Grand Trunk Skeeter Beeter Pro Mosquito Hammock: Portable Bug Prevention Hammock with Carabiners and Hanging Kit - Perfect for Outdoor Adventures, Backpacking, and Camping Trips

Easy to set up, very roomy and comfortable and mostly very durable. I say mostly because it does have an Achilles heal. If you do manage to rip the nylon, it's done; you're sleeping on the ground. Ask me how I know! I set it up over a boulder one night. At some point during the night, I was looking for something in the attached pouch and dumped the contents (including my folded pocket knife) into the hammock. I didn't notice. When I got up to relieve myself later, the knife had made it's way underneath me and while I was in the seated position, with my legs out of the hammock, my butt, with the knife underneath it, lightly brushed against the boulder and that minor contact created a tear. As I tried to get out of the hammock the tear quickly got worse and was basically not repairable. So, my fault. I still give this hammock five stars because I'm about 6'3" and 220 lbs and have slept in the replacement one dozens of times and not had another tear. I toss and turn a lot. Sometimes my 4 or 5 year olds sleep in it with me and it's 100% good to go. Now, though, I always make sure that anything "pokey" that's in my pockets or clipped to my pants or shirt is removed and stowed in the pouch. Also, the mosquito netting is fantastic; it's amazingly durable. I spend a lot of time in bug infested parts of North and South Carolina and have zero issues with intruders.

Sometimes on Amazon overwhelmingly positive reviews for a particular product are obliterated by only a few negative reviews that clinically highlight intrinsic flaws in design and manufacturing … rest assured this is not the case for the Skeeter Beeter Pro Hammock, it really is as good as most reviewers testify it to be! With regard to hammocks there is a lot of snobbery around and many reviewers can’t help themselves comparing the Skeeter Beeter (Pro) to hammocks that cost 3-6 times as much. I have used the Skeeter Beeter Pro hammock on several stealth camping trips which gives me the firsthand experience to be able to state the following: Pro: - No real competitor under the $100.00 mark, it is probably really the best, even if _you_ would know a worthy competitor this one is still bound to be in the top 3! - Nylon material of the hammock has silky feel but is very strong; stitching is solid - The “no-seeum mesh” keeps the bugs out, some reviewers miss the point made in the description "If the coast is clear and you don’t need the mosquito netting, just flip the hammock over and sit on it as a normal hammock" in other words you could use the hammock without the bug net dangling above you (for instance [obviously this depends where in the world you are] in the winter season). - Very generous size, you have some room left above your head and/or beneath your feet and you could use this space to keep e.g. a small bag containing your valuables, spectacles, flashlight etc. Your 2 inch/5 cm sleeping mat and 4 season sleeping bag will fit comfortably in the hammock. - Simple hanging mechanism: a carabiner at each end of the hammock that you can hook unto the provided cords that you have wrapped around the trees; I did not use the provided cords but bought the supremely tree friendly E.N.O. Atlas XL treehuggers ( Eagles Nest Outfitters Atlas XL (FFP) ). Maybe you are a hammock novice? This hammock will give you almost every bit of comfort as the more expensive hammocks, so if after a few nights struggling you decide hammocking is not for you (make sure you have watched some Youtube videos that discuss comfortable hammock sleeping positions) you can’t really blame the Skeeter Beeter, no other hammock would have changed your conclusion. Be advised it usually takes 4-6 nights before your mind and body get accustomed to 1) sleeping in the wilderness 2) sleeping in a banana shaped piece of nylon above the ground! Contra: - This is not a double layer hammock so no second layer to slide your sleeping mat in. Sleeping directly on your sleeping mat might cause it to slide somewhat whilst you are asleep but I have not experienced any level of discomfort due to it sliding a little bit off center. - The provided (heavy duty) carabiners are a bit rough around the edges to the extent that they might damage the lines or slings they are attached to, I immediately replaced them for the brilliant Black Diamond Neutrino Carabiners ( Black Diamond Neutrino Wiregate Carabiner - Gray ). - No integrated top cover so not as warm in winter nights as it could be, you will have to look into hammock underquilts or find your own (layered) methods of keeping warm. -Trivial: the Grand Trunk logo on the integrated stuff sack is a little bit too loud for stealth purposes. Pro nor contra: - Bug net: Even though the bug net is held up by elastic lines you should take into account that the position of the hammock itself will be lowered once you put your weight on it so don’t put up the bug net too tight to begin with, let it sag a little bit and it won’t get pulled too tight (and risk damaging it) once you are in the hammock. - Tarps: For protection against the elements such as rain or snow you need to buy a tarp a.k.a. ‘basha’. Why not skip the Skeeter Beeter and buy a hammock that has an integrated top cover? Well even the best hammock of them all indicates that its top cover “has a DWR water "resistant" treatment, it will shed light moisture, but is not waterproof and is not a replacement for a tarp”. So, no! Buying a good tarp is no easy assignment because the various ‘budget’ tarps on Amazon are almost never truly waterproof and quite a few are simply poorly made and tear easily (just read the reviews critically). The Aqua Quest series of tarps ( Aqua Quest 'Defender' Waterproof Heavy Duty Nylon Tarp 10 x 7 Camo ) is generally believed to be of adequate quality, but you could also chose to buy the more expensive tarps from the major hammock manufacturers (E.N.O. DD Hammocks, Warbonnet etc.). Beware of fake army surplus items, they may look good but are usually rubbish.

I got this hammock to replace my tent for backpacking trips. Let's assume that's what you're shopping for. Here's a breakdown: 1: A hammock setup is lighter than a tent, right? Yes and no. What you lose in stake weight and raw material, you pick back up in suspension and rainfly. Expect a hammock setup to weigh about the same as a two-man tent, especially in the winter. 2: Hammocks are more comfortable than tents, right? Yes and no. If you lie at an angle, have a good pad and insulation setup, and aren't claustrophobic; sure you can have a great night's sleep. Sleeping in a hammock is comparable to sleeping in a tent. Be prepared to carry the extra weight of an underquilt in colder months or you'll have a cold butt. Also know that if you're a side sleeper, you may be very uncomfortable in a hammock. Sleeping on your back is the only real option for hammock comfort. Also, yes, this hammock can be hung upside down if you don't wanna use the netting. It's just as comfortable, just make sure there's no sharp sticks under your hammock to tear the netting. Down to specifics for this hammock: I was torn between this hammock and the ENO Junglenest. The SB is good in price and headroom. It's significantly cheaper than the ENO. The netting has 4 hanging points that gives you a more box-shaped headspace than the ENO. This is good if you wanna read a book or lounge in your hammock for an extended time. What is annoying is that you have to hang two additional stretchy ridgelines to have that comfort. The ENO wins in build quality and ease of setup. It hangs the net from a single ridgeline, so it's easy to do. Of course, you don't have the comfortable headroom that the SB has. The two hammocks tie in material quality and build quality. They are both well stitched, use similar materials and netting. The ENO edges out the SB by a nose because the tie-points for the ENO have metal grommets and stitched canvas attachments. The SB has elastic straps stitched right into the netting. This means a mistaken pulling of the netting on either hammock would be more likely to tear the SB than the ENO. I'm very happy with this purchase, but if I had to buy again, I'd probably buy the ENO because I'd rather have a more solid stitch on the netting attachments than headroom.

If you're in the market for a light, comfortable, compact, and everything-included hammock, *this is the one*. I spent a good deal of time researching all of the options, and in the end, I didn't want to mess around with buying separate components (ie., netting and straps). It couldn't be easier than this. The best part is you're setup in less than 5 minutes! Just find 2 trees about 12 feet apart and you're set. No more scouting for flat, rock-free, level, and dry ground for your tent. Like most/all hammocks, be aware that you need to add an extra layer of clothing at night if it's cold. The air-flow under a hammock can (and will) remove body heat. I usually pack a sleeping pad and a heavy wool quilt and I'm *super comfortable* in temps down to about 40 degrees (f). If the temps are close or below this, I bring a proper underquilt. I never pack/carry a sleeping bag. PROS - Light - Compact - Everything you need is included (except a rainfly) - Setup and teardown is just as fast as setting up - You have a comfortable camping chair during the day. (this really is the best part) - I'm 220lbs and feel 100% secure and stable. I use this hammock to sleep, sit and is some cases sit-up to put on my socks, etc. CONS (not really "cons" as much as FYI's) - Do *not* tie the bug netting tightly when you're setting up! When you lay down in the hammock, it will drop down a bit. If the bug netting line is too tight, you can put a lot of tension on the zipper. - Like all hammocks, the material is thin and can easily be ripped. Make sure you don't have any sharp objects on you when inside (use the attached pouch to put your gadgets. ****CUSTOMER SERVICE IS EXCELLENT **** I emailed the maker of this hammock and they responded quickly and professionally. I was one of those who broke the bug netting zipper (see notes under "CONS") and they quickly helped me resolve the issue. I'll be buying additional camping gear from these guys in the future!!!

I got this hammock after doing a lot of research on hammock camping. Without getting to invested into the hammock camping world I decided to start my plunge with this hammock. Some of the other reviews on here sounds kind of scary and made me wonder about quality control issues. When I received my hammock I took it outside and immediately set it up. I should mention that this sucker comes with everything you would need to hang it up. It jsut may not be long enough for some applications. Set up was very simple. I was gently rocking in blissful peace in under 10 minutes. Not more than two minutes after that, the peace was interrupted by my 6 year old daughter who decided to climb in with me. The hammock is definitely a one person hammock, but if you don't mind cuddling, it was pretty comfy with the kid, so long as she wasn't squirming around. That said, I weigh almost 290lbs and she weighs about 45lbs. There were no signs of weakness or ripping. I noted upon once inside that I had remembered other reviewers saying there were small pockets on the mesh, but that mine did not have them. I would wager to guess that they had sense updated the model and are not adding them anymore. From what I read anyway, the mesh pockets on the bug netting were flimsy anyway. I have no doubts this thing will hold up. All seams are strong, well stitched and visibly show quality workmanship. I bought this hammock instead of a Hennesy to decide if I will like hammock camping or not, and now I may not ever need to get one. $60.00 is what I paid, and that is a LOT less than $200.00 when all you want to do is test the water. Weather you are a veteran or new, I'd imagine this would be great for either.

ZOMGBBQ!!! I am SO glad I chose a hammock with a bug net integrated into it. I was in Scotland in September and spent about a week or so camping. Scotland has these little bastards called Midges. They're about the size of fruit flies, except they come in swarms and bite to draw blood. While camping, I often would turn on my light at night and find the netting covered with a couple dozen of the nasties; but all on the outside. I used the hammock for both tree and ground camping. To ground camp, I would run the lines to elevate the net, and then a main line for my tarp, and then just set up the inside of the hammock with my pad and bag. It was cosy but worked great all the same, and was superior to straight forward tarp and bag sleeping because I didn't get nibble on so long as I was inside the hammock/net. Construction appears to be sound. I'm 310 pounds and while I would have preferred this to be a wide hammock, I was still able to get fairly comfortable in it. I am going to experiment more with it in the Spring when it warms up around here. The netting is a very tight weave yet is extremely breathable and seems to be very durable. The anchor points for the net are offset from the midline, so when you run both elastic lines, the net is kept off off you very well, rather than some hammocks where the net anchors are in the midline. The cords for the net are elastic which helps prevent damage and tearing to the net as they have plenty of give to them. The hammock is also reversible. If you don't want to use the net, just flip the hammock over do the net is on the bottom, and just jump in; netless hammock! I used the hammock with the HangTight Hammock Tree Straps so I can not comment on the tree lines it comes with, but it is the same rope that makes up the end bundles and is probably more than sufficient if not as convenient. Would certainly recommend this hammock to those looking for one with a net.

I have been a life-long tent camper, but the last time I hiked all day and woke up stiff and poorly-rested, I decided that something had to give. A friend recommended hammocks instead, so I bought two of these bad boys for my boyfriend and I, and literally just got back from trying it out. Two words: Buy it. This tent is light, easy to set up (with all the necessary equipment included), and COMFORTABLE. The bug netting is extremely effective as well. We went canoe-camping on a very buggy lake in the South and I had no overnight bites. The hammock is attached to a stuff sack that is conveniently positioned to stow things you want handy overnight, like headlamps and water bottles. This is an excellent feature, considering that once you lay in this delightful sling, you won't want to get up. Though we didn't attempt to fit two folks in one hammock, it seems like there's enough room to try. The bug netting is pretty non-intrusive, and doesn't hit your face or interfere with hammocking. Boyfriend said it felt like sleeping in a space pod. We usually backpack on a pretty amateur/ casual level, and I'm looking forward to taking my Skeeter Beeter into the wilderness. I have a few words of advice - -buy a rain fly. Boyfriend was smart and bought a 13' x 10' fly that protected all of his gear from the torrential downpour we encountered. I tried to scrape by with an 8' x 6' ground tarp and had to use ponchos to make up the difference. -upgrade to some nicer carabiners. The steel ones included are effective, but you can find lighter, more user-friendly ones for a decent price.

I held up writing my review until I had used it several times in the field. After about a year of use and switching out between the Skeeter Beater and my other Hennessy delux asym. If I had never used the Hennessy I would probably be pretty happy with the Skeeter Beater but when you compare the two for use and a good night's sleep there really are serious difference. I'll sum it up in a Pro and Con Comparison... Skeeter Beater PROs CONS Light IT IS NOT Asymmetric Easy to use Lots more ropes to tie Side entry is easy to get into No tarp built in Great price Harder to get out of side entrance Summary It's not asymmetric. That's the big thing. In a true asymmetric hammock like the Hennessy you lay across the center line in a near level position. This saves a lot of stress on your knees. In the Skeeter Beater you lay like a banana and wake up with pains in your knees (at least I did). On a hiking trip the last thing I need are aching knees. The Hennessy you tie one rope on each end for hammock and fly. For the Skeeter beater you tie 4 including the fly that you have to provide separately. I can have my Hennessy up and be laying down in 5 minutes. Takes probably 15 and some fiddling to get the skeeter beater up. I usually lay in the Hennessy 10 or 15 minutes and then readjust for stretch ONE time and I'm good all night. With the Skeeter Beater it seems to stretch and stretch and stretch. I bet I adjust 3 or 4 times a night. Once you add the cost of a nice ultralight silicon impregnated fly the skeeter beater price is not so great. Yeah the side entry of the Skeeter Beater is better than the bottom entry for some but I personally can get in and out of the Hennessy easier and faster. If you wake up at 3:00AM and have to pee NOW you can pop your feet through the bottom opening of the Hennessy and run to a tree in about 30 seconds. Anyone that has ever used one knows you basically just break through the velcro and stand up and you are out. If you have the same problem in the Skeeter Beater then you have to find the zippers, unzip, lever yourself up, push the screen behind your head, get your feet under your knees and rear end and lever yourself up before you run for the tree. It is not nearly as awkward as it sounds but it does take much longer and puts more pressure on your bladder. I will say it is easier to get in and get your sleeping bag arranged with the skeeter beater side opening but you learn pretty quick how to do it with the Hennessy too. OK, for all of you out there that love Skeeter Beaters, don't yell at me, I see why you like em and I will probably buy a couple more for my boys. They are built like a tank and are a great deal. For those that haven't bought yet find a Hennessy and try it out before you buy. Yeah I know they are expensive but I bought my Hennessy delux may be 8 or 9 years ago and have used it and used it and it is in almost perfect condition. Not a bad price for many good night's sleeps over several years. My wife used my Hennessy this weekend and asked if I snuck it in on her and just bought it in the last few months. It looks basically new. The only wear on my skeeter beater in the last year are sweat stains from backpacking and camping in really hot weather. I never had the trouble in the Hennessy. If you have the money I think you will be happier with the Hennessy. If you don't want to spend that much now then I think you will be happy with the Skeeter Beater. For me, I know which one I will be sleeping in next trip.

Very nice product for the price and Grand Trunk are well regarded in the US. Comes with a built-in bug net and pretty much every accessory you need to get going. Set-up is a breeze compared to some hammocks on the market like Hennessy. The only small issues are that the hammock bug net doesn't zip all the way down to the end and you really need to buy some additional tree straps. The included carabiners are also a little heavy.

This is an excellent hammock! First off, the hammock is huge, 10.5ft long and 5ft wide. Definetly large enough to hold you no matter how tall you are. With a weight capacity of 400lb you can rest assure that its strong enough told you up. The nylon material is tough, it is very well made. The No-See-Um netting is very efficient; I have never had an issue with any bugs getting through in the middle of summer. You get 2 shock cords to hold the netting up so that it doesn't sit on your face while you sleep. It comes with everything you need to get this setup and begin using it. I would recommend using a tree strap system that better protects the trees, but what comes stock is good enough. It stuffs perfectly back into the sack every time, and the stuff sack is attached so it can be used as a storage pouch while you use the hammock (although it hangs on the outside of the netting, so bugs will be able to get in). I also use the shock cords that hold up the netting to hand a light on so its great for reading while your just hanging out. Since the hammock is quite large, if you plan to use it for camping, make sure that your tarp that will cover you from the top is large enough (at least 14ft in length on the length or diagonal used to cover the length of the hammock) to fully protect you from the elements. I would not recommend this for more than 1 person unless its only for lounging or you are extremely comfortable with that person.

I bought this hammock as a gift and at the same time bought some decent rope and a couple of decent carabiners, fully expecting the hammock to have the usual questionable rigging of parachute cord and sketchy hardware. I was pleasantly surprised to find the ropes and hardware up to the task. My only complaint is that the main ropes, which would attach to a tree, don't allow for a lot of variation in the distance between trees. I changed them for some longer ropes and slings to allow more adjustability. The bug screen is nice, very fine mesh to keep out little biters, and zippered the full length of the hammock. When the net is suspended above the hammock using the shock cord provided, you are well protected. Add a rain cover (not included) and you're set to enjoy hammock camping. Since my initial review, the hammock has been used on four or five camping trips by my nephew, who finds it comfortable and quick to set up. He's 6'4", so it would appear that this hammock is amply long even for taller users.

Buen producto

Ce Hamac est très bon! j'ai reçu des cordes ainsi que les mousquetons dans l'ensemble même si qu'il n'on pas avisé sur leur description. Le matérielle soutient beaucoup de tension mais est très facile à percer (une branche est dangereux pour le matérielle par exemple). De plus, le hamac est énorme! il y a assez de place pour dormir avec de l'équipements. il peut soutenir beaucoup de pesanteur, comme dit avant je dors avec mon équipement qu'en total est alentour 40 livres et mon 160 livres corporelle et j'ai aucune crainte de briser le hamac. L'écran contre les moustiques est un peut mince alors il faut faire attention de ne pas le percer. En effet, emporter une bâche pour placer au-dessus en temps de pluie. J'ai donné une quotte de 4 étoiles car les points de sutures ne sont pas bien placer ainsi que quelque morceaux de matérielles n'est pas bien attachés. enfin ce n'est pas trop un gros problème car le hamac tien en forme quand même. Je recommande ce hamac à touts c'eux qui font du "backpacking" minimaliste car le produit est très léger ainsi qu'il est compacte (touts dans le sac il est la grandeur d'un football Canadien). -------------- A very good hammock, very lightweight and it includes pre-knotted paracord ropes and carabiners in the bag. The fabric's nice and tough although be careful as anything sharp like a tree branch or machete could rip through it quite easily. On another note, this thing is HUGE and It can support a lot of weight. I can sleep with my 40 lbs backpack + my own 160 lbs weight with confidence that I won't fall or wake up on the ground. It has a nice thin screen that you should be careful not to pierce, I recommend bringing a tarp to cover at all times in case of rainfall. The reason why I rated it 4 stars : There's a lot of stitches that are not quite done properly. loose fabrics here and there however it's nothing to worry about since the hammock will still work properly. I recommend this hammock to anyone who does a lot of minimalist backpacking for its lightweight design and small packing size (ruffly the size of a Canadian football).