To be cocooned in a comfy hammock, looking up at the stars and enjoying the summer breeze, is a recipe for the most amazing sleep you’ve ever experienced.
That is until the mosquitoes, no-see-ums, and spiders start making their way to your hammock to enjoy it as well. Then, those creepy-crawlies turn your night’s sleep into a literal nightmare.
Luckily, hammock bug nets were created to stop these critters and offer 360° bug protection.
In a Hurry? Here's My Top 3 Picks
Best Hammock Bug Nets
Kammok Dragonfly Bug Net
The Kammok Dragonfly Bug Net is well-loved for its knotless simple setup and extremely fine mesh.
The Kammock Dragonfly will completely surround your hammock while leaving plenty of headroom if you need to sit up.
While this design is intended to match the Kammock Roo Double hammock, the bug net will fit any hammock 10 feet long or under.
This bug net weighs 9.8 oz and packs down to 4.5”x7.5”, making it extremely backpacker-friendly.
It is made with practically see-through no-see-um mesh, so your view of the stars will remain unobstructed.
Pros:
- Easy to pitch with a knotless system
- Highly breathable and stays at a cooler temperature
- Integrated loops for hanging lights and other gear
- Lightweight
- Water-resistant in a storage bag
- Lifetime warranty
Cons:
- You’ll pay a premium price for the quality
Chill Gorilla Defender Hammock Bug Net
The Chill Gorilla Defender is a large bug net system for big hammocks of all brands.
The extra-large size and adaptability are great for campers with multiple hammocks. You know that it’ll fit whatever hammock you’d like to bring.
A bonus of this awesome bug net is that Chill Gorilla is a reliable US-based company.
The Defender can accommodate hammocks from 9 to 14 feet long and offers an easy in-and-out vertical zipper.
No additional purchases are necessary, and setup is fast and easy.
The Defender is a tent-style net that fully encloses your sleeping area and uses nylon no-see-um mesh.
Pros:
- Fits different brands and sizes of hammocks
- Easy to set up
- Lifetime warranty
Cons:
- Semi-transparent, meaning the net might obstruct some of your views
- So large that it might drag on the ground and get dirty
ENO Guardian Bug Net
If you are car, canoe, or kayak camping and can afford a little bit of extra weight, the ENO Guardian Bug Net might be perfect for you.
While the ENO Guardian is designed to fit an ENO double hammock, it can fit almost any hammock because it is pitched off a ridgeline above the hammock.
A neat bonus? If you have a dog companion that you want to keep inside your bug net, but not in your hammock, the ENO Guardian offers enough space.
This bug net has an adjustable waterproof floor for your gear and your dog.
This bug net weighs in at 2 Ibs and 12 oz, making it one of the heavier nets on my list.
However, if portability is not your top concern, this bug net offers excellent benefits for the price.
Pros:
- Spacious
- Waterproof floor
- Large zipper opening for easy in-and-out
- Includes ridgeline
Cons:
- Very bulky and heavy, making it ideal only for car or boat camping
Wecamture Hammock Bug Mosquito Net XL
The Wecamture bug net is one of the lightest on my list, weighing in at only 7 oz. It is incredibly versatile and fits most hammock sizes and lengths, at 11 feet long.
It boasts an extremely long double-sided diagonal zipper for easy in-and-out
Not only is this bug net light in your backpack, but it’s also light on your wallet, being extremely budget-friendly.
However, to keep the price down, the Wecamture bug net is made of netting that isn’t as tightly packed as others.
While the mesh will keep out mosquitoes, it might not keep out smaller no-see-ums and tiny critters.
Pros:
- Light and affordable
- Fits an extensive range of hammocks
- Breathable
Cons:
- Might not keep out all tiny critters
ENO Guardian SL
The ENO Guardian SL is made a bit differently. This bug net uses nylon taffeta and no-see-um mesh, which could be an excellent option if you’re allergic to polyester.
Like many other bug nets on my list, the ENO Guardian is a full cocoon shape and is lightweight for backpackers, at 9 oz.
The ENO Guardian SL also comes with its own compression sack and ridgeline connector.
This bug net is sock-style, which means it’s nice and lightweight and can be fine-tuned for a perfect fit.
Pros:
- Can be adjusted internally for a perfect fit
- Highly breathable
- Comes with a compression sack
Cons:
- Is 9 feet long, meaning it won’t fit longer hammocks
- Sock-style bug nets can be difficult to get in and out of
Serac Camp Hammock Bug Net
My Serac hammock is one of the most comfortable and breathable hammocks I have ever been in.
I sometimes find myself needing blankets on warm, windy days because it is so breathable.
The Serac Camp Hammock Bug Net is no different. This bug net is light white, which helps reflect the sun and keeps your hammock nice and cool.
The Serac bug net is made from no-see-um mesh, is 10 feet long, and offers a unique, easy setup—the netting clips to your ridgeline instead of sliding over it.
Serac offers a 30 Day Trial on all of its gear, so if you don’t love the bug net, you’ll get a full refund, and the company will cover shipping.
Pros:
- 10 feet long to fit over many types of hammocks
- Straightforward setup
- White mesh and virtually see-through
- Perfect for summer and extreme-heat camping
Cons:
- Horizontal zipper entrance, which some do not like
Wise Owl Outfitters SnugNet
Wise Owl is a versatile and solid option for all hammock campers. The SnugNet is designed to fit both single and double hammocks with 30 feet of ridgeline.
SnugNet uses no-see-um netting and remains quite transparent.
SnugNet offers a large vertical double-sided zipper for easy in-and-out.
It also comes with a high-quality compression bag for easy transport.
Speaking of transport, however, the SnugNet weighs in as one of the heaviest bug nets, at 20 oz.
On top of all this, Wise Owl is a family-owned and operated company that supports veterans and has amazing reviews.
Pros:
- Very affordable
- Simple and easy setup
- Fits a wide range of hammocks
- Comes with a waterproof compression sack
Cons:
- Fairly heavy
Nature’s Hangout Bug Net
Ten feet in length, the Nature’s Hangout Bug Net can fit many styles and lengths of hammock.
However, despite its large size, this bug net weighs only 13.7 oz. This is fairly light, considering that the bug net can fit a double hammock holding two people.
The Nature’s Hangout Bug Net sports a horizontal zipper, which some campers prefer over a vertical. It is easy to use and comes with a compression sack for portability.
On top of it all, Nature’s Hangout is a family-run business that offers a lifetime guarantee on its products.
Pros:
- Can fit a large range of hammocks
- Fairly light for its size
- Excellent quality fabric and stitching
Cons:
- Can be difficult to set up
- Not as much airflow as other options
Outdoor Vitals Ultralight Hammock Bug Net
The Outdoor Vitals Ultralight Bug Net is a fantastic choice for backpackers, hikers, or the ultra-lightweight camper.
This bug net weighs only 7.6 oz and compresses down to a fairly small size.
The sock-style bug net is made from high-quality 20D polyester mesh that keeps out all the bugs while you sleep.
The bottom of this unique bug net is made from parachute nylon fabric, which is great for keeping you dry during nasty weather and warm on chilly nights.
This might be the perfect bug net option for fall and spring backpackers.
Designed to be compatible with many types of hammocks, the Outdoor Vitals bug net also comes with a mini ridgeline for extra room inside.
The biggest complaint about the Outdoor Vitals bug net is that it can be difficult to get in and out of because you will need to almost completely remove it each time.
However, this is not unusual for a sock-style bug net and shouldn’t deter a lightweight camper from using it.
Pros:
- Can fit hammocks up to 11 feet
- Ultra-lightweight
- Easy to set up
Cons:
- Tricky to get in and out of (especially at night!)
Sea to Summit Hammock Bug Net
I love all of Sea to Summit’s products, including their quality and longevity. The company’s hammock bug net has great reviews given its virtually see-through light-colored mesh.
A spreader pole on top of the Sea to Summit net keeps the net taut and away from your face.
Along with this, the net offers a wide zipper opening that is easy to get in and out of.
Pros:
- Easy to set up with no hammock knots to deal with
- Spreader bar creates nice and roomy interior space
- Large zipper opening for easy in-and-out
- Virtually see-through
Cons:
- Not budget-friendly
HCcolo Camping Hammock with Mosquito Net
I’ve included this hammock on the list because it’s an all-in-one package. This is a hammock with a built-in mosquito net that can fit two people and is 10 feet long.
You can either use the hammock with the bug net up and pitched or use the hammock reversed so that the bug net is on the bottom (not being used).
It offers versatility if you want a hammock that you’ll sometimes use for day trips and other times for overnights.
The HCcolo is well made with triple stitching and weighs 40 oz. (Remember, that's the weight of the hammock, straps, carabiners, and netting.)
Pros:
- All in one
- Easy setup
- Great quality
Cons:
- You might still get mosquito bites from the underside of the hammock
Foxelli XL Hammock Net
This bug net is for you if you have an extra-long, extra-wide double hammock.
Specifically designed to be long and wide, the Foxelli XL is 12 feet long with a 25-foot-long ridgeline.
What’s extra special is that the Foxelli XL has a dual-sided zipper. This means you and your partner can get in and out easily without climbing over each other.
It’s also nice to have options if you are by yourself!
However, with extra size comes extra weight. The Foxelli XL weighs 16 oz, so it might not be the best option for backpackers or hikers.
Pros:
- Made especially for double hammocks
- 25-foot ridgeline for easy setup
- Comes with a carry bag
- Zipper entrances on each side for easy in-and-out
Cons:
- Ideal only for car campers due to its weight
Klymit Traverse Bug Net
The Klymit bug net offers a unique design with four tension-locked tie-off points to create extra room inside it.
It is made from ultra-fine no-see-um netting and is white, which is great for keeping you cool in warmer weather.
Also unique to this design is a magnetic zipper entrance. As you get into or out of your hammock, the zipper closes behind you, making sure tiny critters stay out of your hammock.
Pros:
- Unique design offers a lot of interior space
- Magnetic zipper ensures all bugs stay out
Cons:
- Heavier and bulkier, at 28.8 oz
Hammock Bug Nets Buying Guide
Net Style
There are three different styles of bug nets to consider:
Bug Sock
This is the most lightweight option of the three. The bug net will slide over your sleeping area and hammock, encompassing you like a sock (as the name implies).
The downside to this style of bug net is that it can be less breathable and much harder to get in and out of.
Zippered
Very similar to a bug sock, a zippered bug net will encompass your entire hammock like a cocoon.
The difference is that instead of the net sliding over you, it will stay in one position, and you will get in and out through a zippered entrance.
This style is a bit heavier than sock styles, but most people overlook that for convenience.
Tent
Tent-style nets are the largest style of bug nets and go from a ridgeline above your hammock to the ground.
This can be great if you have a pup, or if you’d like to enclose your gear and important things with you.
However, because they are the largest, they are also heavy and bulky.
Tent-style bug nets are not ideal for backpacking.
Brand of Hammock
You’ll want to consider the brand of hammock you already own and its compatibility with a different-brand bug net.
Some brands of hammocks have specially designed bug nets to go with them, while others are more flexible.
If you are purchasing a bug net and a hammock simultaneously, and you would like two different brands, make sure they are compatible.
Portability
Bringing a hammock set-up instead of a tent is a fantastic option for backpackers and hikers.
Sleeping in a hammock is also outrageously comfortable and might be your first choice over a tent, even when car camping.
Either way, you’ll need to consider the size of your bug net and add it to the rest of your hammock setup.
Make sure you add the weight of your hammock, underquilt, hammock sleeping pad, top quilt, and tarp, along with your favorite bug net.
Functionality
Consider how you would like your bug net to function.
- Do you want a tent-style bug net for your dog or gear?
- Or would you rather have a zippered style?
Beyond these choices, would you like your zippers to be horizontal or vertical?
No matter what your answers are, there's an option for you!
Coverage Size
Double- and triple-check that your bug net will cover the size of your hammock.
It would be terrible to find out at your campsite that your hammock is 11 feet, but your bug net covers only 9 feet.
Material
You might want to consider the materials your bug net is made from.
Bug nets can be made from:
- cotton
- polyethylene
- polyester
- polypropylene
However, most commonly, bug nets are made from nylon.
The no-see-um netting or mesh that most brands boast is made from a combination of nylon and polyester.
If material is a concern to you, look at the nylon rating of each hammock.
For example, 40D refers to 40 for the weight and D for the type of nylon.
Higher weights might mean higher quality, but you must also consider weave and manufacturing processes.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a bug net for your hammock excursion is exciting, given all the different options and styles.
No matter what you choose, all of these hammock bug nets will keep those nasty little critters off you and let you have a peaceful night's sleep under the stars.
If you want a hammock bug net that is easy on the budget, but that still delivers, pick up the ENO Guardian Bug Net to get the most out of your dollar.
The Chill Gorilla Defender Hammock Bug Net is my number one choice because I have multiple hammocks, and I know all of them will fit into it.
You’d also be happy with the Kammok Dragonfly Bug Net, with its features of being lightweight, easy to set up, and see-through so you can watch the stars at night.
A hammock setup is unique to its owner, so have fun picking out each piece you like, and go enjoy the outdoors!
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Kendall Casey
Kendall is a freelance outdoor adventure writer passionate about educating those who wish to explore the outdoors. When Kendall isn’t writing, she is exploring the woods of the US Northeast on foot or kayak.
