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Bug Shelters

Top Picks

How we choose: The best bug shelters highlighted here were selected based on 22 reviews of 20 products. Our top picks are those that are readily-available in the United States and have received the highest overall ratings from reviewers.

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If you've used a bug shelter that you think should be listed here, please share your experience.

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MSR Front Range Bug/Floor Insert

user rating: 4 of 5 (1 review)

This Bug/Floor insert is the companion piece to the MSR Front Range Tarp Shelter. Together, this highly ventilated shelter system is a spacious and extremely stable rig for two people (this product is not recommended as a standalone shelter). Highly wind and water resistant, this lightweight combo pitches with trekking poles/ski poles, or with the MSR Adjustable Pole accessory (sold separately). The insert is ideal for wet and/or buggy weather where tent footprint space is not extremely tight.

Reasons to Buy

  • Superb combination with companion shelter
  • Excellent bathtub bottom, corner tensioning
  • Highly durable

Reasons to Avoid

  • Does not comfortably fit four people
  • Zippered entry only opens at one side

For those looking for a shelter system that has versatility and lots of livable space, look no further! MSR has a new member of the family, the Front Range Shelter. This Bug/Floor Insert easily works with the Front Range Ultralight Tarp Shelter, adding bug-proofing and additional weather resistance for the warm months of the year.  Mountain Safety Research (MSR) is one of the most widely recognized companies in the outdoor industry. This industry giant began in 1969, creating safety equipment for climbers in the Pacific Northwest.

Read more: MSR Front Range Bug/Floor Insert review (1)

Sea to Summit Nano Mosquito Pyramid Net Shelter

user rating: 3.5 of 5 (1 review)

The S2S Nano bugnet is an ultra-lightweight approach to bug protection under a tarp that works, but it comes with some significant compromises. If you already are comfortable with the sacrifices that a small floorless tarp comes with, then this S2S bugnet is one of the best choices for lightweight bug protection. Otherwise, this product probably isn’t for you.

Reasons to Buy

  • Ultralight
  • Packs small
  • Inexpensive
  • Functional – it will keep the bugs off you if set up right

Reasons to Avoid

  • Comes with compromises that you may not like – no floor, no door, challenging to set up well, challenging to get in and out, fragile

This is a review of the Sea to Summit Nano Insect Shield Net Shelter, single size. Sea to Summit (“S2S”) makes a variety of camping and outdoor gear. I am not connected to S2S in any way, I purchased the product retail, and this is an unsolicited and uncompensated review. This bugnet is just wide and long enough for a single person’s typical ground sleep system (pad and sleeping bag or quilt), it does not have room for a backpack or larger gear items inside. S2S specs the weight at 3 oz, and mine is true to this weight on my scale.

Read more: Sea to Summit Nano Mosquito Pyramid Net Shelter review (1)

Zpacks HexaNet

user rating: 5 of 5 (1 review)

ZPacks Hexamid Solo TarpZPacks HexaNet Solo Bug Shelter It was not all that long ago when the thought of a fully enclosed bug net weighing two pounds was a mastery of feat and accomplishment! The rules have changed once again, being lead by some innovative and dedicated hikers, who also happen to be cottage manufactures, such as ZPacks.com At an amazingly light 10.9 ounces (309 grams) the ZPacks Hexamid Solo tarp and accompanying HexaNet Solo bug shelter now provides us the ability to have a fully enclosed tent that requires only a single pole (or stick), can be setup in the one to two minute mark, and totally blow away over two pounds (32 ounces) [907 grams] worth of weight off even some of the lighest solo test setups on the market! The ZPacks...

Read more: Zpacks HexaNet review (1)

Exped Travel Box II Plus

user rating: 5 of 5 (1 review)

Large bug net with a built-in floor for full protection. Great for use in shelters or under a tarp. Zippers on two sides make for easy access and lots of tie out points allow for setup in varied conditions.

Reasons to Buy

  • Huge full height bug protection area
  • Tie outs with functional hardware
  • Flexibile to fit into available area
  • Durable floor

Reasons to Avoid

  • Need additional bathtub floor for bad weather ground use
  • Pricey for half a shelter

The Exped Travel Box II Plus is a souped up version of their basic, rectangular bug net, meant for multi-person use. They added a floor, side entry zippers, and some additional tie out points. The result is a very functional bug house that provides for a lot of protected space. I set it up in the backyard using just two lines strung between trees so you could see the full rectangle in this picture. Exped lists the dimensions as 86.6 × 70.9 × 80.7 in and a weight of 2lbs. Ease of Use: While it was easy enough to set up on the first family trip we took it on I found that I learned from each use.

Read more: Exped Travel Box II Plus review (1)

Grand Trunk Mozzy Net

user rating: 5 of 5 (1 review)

This is a great product and I would recommend everyone who camps where bugs/mosquitos are present to purchase it. Easy to set up, easy to take down, and even easier to relax in!

Reasons to Buy

  • Easy to set up
  • Keeps mosquitoes and other bugs out
  • Attached floor is easy to clean
  • Small and easy to store

Reasons to Avoid

  • Kind of pricey but well worth it
  • The section where the hammock attaches to can allow small ants to get in if not tight

I am in love with this mosquito net hammock. Like every Grand Trunk item that I own, they never fail to impress me. One of the reasons I love this net is that it is so simple to put together and even easier to take apart. It comes in a nice carry bag and fits without having to wonder how you are going to fit it back in. When putting together the net, it has a zippered door that is easy to get in and out of and the attached floor makes it even easier to get in and out of the hammock without having to worry about getting your shoes, socks, or feet dirty.

Read more: Grand Trunk Mozzy Net review (1)

Fullyy hammock bugnet

user rating: 5 of 5 (1 review)

Picked this up on Amazon for $18, worth every penny.

Reasons to Buy

  • Quality
  • Price
  • Packs small
  • Quick easy setup

Reasons to Avoid

  • Not sure if would fit 11-foot hammock

Picked this up on Amazon for $18, worth every penny. Took it out on an overnight trip where I stayed at 4000 feet. To my surprise there was quite a few bugs, glad I had it. Net weighs 9oz including stuff sack and included ridgeline. It has decent quality netting and vertical zipper. The net sets up by sliding over hammock with approx. 4" diameter drawstring closures at each end. Then just put up ridgeline and net just clips on to line. I use whoopie  slings with Dutch clips so sliding net over hammock took me seconds to do.

Read more: Fullyy hammock bugnet review (1)

BearPaw Wilderness Designs Minimalist 2

user rating: 4 of 5 (1 review)

A good little net tent, but roomy enough for 1+gear or for two shoulder to shoulder. Needs external support—hiking poles or trees at the least, and must be staked out for proper pitching. Net tent only; does not include tarp/rain fly.

Reasons to Buy

  • Light
  • Good visibility
  • Good ventilation
  • Customizable

Reasons to Avoid

  • Not freestanding

My main reasons for getting this tent was that I wanted to have a shelter that would allow me to set up the tarp first if it were raining. I have a hammock system that works the same way, and it's come in handy before. I already owned a hammocking tarp (Warbonnet Outdoors Superfly) to keep me dry and just needed a bug-free enclosure to hang beneath it.   Bear Paw WD makes the Minimalist 2 Net Tent (and other products) to order, which means that you may have a bit of a wait, but also means that they are able to customize your items as needed.

Read more: BearPaw Wilderness Designs Minimalist 2 review (1)

More Reviews of Bug Shelters

Trailspace reviewers have shared 22 reviews of 20 different bug shelters.

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