There’s a unique tranquility that comes with hammock camping, isn’t there? The gentle sway, the fresh air, the feeling of being truly immersed in nature. Yet, this idyllic scene can quickly be shattered by the relentless buzz of mosquitoes or the unwelcome tickle of a crawling insect. Many an evening has been ruined, and many a good night’s sleep interrupted, by the buzzing symphony of nature’s less-than-charming inhabitants. The truth is, while the open-air experience is wonderful, a crucial piece of gear is often overlooked until it’s too late: a reliable hammock bug net.
In the accompanying video, Mike from The Great Outside offers a practical, no-nonsense review of the Foxelli Outdoor Gear hammock bug net. He takes us through the unboxing, setup, and real-world experience of using this particular bug net, highlighting its strengths and quirks. This article expands on his insights, delving deeper into why a bug net is indispensable for hammock campers and offering additional considerations for those looking to enhance their outdoor comfort.
Why a Hammock Bug Net is Non-Negotiable for Outdoor Enthusiasts
For anyone who spends time in the great outdoors, especially in warmer climates or near water sources, bugs are an inevitable reality. While a little discomfort might be part of the adventure, constant insect attacks can quickly turn a pleasant trip into a miserable ordeal. A dedicated hammock bug net transforms your open-air sleeping setup into a private, protected haven, allowing you to truly relax and rejuvenate.
Beyond mere annoyance, insects like mosquitoes, ticks, and chiggers pose legitimate health risks, carrying diseases such as West Nile virus, Lyme disease, and malaria. A quality bug net acts as a crucial barrier against these potential threats, offering peace of mind along with physical comfort. It allows for natural ventilation while keeping the creepy crawlies at bay, a significant advantage over fully enclosed tents in hot weather.
Deconstructing the Foxelli Outdoor Gear Hammock Bug Net
Mike’s review focuses on the Foxelli Outdoor Gear bug net, a product he clearly finds practical for its price point. Let’s explore its features and what they mean for the average hammock camper.
Designed for Generous Coverage: The 12-Foot Advantage
One of the first things Mike highlights is the net’s substantial length, measuring 12 feet. This dimension is a significant advantage, ensuring compatibility with most standard and even extra-long hammocks. A longer net means a more forgiving setup, providing ample space at both ends of your hammock without feeling cramped. It acts like a protective cocoon, allowing you to stretch out fully without your head or feet pressing against the mesh, which could invite unwanted insect contact. This generous sizing contributes directly to both comfort and effective bug protection.
Mesh Quality: Durability Meets Visibility
The strength and weave of the mesh are critical for any bug net. Mike notes that the Foxelli mesh feels “good and strong” and “tough.” High-quality mesh isn’t just about preventing tears; it’s also about the fineness of the weave, measured in holes per square inch. A tight weave keeps even the smallest gnats and no-see-ums out, while still allowing for excellent airflow and visibility. The material likely uses durable synthetic fibers, designed to withstand the rigors of outdoor use, from snagging branches to packing and unpacking.
User-Friendly Features: Attached Stuff Sack and Dual Zippers
The convenience of an attached stuff sack, as seen on many hammocks, is mirrored here. This feature ensures the bug net is always neatly packed and ready to go, minimizing the risk of losing the bag in camp. When it comes to access, the Foxelli net incorporates two zippers, allowing entry and exit from either side. Each zipper also features two ties, making it possible to open or close the net from both the inside and the outside. This dual functionality is incredibly practical, especially when you’re half-asleep or simply want to quickly adjust your position.
Understanding the Zipper Advantage (and Disadvantage)
Mike touches upon an interesting aspect of the Foxelli net: the absence of a zipper along the bottom or side where your legs often drape over the hammock edge. He appreciates this, noting that “there’s no zipper” to contend with if you want to cross your legs or sit in a relaxed position. This design detail can prevent the uncomfortable pressure or rubbing that a zipper might cause against your skin or clothing. While the zippers on the Foxelli net are not YKK (a common benchmark for zipper quality), Mike affirms they are “perfectly fine,” indicating they hold up to typical use. For a budget-friendly option, reliable zippers that don’t snag are a key indicator of value.
Setting Up Your Hammock Bug Net: A Practical Guide
Getting your hammock bug net correctly installed ensures maximum protection and comfort. Mike provides a basic overview, but let’s dive into some additional practical steps and tips for a seamless setup.
Initial Suspension and Net Placement
Before you even unroll the bug net, ensure your hammock is securely hung. The process often involves treating the bug net like a large sleeve. As Mike demonstrates, you grab one end of your hammock’s suspension, thread your hand through the bug net, and essentially pull the hammock through the net. This technique, while potentially “ridiculous the first couple times” as Mike puts it, quickly becomes second nature. It’s akin to pulling on a large sock or a flexible tunnel, guiding your hammock through its protective embrace.
Securing the Ridgeline (or Alternative Attachment)
The Foxelli bug net comes with its own string, designed to be strung above your hammock to hold the net aloft, preventing it from sagging onto you. Mike notes that while his setup was temporary for the review, the included line typically features two hooks, simplifying attachment to trees or tree straps. Alternatively, you don’t always need a separate ridgeline. The net can also be attached directly to your existing hammock suspension points or even directly to the trees if your setup allows. The goal is to elevate the net, creating ample breathing room inside and ensuring no part of the mesh rests against your body, which could allow bugs to bite through.
Cinching and Positioning for Optimal Space
Once the net is threaded over your hammock and its overhead line is secured, the next step involves cinching each end. This action pulls the fabric tight around your hammock’s suspension points, effectively sealing off any entry points for insects. Mike advises against over-tightening; the net shouldn’t be taut like a drum. A slight looseness allows for comfortable movement inside. The key is to achieve a good seal while maximizing the internal volume of your bug-free zone, allowing you to stretch out without touching the mesh sides.
Life Inside the Bug Net: Comfort and Convenience
Once you’re inside, the real test of a hammock bug net begins. Mike shares candid insights into the user experience, particularly noting the ease of getting in and out, and the overall comfort level.
Entering and Exiting Your Protected Zone
Mike humorously admits that getting in and out can be “a pain in the ass” and “hard to do one-handed,” especially when you’re first getting accustomed to it. This is a common experience with full-coverage bug nets. A useful technique is to partially open one zipper, slide in headfirst, then carefully pull your legs in and zip up. Removing your shoes before entering is always a good practice to keep the interior clean and avoid snagging the mesh. Despite the initial awkwardness, the reward of being bug-free far outweighs the minor struggle.
The Freedom of an Uninterrupted Interior
One of the Foxelli net’s standout advantages, as highlighted by Mike, is the absence of a zipper running underneath or along the hammock’s edge. This design choice provides an uninterrupted surface for your legs and feet, allowing you to cross your legs, shift positions, or simply let your limbs dangle comfortably without encountering an irritating zipper. This might seem like a small detail, but it significantly enhances the overall comfort, making the hammock feel truly like “the same hammock” you love, only better protected.
Maintaining Your Hammock’s Ultralight Status (or Not)
For those dedicated to ultralight backpacking, every ounce counts. Mike acknowledges that adding a one-pound bug net to an “ultralight hammock” does negate some of its lightness. This is a trade-off all hammock campers must consider. However, when faced with an onslaught of cicadas, as Mike experienced, or other aggressive insects, that extra pound becomes an invaluable investment in comfort and well-being. The decision often boils down to balancing weight savings against the necessity of robust bug protection for specific environments.
Choosing Your Next Hammock Bug Net: Considerations Beyond the Foxelli
While the Foxelli bug net proves to be a solid budget-friendly option, the world of hammock bug nets offers various designs to suit different preferences and camping styles.
Integrated vs. Separate Bug Nets
Some hammocks come with integrated bug nets that are permanently attached, often zipping over the top. These offer convenience and a streamlined setup. However, separate bug nets like the Foxelli provide greater versatility, allowing you to use the same net with different hammocks or to leave the net at home when bugs aren’t an issue, thus saving weight.
Half-Zip, Full Enclosure, or Bottom-Entry
Mike mentions “half-zip” bug nets as a recommendation for beginners. These typically cover only the upper half of the hammock, leaving the lower half open or with a simpler entry. Full enclosure nets, like the Foxelli, offer maximum protection. Bottom-entry nets, another popular design, often feature an elasticized opening at the bottom that you slip through, then it cinches shut around you. Each design has its pros and cons regarding weight, ease of entry, and level of protection.
Durability and Price Point
At $23 (as of March 2021), the Foxelli bug net represents excellent value. When purchasing, consider the mesh material, zipper quality (YKK zippers are often considered a gold standard but come at a higher cost), and overall construction. A slightly higher investment might yield a more durable, lighter-weight net in the long run, but for casual or budget-conscious campers, options like the Foxelli provide fantastic performance without breaking the bank.
Netting Answers to Your Hammock & Budget Gear Questions
What is a hammock bug net?
A hammock bug net is a piece of outdoor gear designed to enclose your hammock, creating a protected space that keeps insects like mosquitoes and ticks away while you relax or sleep.
Why is it important to use a bug net for hammock camping?
Using a bug net is important to protect yourself from annoying insect bites and potential health risks carried by bugs like mosquitoes and ticks. It ensures you have a comfortable, bug-free, and safe experience outdoors.
What are some key features of the Foxelli Outdoor Gear hammock bug net?
The Foxelli bug net is praised for its substantial 12-foot length, which fits most hammocks, and its durable mesh quality. It also includes convenient features like an attached stuff sack and dual zippers for easy entry and exit.
How do you set up a hammock bug net?
To set up a bug net, you typically thread your hammock through it like a large sleeve. Then, you string an overhead line (ridgeline) to hold the net aloft, creating space, and cinch the ends of the net around your hammock’s suspension points to seal it.