Mosquito Nets & Insect Screens

Ultimate Guide to Mosquito Nets & Insect Screens for Camping and Hiking in the US

Why mosquito nets still matter, even in the age of sprays and gadgets

If you’ve ever been woken up by the whine of a mosquito or spent an entire night swatting at bugs, you know a tiny insect can ruin an otherwise perfect trip. Mosquito nets and insect screens are the oldest trick in the outdoors playbook because they work without chemicals, batteries, or complicated setups. They’re a simple, passive barrier that gives you private, breathable space — like putting a bubble around your sleeping pad or hammock.

Types of mosquito nets and insect screens explained

Hammock-style bug nets

Hammock campers swear by these. A hammock bug net is shaped to drape over your hammock and zip or tie closed, giving you full coverage while keeping the airflow. They typically weigh a few ounces to a pound and pack down to about the size of a coffee mug, so they’re perfect if you hike in with a lightweight setup.

Freestanding tent-style nets

Think of these as miniature tents without the canvas — mesh walls and a floor, sometimes with poles. They work great when you want floor sleeping but also want to keep insects out without hauling a full tent. Freestanding nets are excellent for car camping or short hikes where comfort beats every ounce of weight savings.

Door and window insect screens

If you’re camping in an RV, cabin, or even hanging out on a screened porch, magnetic or roll-up door and window screens are the way to go. They create a barrier that lets light and breeze in while keeping bugs out, and many clip or attach quickly to existing frames or openings.

Pop-up and canopy insect screens

Got a picnic, beach day, or campsite cooking area? Pop-up screens and canopy-side mesh panels protect a communal area from swarms and keep your food and gear insect-free. They’re easy to set up — sometimes in under a minute — and ideal for family outings.

Where to buy the best mosquito nets in the US

REI — the outdoors generalist

REI is often the first stop for experienced and beginner campers alike because of its curated selection and staff expertise. You’ll find hammock nets, tent liners, and high-quality mesh screens from reputable brands. REI also carries lightweight and ultralight options if you’re counting ounces for backpacking.

Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s — outdoors and hunting stores

Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s offer a broad range of insect protection geared toward hunters, anglers, and family campers. They stock heavy-duty screens for campsites and durable pop-up models for fishing trips and lakeside cottages. These stores are handy if you want rugged solutions that stand up to rough use.

Backcountry and Eastern Mountain Sports (EMS) — specialty retailers

Backcountry and EMS focus on performance and technical gear. If you want a top-of-the-line hammock bug net, or an ultralight freestanding insect tent measured in inches and ounces, these retailers often carry cutting-edge designs and seasonal sales that make premium gear more affordable.

Amazon and Walmart — convenience and selection

For sheer selection and fast shipping, Amazon and Walmart are tough to beat. You can compare dozens of brands, read hundreds of user reviews, and pull the trigger on a basic bug net for under twenty dollars or a high-end model that still ships next-day. Just remember to check mesh size, weight, and dimensions before you buy.

Specialty brands and smaller retailers

Brands like Sea to Summit, ENO (Eagles Nest Outfitters), Therm-a-Rest, and Coghlan’s often sell directly through their sites or via boutique outdoor retailers. These brands focus on niche needs — hammock nets that weigh less than a water bottle, or portable screens designed to clip to backpack frames — so if you know what you want, shopping brand-direct can be efficient.

Top brands and models to consider

Sea to Summit — technical, lightweight nets

Sea to Summit makes mosquito nets that are engineered for backpacking: low weight, small packed size, and thoughtful features like double zippers and universal suspension points. If you’re trekking long miles, their nets let you sleep without adding pounds to your bag.

ENO and the hammock bug-net category

ENO’s hammock nets are popular for their fit and ease of use. They pair perfectly with ultralight hammocks and are designed to prevent sagging and contact with your skin, reducing condensation and comfort problems on humid nights.

Coghlan’s and budget-friendly options

If you’re not ready to invest in specialty gear, Coghlan’s and other budget labels offer reliable nets at low cost. These are perfect for occasional campers, backyard overnighting, or trial runs. They won’t be featherlight, but they’ll keep the bugs at bay.

Therm-a-Rest and integrated options

Some brands integrate insect protection into sleep systems or offer liners that fit inside tents. Therm-a-Rest and similar companies create combinations that pair a sleeping pad and a mosquito net for cozy protection and extra warmth retention.

How to pick the right mosquito net: factors that matter

Weight and packed size — especially for backpacking

When you’re moving miles a day, every ounce counts. For backpackers, aim for nets under 8 ounces and that pack down to a mug-size stuff sack. Car campers can afford heavier nets that may weigh several pounds but add comfort and durability.

Mesh size and protection level

Mesh is measured in holes per inch — finer mesh means fewer bugs but also slightly less airflow. For most areas where mosquitoes and no-see-ums are a problem, look for mesh with at least 156 holes per inch or more. If you camp near saltwater or in sandfly country, go finer to keep the tiny pests out.

Dimensions and coverage

Double-check the length and width of a net relative to your sleeping setup. Hammock nets should match hammock length plus a few inches for tucking; tent-style nets should give you a few extra inches on every side to avoid contact with the mesh. Always measure in feet and inches before buying so you don’t end up with a net that’s too tight.

Durability and repairability

Materials like ripstop nylon or higher-denier polyester tear less easily. Also consider whether the net can be patched in the field; some brands include repair kits or sell patch material that adheres to mesh. Zippers matter, too — metal sliders often outlast cheap plastic ones.

Ease of setup and compatibility

Ask yourself: will this net work with my hammock, tent, or porch? Universal suspension points, elastic cord, and simple tie loops make life easier. For freestanding options, check if they include poles or if you’ll need to bring trekking poles or sticks to suspend them.

Installation tips and clever field hacks

Setting up a net properly is half the battle. For hammock nets, anchor the suspension lines at about eye-level so the net drapes without touching you. Use a ridgeline — a thin cord running the length of your hammock — and clip the net to it for neat, consistent tension. For tent-style nets, use trekking poles as makeshift supports; two poles at the head and foot can transform a flat sheet of mesh into a roomy shelter. If you’re short on gear, use paracord and nearby branches to create suspension points — Mother Nature provides the poles if you know how to look.

Maintenance, cleaning, and long-term care

Wash your net by hand with mild soap and cold water; avoid machine drying because heat can damage zippers and shrink materials. Air-dry fully before packing to prevent mildew. For small holes, use a mesh patch or a dab of clear fabric glue; carry a tiny repair kit on multi-day trips. Store your net loosely in a breathable sack, not crushed in plastic — this helps the mesh keep its shape and avoids micro-tears.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

One rookie move is buying the wrong size. A too-small net can touch your skin and let mosquitoes find the gaps, while an oversized net can snag on branches and be a nuisance. Another mistake is not anchoring the net properly; loose nets flap in wind and can let insects in. Finally, stashing a wet net in a stuff sack invites mold. Always dry completely before packing or storing at home.

Combining nets with other insect controls for maximum comfort

Nets are great, but they work best with a layered approach. Use permethrin-treated clothing or treat your net with permethrin for added protection — permethrin binds to fabric and repels insects without affecting breathability. In camp, keep food sealed and cooking away from sleeping areas to avoid attracting bugs. For heavy bug zones, pair a net with a small battery-powered fan to increase airflow and deter mosquitoes that are less active in stronger breezes.

Where to save and when to splurge

If you camp occasionally, a budget net from general retailers will probably do the job. For frequent backpackers or long trips in bug-heavy regions, splurging on a lightweight Sea to Summit or ENO net pays off with comfort and longevity. Watch seasonal sales at REI, Backcountry, and brand websites — you can often snag premium gear at a discount during off-season clearance events.

Real-world scenarios: pick the right net for your trip

Car camping with kids? Choose a roomy, freestanding tent net or a pop-up screen so everyone can move around without touching mesh. Hammock weekend on the Appalachian Trail? Go ultralight with a 6–8 ounce hammock bug net that zips closed and packs tiny. Fishing trip on a lake? A canopy-side screen or pop-up game shelter gives you a bug-free base for cleaning fish or prepping meals. Think of nets as tailored tools for the way you camp.

Final checklist before you click “buy”

Before purchasing, confirm weight in ounces, packed dimensions in inches, mesh hole count per inch, compatibility with your sleep system, and whether repair kits are included. Read recent user reviews for notes about zipper longevity and real-world durability, and check return policies at the retailer — even the best net won’t help if it doesn’t fit your setup.

Conclusion

Mosquito nets and insect screens are simple, reliable, and essential gear for anyone who spends nights outdoors. Whether you’re a weekend car camper, a hammock enthusiast, or an ultralight backpacker, there’s a net built for your needs — from budget-friendly models at big-box retailers to technical, featherweight options at specialty stores. Think about how you sleep, how much weight you’re willing to carry in ounces, and where you camp. With the right net and a few setup tricks, you’ll sleep better, stay healthier, and actually enjoy evenings outside without a symphony of buzzing in your ears.