You’re out there. Somewhere deep in the Cascades or maybe just the local state park. The sun is dipping, the air is cooling, and then you hear it. That high-pitched, tiny whine that signals the arrival of the local mosquito squadron. If you’re flying solo, it’s an easy fix. But when you’ve got two people crammed into a double-wide gathered-end hammock, things get weird fast. Honestly, most people buy a 2 person hammock mosquito net thinking it’s just a bigger version of the single ones. It isn't.
If you don't account for the "V-shape" of two bodies or the way a double hammock sags under 400 pounds of human, you’re going to spend the night getting bitten through the mesh. It’s a literal nightmare.
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The geometry of the squeeze
Most people don't realize that a 2 person hammock mosquito net has to fight physics. When two people lay in a hammock, the fabric stretches differently than with one. You get shoulder squeeze. You get center-sag. Most importantly, your elbows and knees often press right up against the netting.
Mosquitoes don't need you to be outside the net to bite you. They just need your skin to touch the mesh.
If the net is too tight, it pulls against your pressure points. You become a buffet. Experts like Derek Hansen, author of The Ultimate Hang, often point out that "ridge line length" is the secret sauce here. If your net doesn't have a dedicated ridge line to keep the mesh off your faces, you're basically just gift-wrapping yourselves for the bugs.
Why internal vs external nets matter
You’ve got two choices. Either the net is zipped onto the hammock (integrated) or it’s a big "sock" that slides over the whole thing (independent).
For two people, the independent "sock" style—like the Sea to Summit Hammock Bug Net or the ENO Guardian—is usually better. Why? Because it gives you more volume. Integrated nets on double hammocks often feel like a coffin once you add a second person. It's claustrophobic. Plus, if one person wants to get out to pee at 3 AM, an integrated zipper system often puts all the tension on the mesh, which is how you end up with a ruined $100 piece of gear.
The independent net hangs loosely. It creates a bubble. Space matters when you're sharing a swinging bed.
The "Bite-Through" problem nobody talks about
Let's get real about denier and hole density. The standard for a decent 2 person hammock mosquito net is usually around 900 to 1000 holes per square inch. This stops mosquitoes. It might not stop "no-see-ums" (ceratopogonids) if you're in the South or near a marsh.
If you are heading to the Florida Everglades or the Scottish Highlands, you need a "no-see-um" grade mesh. It’s heavier. It breathes less. But it’s the only thing standing between you and insanity.
Pro tip: Treat your net with Permethrin. Seriously. Even the best 2 person hammock mosquito net can have gaps near the cinch ends where the suspension pokes through. Permethrin is a synthetic insecticide that bonds to the fabric. It doesn't just repel; it kills on contact. Most long-distance hikers on the Appalachian Trail swear by this because it handles the bugs that try to find the "path of least resistance" into your enclosure.
Weight limits and the "Waddle"
Here is a reality check: a double hammock is rarely comfortable for two people to sleep in all night. It's great for lounging. It’s great for a nap. But for an 8-hour slumber? You're going to be knocking knees and rolling into each other.
When you add a 2 person hammock mosquito net into the mix, you’re adding more weight and more setup time.
- Weight: A good double net weighs anywhere from 10 to 16 ounces.
- The Waddle: Getting two people inside a bottom-entry net is a comedy of errors.
- Heat: Two bodies in one net creates a greenhouse effect.
If you're dead set on it, look for a "spreader bar" system. Some high-end setups allow you to hang two separate hammocks under one massive mosquito net. It’s the "King Size Bed" of the backcountry. Brands like Dutchware or Warbonnet Outdoors offer specialized hardware for this, though it’s definitely more of a "pro" move than a beginner setup.
Is the "Double" net a lie?
Kinda.
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Many manufacturers market a "Double Hammock Net" that is really just a single net with a bit of extra slack. If you see a net that is less than 10 feet long, don't buy it for two people. You need length. A 10-foot or 11-foot ridge line is the gold standard. This ensures that the net covers the ends of the hammock where the fabric bunches up. If those ends aren't sealed, spiders and ants will just walk down your suspension lines and join the party.
Real-world failure points
- The Zipper: Cheap nets use plastic zippers that catch on the mesh. Once the mesh tears, the net is useless. Look for YKK zippers.
- The Floor: Some nets have a "tub" floor. This is great for keeping gear dry but adds 2 pounds to your pack.
- The Cinch: If the ends of the net use cheap shock cord, they will sag over time.
Setting it up without losing your mind
Most people wait until it's dark to set up their 2 person hammock mosquito net. Don't be that person.
First, hang your hammock and get your sag right (roughly a 30-degree angle for the straps). Then, string your ridge line above the hammock. Drape the net over the ridge line. Only then do you try to get inside. If you're using a bottom-entry net (the "Fronkey" style), make sure the opening is pulled tight once you’re both in.
Actually, have one person get in first to "set" the weight. Then the second person climbs in. If you both jump in at once, you might snap the ridge line or tear the mesh loops.
The verdict on the 2 person hammock mosquito net
It’s a niche piece of gear. If you’re a couple who loves cuddling and doesn't mind a bit of heat, it’s a game changer. It beats being stuck in a stuffy tent. You get the breeze, you get the view, and you don't get the malaria.
But if you value your personal space or you're camping in 90% humidity, you might actually be happier with two separate hammocks and a massive "mega-net" that covers both.
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Actionable steps for your next trip:
- Check the Dimensions: Ensure the net is at least 120 inches long. Anything shorter will cramp a double hammock.
- Buy Permethrin: Treat the net at least 24 hours before you leave. Let it dry completely. It lasts for about 6 washings or 6 weeks of sun exposure.
- Test the Zipper: Pull it fast. If it snags now, it'll ruin your night in the woods.
- Drip Lines: Tie a small piece of string to your hammock straps inside the net area. This stops rainwater from sliding down the straps and soaking your net and your backs.
- Ridge Line Height: Set your ridge line high enough that you can sit up without the mesh touching your head. This prevents "mesh-head," which is surprisingly annoying.
Hammock camping is about freedom, but that freedom ends the second a mosquito gets inside your perimeter. Invest in a net with a structural ridge line, treat it with repellent, and always, always double-check your zippers before you close your eyes.