Lunch / Dinner net-tent

Dont,

Take a look at the Susie Bug Tent. It is for just that sort of use.

It is 6′ tall, 120″ circumference, and 14.5 oz. That should give you a starting point. Perhaps you would be satisfied with a smaller one — you should be able to estimate what it would take to make one that is 1/3 the weight.

They do custom sewing, and are well-recommended, so if you decide what you need, but do not want to sew it yourself, they may be wiling to do so for you. Giving them a call and talking with them may help understand feasibility.

— MV

if you don't mind making a new one each trip and don't need to keep no-see-ums out use wedding veil mesh. Very light, even more than cuben (or less i guess)

Should be well under 5oz for a solo refuge.

-Tim

The Susie bug net is just the sort of thing I had in mind.. but quite a bit lighter. Have dropped Dan an email. Thanks for the link.

Wedding mesh!! Wow! That sounds like a great idea! Durability isn't really a problem.. weight and bugs are. I'm hunting online but if you already know of a place (or class of store) that might sell such fabric, let me know.. so far, I've found some fine wedding veil material for $1500 :).

On the other hand, if 'Tulle' is the same as the finest wedding veil material, it looks like even Amazon carries that for not too much.

Great tips! Very creative! Thank you!

One thing about the wedding veil material — its color.

If you want to see out of your bug shelter, it should be dark, preferably black. Your vision out through white netting will be much reduced.

–MV

tulle should be similar it comes in multiple hole sizes just make sure you get the small holes. any local fabric place should have something similar.

-Tim

I talked to the customer service agent at some online store (BB Crafts) and they suggested two kinds of fabrics.. Tulle and Organza.

The weights their website list are

54" Nylon Tulle : 54 Inch x 40 Yards 1.20 lbs

Premium Quality Organza Fabric: 58 Inch x 10 Yards 1.20 lbs.

I think the weights above are UPPER limits since they include the cardboard piece the fabric is rolled around.. and perhaps rounded off as well.

Would anyone have experience with this stuff? Both seem see-through from what I see on Google Images.. and the holes are small enough.

Both fabrics are available in black.

The stuff with fine holes works well. It also rips fairly easily. A trade-off. Howe well do you look after your gear, and do you mind doing repairs?

Cheers

The Susie bug net is just the sort of thing I had in mind.. but quite a bit lighter. Have dropped Dan an email.

Did you hear back from him? What did he have to say?

— MV