So I'm pretty new to sewing. I've done a couple of gathered end hammocks a tarp and now a bug net for the hammock. I used the bug net kit from Ripstop by the Roll. It will definitely keep the bugs out but there's a lot of excess netting and it's a pain to get in and out of.

I was thinking of trying an integrated bug net with a gathered end hammock. Just curious if anyone has done this before and if it worked out. I'm concered with getting the pattern right. Any tips or advice would be great!

Thanks Tomcat, that's very generous!
I've got a few bug net projects, so I can definitely put it to good use.
I'll shoot you an email.

Beavers,
I have don a few but found I rather like the purchased nets. but, this winter I have to make a large bug net to hang under the "tree house" at my cabin. The hammock sleepers use the area most of the summer. that way I will enclose a larger area and they will not need individual nets.
What net do you all like best and where have you found it?

I'm planning on sewing up a bic/hikerdad bridge hammock with integrated bugnet this winter. I got a precut hammock kit and a bugnet pattern from RBTR and intend to modify the bugnet so it's symmetrical versus asymmetrical as designed. Will share photos once I get going....

GramdmaL,

I just got the big bag around the hammock bug net from RBTR. It's way bigger than needed to fit around my hammock and it's a pain to get in and out of. I'm new to hammock camping so it's the one and only bug net I've tried. Just looking for a better solution.

Mirth,

Tomcat actually suggested bridge hammocks to me. I never really checked them out before. I'm planning on ordering that same kit from RBTR. It looks like a great hammock with an easier to sew bug net. It's a huge bonus that bic has step by step how to videos on how to sew it. I've been watching Jellyfish's videos to guide me through all my projects so far. Be sure to post if you run into any snags or helpful hints when sewing yours!

I began hammocking with an integrated bugnet and did not like it. Main reasons were 1) more excess net drooping into the hammock. It required one or two extra ridge lines to hold it up. 2) I could not easily reach out and adjust my underquilt.

I have long since been sewing my own hammocks, nets, and quilts and have really liked the “fronky style” bottom entry bugnets. No drooping and easiest in/out ever. I’ve made several and they are fairly simple to sew. I think it was a YouTube video with the general instructions- modified to fit my hammocks. Some modifications I use are: 1) light shock cord with cord lock on the bottom. I rarely close it: bugs just don’t seem to come up inside. 2). Openings about 6”diameter on each end where the hammock passes through. Again these have shock cord closures. They stay closed most of the time, but it make it very easy to remove the net completely if you don’t need it, or to attach/remove the underquilt at each end. If you’re interested I can maybe track some photos down of my rigs.

Thanks for the info Muddyfeet.
I just ordered all the stuff for a bridge hammock from RBTR this morning, so I'm committed to that route now. :)

I sewed kid sized gathered end hammocks for my 7 and 9 year old boys. I think I'll try the Fronky style nets for them. I'll have to fire up YouTube and find some how to videos.

One other general hammock question...
I noticed a lot of the bridge hammocks have a double layer. I figured this would be nice for bug proofing in hot weather when not using an underquilt and give me a spot to slide in a closed cell pad.

I ordered a couple of yards of 1.1 oz silpoly to use as the second layer on the outside. I figured it would be nice to have a waterproof layer. Does anyone see any problems with breathability or moisture problems with using the silpoly?

Got a fronky style bug net sewed up for the nine year old and his kid sized hammock. The fronky is super easy to sew and after a little practice he can get in and out without troubles. It seems like it will work good.





Also set up my new winter tarp with snakeskins for the first time.
The snakeskins our awesome. I'll definitely be sewing some for the rest of my tarps. I've only used rectangle tarps before, going to need to play with this some more to get the perfect set up dialed in. The doors are pretty neat. I might add some Kam snaps or velcro to seal them up a little tighter. Also thinking about trying an external pole mod.

I’m pretty stoked that you’re sewing hammocks and tarps for the kids and are out testing them in the winter snow. I think we could be friends.

I do have some concern about a non-breathable sil fabric on a hammock. I don’t have any first- or secondhand knowledge about trying it though.

The kids are actually the ones pushing me into winter camping. They earn "frost points" in Cub Scouts for camping in temps below 32. They are after me to hurry up and get underquilts sewn for them so that they can get out and start earning points.


I did some more reading on hammockforums.net about the vapor barrier under the hammock. I found a lot of arguments for and against. I already have it sewn up so if I have problems I'll just cut the silpoly off and be back to a single layer. I haven't tried a pad with a hammock yet so who knows I might not like it anyway.

I have a non-breathable under quilt protector and my quilt outer shell is non-breathable with no problems. I think there is more air circulating down there than you would suspect.

Glad to hear it's working for you Magicpaddler.

I'm anxious to try it out. My spreader bars got delivered the other day. Unfortunately the package got ripped open in transit and I'm short one half of a bar. Dutch ware was great though and are sending another bar.