How to Set Up a Bug Net on Your Hammock
By ENO Hammocks & Outdoor Gear | Published: 2026-10-18
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to attach and adjust a bug net on your hammock for a bug-free sleep. Step-by-step instructions for ENO Guardian bug nets.
Quick answer
Attach the bug net to your hammock's suspension lines, then clip the net's ridgeline to your tree straps or a separate line. Adjust tension so the net clears your face and body without sagging.
Why setup matters for comfort and protection
A properly set up bug net keeps mosquitoes and gnats away without making you feel cramped. If the net sags against your face or body, bugs can bite through the mesh, and you'll lose the open-air feel that makes hammock camping great.
The three ENO Guardian models—the standard Guardian, the ultralight SL, and the roomy DX—all attach differently. The standard Guardian uses a single ridgeline and one zipper, while the DX adds dual doors and a spreader bar for more interior space. The SL is the lightest and simplest, ideal for backpackers who want to save weight.
Step-by-step: How to set up a bug net on your hammock
- 1. Hang your hammock first: Set up your hammock as usual with tree straps and suspension. Make sure the hammock is level and at a comfortable height (about 18 inches off the ground at the lowest point). Common mistake: Hanging the hammock too tight or too loose. A 30-degree suspension angle is ideal.
- 2. Attach the bug net to the hammock suspension: For ENO Guardian nets, slide the net's end loops over the carabiners or suspension hooks on each end of the hammock. The net should hang directly under the hammock. Checkpoint: Make sure the net's zipper or opening faces the side you'll enter from.
- 3. Run the ridgeline: Clip the bug net's ridgeline cord to your tree straps or to a separate ridgeline above the hammock. Pull it taut so the net lifts away from your face and body. Common mistake: Leaving the ridgeline too loose. A sagging net lets bugs reach your skin through the mesh.
- 4. Adjust the net for clearance: Stand back and check that the net clears your hammock on all sides. If you have a Guardian DX, use the spreader bar to keep the mesh off your face. For the standard or SL, adjust the ridgeline tension until the net floats above you. Checkpoint: The net should not touch your face, arms, or legs when you lie down.
- 5. Zip up and test: Zip the net closed, then lie in the hammock. Move around a bit to make sure the net stays off your body and the zipper doesn't snag. If you feel mesh against your skin, adjust the ridgeline or reposition the net. Final tip: Practice setup at home before your first trip so you know the system in the dark or rain.
Bug nets mentioned in this guide
- Guardian™ Bug Net: The ENO Guardian Bug Net comfortably surrounds you and your hammock with its breathable SkyWeave™ Mesh. The breathable mesh keeps bugs out while allowing airflow, so you stay cool on warm nights.
Guardian™ Bug Net - Guardian™ DX Bug Net: The Guardian DX Bug Net is designed with SkyWeave™ Lite mesh, dual doors, and an integrated DAC spreader bar. Dual doors make it easier to enter and exit, and the spreader bar keeps the net off your face for a roomier feel.
Guardian™ DX Bug Net - Guardian™ SL Bug Net: The Guardian SL Bug Net is built with SkyWeave™ Lite mesh and combines simplicity and versatility. Its minimalist design saves weight and pack space, making it a great choice for ultralight backpackers.
