pulled out.

Not overkill in my estimation.

I take a campmor screen tent that I took the poles off of. It goes up with line in 4 directions and is staked out. It works in a pinch to get the family some relief from the bugs during meal times. More than worth it just for that aspect.

I have used my CCS lean3 for this purpose. The last 2 times, though, we never had bug problems so we set it and didn't wind up being in there. It was still nice to keep out stuff dry from showers or dew.

Check out our profile picture. That's a Nemo Bugout 9x9. Very nice and we love it, however, this year we're leaving it behind as we're committed to single portaging on longer trips to save time, travel faster and travel farther. It weighs right at 5# and a 10'x10' ultralight tarp weighs about 2.25# including stakes and cord/rope. We gotta take the 2.75# weight savings and give up the Bugout this year. Be careful with car camping screen houses as the weight is way more than 5#. BTW, we think the bigger advantage to the screen house besides the insect issues is the screening cuts the wind by at least 50%. On a windy day it's awesome to get inside! Good luck with your choice.

I bring one for any bug season trip (June-Aug) where there's 4+ people. Provides a bug-free communal area (if 2-3 of us we just bring a tent). Setup can be tedious but I picked up on a tip from somebody here who said to cut ropes at 3 or 6 foot increments with a permanent loop tied on one end. Makes it easy to adapt to different sized areas or tree distances. Do the same thing for my tarps.

It certainly is heavy and bulky (about the same as a tent -- I put mine in a granite gear compression sack) but if there are people in your group who get stressed by bugs it can make them way more comfortable. Even with DEET and long-sleeves/pants I personally get swarmed by mosquitoes.

Nice to have an area where everyone can eat or play cribbage or relax without being bothered by skeeters.

Nemo 12 x 12 on every trip during bug season, to me it is worth its weight in gold.

I have a Sea to Summit Double Box Net. The only few BWCA trips I have gone on have been in September so I didn't bring it, but I have used it car camping and it worked great. I think it will work just as well in the BWCA and I am taking it with us this coming June. It weighs around 1.5 lbs so it isn't super lightweight but not exactly heavy either. I think it will be well worth it if the bugs are bad.

Box Net

We've used both a bugout and the CCS screen tent. Prefer the CCS one for ease of setup.

We don't usually travel without it now. We tend to basecamp or move just once or twice in our trips and we've decided it's well worth the extra weight if the bugs are bad. I hate having to retreat to the tent during the "buzzing hour" and now we don't have to.

We always double portage and eliminating the bug tent wouldn't change that for us so it's not a tough choice.

I really like the custom made screen house used on group trips. It is a CCS 10x14 tarp with a 10x10 Bug No see-um netting canopy $59.99 from Bass Pro ( a 12x12 can be had for $79.99). Lightweight and keeps mosquitos at bay at night sipping a cocktail.

quote Wally13: "
I really like the custom made screen house used on group trips. It is a CCS 10x14 tarp with a 10x10 Bug No see-um netting canopy $59.99 from Bass Pro ( a 12x12 can be had for $79.99). Lightweight and keeps mosquitos at bay at night sipping a cocktail.
"

Good idea and pretty cheap. Thanks!

quote Wally13: "
I really like the custom made screen house used on group trips. It is a CCS 10x14 tarp with a 10x10 Bug No see-um netting canopy $59.99 from Bass Pro ( a 12x12 can be had for $79.99). Lightweight and keeps mosquitos at bay at night sipping a cocktail.



"

SOLD! I really like it. I will get them for our next trip. I will compare the CCS tarp to a cuben one.

Sorry, dreaded double post.

quote Moss Tent: "

quote Wally13: "
I really like the custom made screen house used on group trips. It is a CCS 10x14 tarp with a 10x10 Bug No see-um netting canopy $59.99 from Bass Pro ( a 12x12 can be had for $79.99). Lightweight and keeps mosquitos at bay at night sipping a cocktail.



"

SOLD! I really like it. I will get them for our next trip. I will compare the CCS tarp to a cuben one."

I think that picture must be photo-shopped. After a few years of searching, I've never found a campsite with four trees aligned in a perfect square!

Looks like it's actually suspended from the tarp itself.
My question:
Don't the mosquitos just fly in through the door that is left open?

+1 hard to find a tarp area with 4 equidistant trees. This site on an island on Poobah actually had 3 nicely spaced trees and we hung the 10x14 CCS tarp with a line pulling up center of tarp over a tree limb. Then tied out the corners. The site sits real close to the water. Really nice spot.

The No seeum Bass Pro screen is hung from the tarp tie outs. Works well.

The front door does Zip closed. The pic has it unzipped. Economical and light setup.

Another plus is the no see um netting did a nice job of keeping rain from entering inside the screened in area. It was nice to sit inside with our Helionix chairs and enjoy a cocktail while it rained and keeping us bite free from Mosquitos.

I have the Bass Pro 10'x10' screen. I was thinking of removing the top and sewing it to a tarp permanently. Good idea or bad? Any thoughts?

Sea to Summit double box and I hang it under the tarp. 4 people can sit under it...a little tight, but not bad.

quote Jhsail: "Our group is thinking about bringing a screen tent without poles and rig with line. My question is this overkill? "

Overkill in what way? Is this the only tent and it is too light weight? Or are the bugs that bad they need a screen tent to keep them at bay? If they don't have a proper tent or hammock then I would say yes that is overkill. If it is only for keeping the bugs at bay then it depends on how bad the bugs are and your preferences.

For those who really hate the mosquitoes, you could spray permathrin on the screen to kill the mosquitoes trying to get at you. It should kill the ones that get into the tent and land on the walls too. Less extreme is just spraying around the doors openings and gaps to limit the number that make it to the interior.

+1 on Permethrin on screen door to keep mosquitos at bay. I use on screen tent netting and on sleeeping tent screen. Works great.

quote walllee: "Nemo 12 x 12 on every trip during bug season, to me it is worth its weight in gold."

I also own this bad boy and bring it on all my fishing trips, something so nice about cleaning fish without having to slap your forehead with a bloody slimy hand.

Over Kill - Naah! If it fits - it ships!

quote cowdoc: "Sea to Summit double box and I hang it under the tarp. 4 people can sit under it...a little tight, but not bad.
"

This is what we have switched to after lugging the Nemo Bug out tarp around. It's is light weight and works well for the two of us.

I too find the 12x12 Bugout a little bulky for canoe camping, I bring it only on larger group trips or boat based trips. Nemo also made a ultra light version called the Elite 7x7, that is the one I take for 2-3 person canoe trips.

quote cowdoc: "Sea to Summit double box and I hang it under the tarp. 4 people can sit under it...a little tight, but not bad.
"

I use the exact same setup. Light, inexpensive and very compact.

Wally13: "
I really like the custom made screen house used on group trips. It is a CCS 10x14 tarp with a 10x10 Bug No see-um netting canopy $59.99 from Bass Pro ( a 12x12 can be had for $79.99). Lightweight and keeps mosquitos at bay at night sipping a cocktail.



"

Can anyone send a link to this Bass Pro 12x12 mosquito net canopy? I can't seem to find it. Hopefully it hasn't been discontinued.

Shimbo,

Here is the link I used to buy my 10 x 10 Bass Pro Screen Room.
Bass Pro 12 x 12 Screen Room Discontinued

Bass Pro link says that this Screen Room product is no longer available on line.

I called Bass Pro and Customer Service rep said that the 12 x 12 and 10 x 10 screen tents are discontinued and no longer carried or manufactured for Bass Pro Shop. I asked the rep who the manufacturer was ( thinking perhaps you might be able to source at another website) and she said that Bass Pro no longer has that information.

I checked my Bass Pro Screen Tent bag and it only says …"Made in China" … with no manufacturer name.

Bummer … Bass Pro Screen Tent was a real cheap alternative for $59.99

My wife and I always bring our Nemo 9x9 bugout - never regretted having it. We enjoy the evenings in the bugout over sitting around the fire getting attacked by mosquitoes.

When tripping during bug season I don't consider a screen shelter overkill.

I have used DIY tarp and netting configurations and own a Nemo Bugout but a comparable free standing screen house with poles has proven to work best for my tripping style. The minimal additional weight and bulk is worth the speed, ease, and convenience a free standing screen house offers.




3.6 lbs

Tomcat: "Shimbo,

On clearance shelf local Bass Pro.

"

Darn, nearest Bass Pro 2 hours away and I don't see them online. I think the 10x10 would be the bees knees.

First of all, I have to say, I am very impressed by how helpful people are on this forum! I didn't expect Wally13 to actually reply to me and do RESEARCH for me so long after his original post! Shout out to Tomcat as well for pointing me to a recent purchase. I emailed the manager at that Bass Pro shop... we'll see if they will ship to Minnesota. Other options seem much more expensive and/or subpar.

Wally13: "Shimbo,


Here is the link I used to buy my 10 x 10 Bass Pro Screen Room.
Bass Pro 12 x 12 Screen Room Discontinued


Bass Pro link says that this Screen Room product is no longer available on line.


I called Bass Pro and Customer Service rep said that the 12 x 12 and 10 x 10 screen tents are discontinued and no longer carried or manufactured for Bass Pro Shop. I asked the rep who the manufacturer was ( thinking perhaps you might be able to source at another website) and she said that Bass Pro no longer has that information.


I checked my Bass Pro Screen Tent bag and it only says …"Made in China" … with no manufacturer name.


Bummer … Bass Pro Screen Tent was a real cheap alternative for $59.99


"

Wow - again, I am impressed with the helpfulness! To add to that, I was very impressed by the manager of that Bass Pro store—Tony Lemmon. I emailed him, and he directed me to a staff member who processed an order to be shipped to me (12x12)! All within a couple hours! This day has been a real bright spot in terms of human interaction. Thanks again for offering to help, John!

I was considering buying a custom one from Dan Cooke, which would have undoubtedly been higher quality, but the price tag was also much higher of course. This way, I can just test out a cheap version first :)

Tomcat: "Shimbo,


Let me know if I can help. I bought the 10' x 10' in the photo at Bass Pro this morning and shipped it to a member. There were several 10' x 10' and 12' x 12' still on the shelf.


Shipping USPS Priority from Missouri to New York was $13.70 .


John"

Jhsail: "Our group is thinking about bringing a screen tent without poles and rig with line. My question is this overkill? "

This got me to thinking. I have an old 12x12 screen tent that has been sitting in my garage for at least 20 years, unused. I went and bought 2 six-foot poles for the back and 2 eight-foot poles (adjustable) for the entrance. Nice day today, so my grandson and I tried setting it up in my backyard. We didn't stake it, nor did we tie it up to any trees (hopefully we will get a site that has convenient trees), but it seems like it will work. It is very light, I just have to figure a way pack it now. I managed to get it down to a reasonable size, found a old sleeping bag bag, and stuffed it in. It can't weigh much more than 2-3 pounds, so really no extra burden. It is an outside frame, so there are loops where the frame would go, and I can use those to tie off on a tree, or just go with rope through the loops and stake it down.

We will see how it performs in the field next year, but I think it will work.

Thanks for the tips everyone. I was able to call basspro and they shipped me a 10x10 rather quickly. Weighs 3# 12ozs. Last year the bugs were so bad it would have been worth the weight. I am hoping it is one of those things I bring but never use :)

T

Tomcat: "

Canoe42: "I have the Bass Pro 10'x10' screen. I was thinking of removing the top and sewing it to a tarp permanently. Good idea or bad? Any thoughts?"

Before modifying equipment I consider the intended use to determine if it will efficiently meet my purpose better than other equipment available to me. I then weigh the pros and cons to determine the value and my capability.


I own a Nemo bugout but I seldom need the insect protection provided by the screen and often need the wind and rain protection provided by the tarp. Independently I feel the tarp and screen room offer more fexibility. Also sewing mesh fabric can be challenging.

"

Agreed - the flexibility of using the tarp without the bug net seems like a major plus. (September/October trips)

Interesting - looks like Walmart is trying to duplicate the Nemo BugOut!

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Ozark-Trail-Tarp-Shelter-with-Roll-Up-Screen-Walls/895570759

Why not just buy a larger tent that can double for a screen room? Cover all your bases with one structure. Something like this:

We use a Nemo Bugout - but if you're looking for cheap to hang under a tarp, can't beat this for $16!

Mombasa Screen from REI

Tomcat: "

scotttimm: "We use a Nemo Bugout - but if you're looking for cheap to hang under a tarp, can't beat this for $16!



Mombasa Screen from REI "

I had one but it is not no-see-um netting if that is a factor.


"

For what it's worth, Dan Cooke does not use the "no-see-um" netting in his screen tarps. I guess he doesn't find it necessary. Further info: the Bass Pro screen featured above does use no-see-um netting.

I have a 9'x9' Nemo Bug Out and have not been through a rain event with it. Is the size sufficient to shelter 2 people from a down pour? Or should I bring something supplemental? Also I am heading out of EP 54 May 24 for a week. Should I bring my Bug Out? I thought that would be early for skeets but I heard black flies could be bad. Thanks.

RodBender: "I have a 9'x9' Nemo Bug Out and have not been through a rain event with it. Is the size sufficient to shelter 2 people from a down pour? Or should I bring something supplemental? Also I am heading out of EP 54 May 24 for a week. Should I bring my Bug Out? I thought that would be early for skeets but I heard black flies could be bad. Thanks.
"

Yes, in my opinion a 9x9 bugout is sufficient for two people. Strong wind may require a low pitch or one side pitched near to the ground.

These tents look good, I like especially the one without the frame, sometimes I go fishing and it would be very comfortable. Optionally, you can buy an electric torch that will kill mosquitoes in a certain radius.

I prefer the free standing shelters.

RodBender: "I have a 9'x9' Nemo Bug Out and have not been through a rain event with it. Is the size sufficient to shelter 2 people from a down pour? "

I've used the 9x9 for 3 folks. 4 might even be possible if it's just bodies and chairs, but tight.

I've been looking at the option below to use under my red 8 x 10 CCS tarp.

Big Agnes Deep Creek Bug House

I thought it would be a great size for a solo bug shelter.

luft: "I've been looking at the option below to use under my red 8 x 10 CCS tarp.


Big Agnes Deep Creek Bug House

I thought it would be a great size for a solo bug shelter.



"

For $29.99 my wife and I use a 84 x84 x54 inch free standing screen house . The canopy could be suspended under a tarp without poles 1.7 lbs. or free standing with canopy, stakes,and aluminum poles 3.3 lbs. I have a larger screen house 4.4 lbs I can use for larger groups.

Tomcat: "

luft: "I've been looking at the option below to use under my red 8 x 10 CCS tarp.



Big Agnes Deep Creek Bug House


I thought it would be a great size for a solo bug shelter.



"

For $29.99 my wife and I use a 84 x84 x54 inch free standing screen house . The canopy could be suspended under a tarp without poles 1.7 lbs. or free standing with canopy, stakes,and aluminum poles 3.3 lbs. I have a larger screen house 4.4 lbs I can use for larger groups.
"

Nice price!!
Does that Magellan keep the rain out well?

Luft,

I have never tested the Magellan in the rain without a tarp.

Overkill? No. It would be in Sept but if you are going when bugs might be out in full force. It is nice to have as an option even if you don't use it. Hell I bring my 10 dollar walmart one and I bring the heavy poles.

We used to take bug screen with poles we got from cabelas. It was big, bulky and heavy. Have wanted a sea to summit box net double for years but they don’t make them anymore. I would always look on eBay and Amazon every once and awhile and I finally found two for sale on eBay. I bought both of them. Will be hanging it up underneath my CCS tarp. Keep a eye on eBay might get lucky and find one for sale

cowdoc: "Sea to Summit double box and I hang it under the tarp. 4 people can sit under it...a little tight, but not bad.
"

Have used this for years as well. Over the winter I had CCS modify one of my 1.1 tarps into a bug shelter. Was really looking forward to trying it out this summer in Quetico...:-(

It's kind of a fun project to figure it out, too. We got one after a bad-bug trip, but now we find if we bring it, it doesn't get buggy, which is even better.

On the lookout for netting that can be hung from a tarp--along the lines of the discontinued bass pro shop version earlier in this thread. Any suggestions?
Thanks.

Sad to hear but glad to know the weight of the bass pro shop version.