Kilted on the Loyalsock Trail

**Tobus** · 3rd June 11, 05:22 AM

My other problem is that in summer, I don't need insulation under my hammock, and often I'll just use a silk sleeping bag liner (it's often 70-80 degrees at night in Florida in the summer). I'm protected from mosquitoes above by the netting on my hammock, but they bite right through the bottom.

I think a lot of folks have gone to double-layered hammocks for this. Personally, for weight savings and maximum breathability, I prefer a single layer hammock. I'm about to start a DIY bug net project that will basically hang from my structural ridgeline, droop around my hammock, and have a closure far enough below the bottom of my hammock that the bugs can't get to me. Like a big 'envelope' of netting. Similar to the ENO "Guardian", but a home-made version that's tailored a little better to my particular dimensions.

I'll probably just make it like a long tube (tapered at each end), with drawstrings at each end for closure. It's just a matter of installing it at one end before you get in for the night. After you get in, simply slide it up around you to the other end of the hammock, and pull the drawstring closed. I may think about doing a long zipper closure on the side for convenience too, but I've heard that takes some skill when sewing on mesh.

Alternatively, if you want to keep the setup you have, just spray some permethrin on the bottom of your hammock. The wee beasties will leave you alone.

**Iain Robb** · 3rd June 11, 06:56 AM

Originally Posted by Tobus

I think a lot of folks have gone to double-layered hammocks for this. Personally, for weight savings and maximum breathability, I prefer a single layer hammock. I'm about to start a DIY bug net project that will basically hang from my structural ridgeline, droop around my hammock, and have a closure far enough below the bottom of my hammock that the bugs can't get to me. Like a big 'envelope' of netting. Similar to the ENO "Guardian", but a home-made version that's tailored a little better to my particular dimensions.

I'm planning to do something more tarp-tent-like, or at least a floorless mesh tent under my tarp, so I can also sit in my hammock and stand or sit outside my hammock and still be protected.

Originally Posted by Tobus

Alternatively, if you want to keep the setup you have, just spray some permethrin on the bottom of your hammock. The wee beasties will leave you alone.

I've considered that, but I have also been told that permethrin is an insecticide and not a repellent, and therefore will eventually kill mosquitoes but will not keep them from biting you first. True? I don't know.

**Iain Robb** · 3rd June 11, 06:58 AM

And now I've realized I am guilty not only of thread-jacking, but taking the conversation completely away from kilts. Sorry.

I very much enjoy backpacking in my Sportkilt. Haven't had the problems Biblemonkey has with bug bites, however. My theory was that the swishing fabric keeps them at bay.

**Burly Brute** · 3rd June 11, 10:24 AM

Originally Posted by Tobus

Similar to the ENO "Guardian"

Would this protect against other critters like scorpions and snakes? Where I camp out here in the desert the bark scorpions can be quite....annoying....to say the least.

**Tobus** · 3rd June 11, 10:37 AM

Burly Brute, yes, they should keep scorpions and snakes out of your hammock. They can, of course, sting or bite through the mesh, though.

Scorpions are a big deal here where I live too. I find at least 2-3 in my house every evening, and they're ALL OVER the place outside. They generally won't bother you in a hammock, though, unless they drop on you from the tree above. *shudder*

**Burly Brute** · 3rd June 11, 10:44 AM

Originally Posted by Tobus

Burly Brute, yes, they should keep scorpions and snakes out of your hammock. They can, of course, sting or bite through the mesh, though.

Scorpions are a big deal here where I live too. I find at least 2-3 in my house every evening, and they're ALL OVER the place outside. They generally won't bother you in a hammock, though, unless they drop on you from the tree above. *shudder*

That's the problem!

Although, they provide good eats, am I right or what!?

**kscowboy1866** · 5th June 11, 10:19 AM

Here's the hammock and tarp I made myself.

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/m...arp-i-made.jpg

I forgot my bug net but thankfully the wind was blowing pretty hard all night. I wish we had trails we could hike and camp on here in kansas but until the state and the corp wise up we are relegated to private property and campgrounds at the lakes.

**KiltedDixon** · 5th June 11, 06:25 PM

Great Pics!

**biblemonkey** · 6th June 11, 05:23 AM

Originally Posted by kscowboy1866

Here's the hammock and tarp I made myself.

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/m...arp-i-made.jpg

I forgot my bug net but thankfully the wind was blowing pretty hard all night. I wish we had trails we could hike and camp on here in kansas but until the state and the corp wise up we are relegated to private property and campgrounds at the lakes.

Looks like a nice rig!

**biblemonkey** · 6th June 11, 05:25 AM

Originally Posted by Tobus

Burly Brute, yes, they should keep scorpions and snakes out of your hammock. They can, of course, sting or bite through the mesh, though.

Scorpions are a big deal here where I live too. I find at least 2-3 in my house every evening, and they're ALL OVER the place outside. They generally won't bother you in a hammock, though, unless they drop on you from the tree above. *shudder*

WOW! if I had 2-3 in my house every night I'd move! You are heartier than I, my friend.