Small or large mosquito net?

davidp80 · Jan 22nd, 2007, 07:03

Hi everyone,

I can't seem to decide which size mosquito net to buy. There are those that adequately cover single-size beds, and those that cover queen/double size beds. I will be traveling alone, but from what I understand, depending on the hotel, I may either be sleeping in a single or a double. A larger net will of course cover me for both, but is anyone out there using a single size net for double beds.

The only reason I wouldn't automatically opt for a larger net is weight and bulk. I'm trying to keep my pack size as small and light as possible, thus the dilemna. What do you recommend?

Thanks everyone!

-Dave

machadinha · Jan 22nd, 2007, 07:09

A single-size net won't fit a double bed. You might rip it and render it useless. The difference in weight or bulk will be negligible.

I never used them in India btw but extensively elsewhere including where I live; I assume the phenomenon remains the same

davidp80 · Jan 22nd, 2007, 07:33

Thanks for the input Machadinha.

So you don't think a single size net, with the bottom of the net just lying loosely on the bed would provide enough coverage? Would mosquitoes somehow find their way under the net if it's not tucked underneath the mattress (which I assume is what most people do). I guess there is always the risk of rolling around a lot, and either ripping the net from lying on it, or getting bit by sleeping too close to the edge of the net.

I know a lot of people don't use them, but a net for me really seems like an essential piece of equipment. For one, I'm not going to be taking anti-malarial medications (I won't be spending -that- much time in critical malaria areas), and it is going to double as a mosquito/bug barrier for my open-air tarp.

Thanks so much. Any other input?

-Dave

ranjan154 · Jan 22nd, 2007, 07:49

Quote:

So you don't think a single size net, with the bottom of the net just lying loosely on the bed would provide enough coverage? Would mosquitoes somehow find their way under the net if it's not tucked underneath the mattress (which I assume is what most people do). I guess there is always the risk of rolling around a lot, and either ripping the net from lying on it, or getting bit by sleeping too close to the edge of the net.

You seems to be using net for long, i liked the way you have described it .. its absolutely true.. how mosquitoes can sneak in

. Are you sure you will having double- bed everywhere you stay ? putting a double bed net on single bed , i dont think its possible..

davidp80 · Jan 22nd, 2007, 07:59

Well, I kind of assumed that a double-size net would most definitely cover a single-size bed - if the bottom of the net is tucked under the mattress on each side. You don't think this would work?

I'm also not positive that I'll be sleeping in a lot of double beds as a single traveler, but my accomodation in India research tells me that a lot of the budget rooms (and perhaps rooms in all price ranges) cater to travelers in pairs, rather than singles. Thus the use of double beds in single rooms. I could very well be wrong - if someone with experience tells me so!

Thanks everyone,

-Dave

machadinha · Jan 22nd, 2007, 08:13

I grew up with them, and have used them in watery areas where I live now, not because of the fear of disease, but to get some sleep (find them claustrophobic however, not a great fan).

My thoughts: I didn't use anti-malarials either, but this is entirely personal and I wouldn't want to publicly recommend it. Most places will provide a fan which keeps the critters from landing on you (aircos likewise keep them away), and/or a mosquito net indeed. So I wouldn't bring one of my own, but it may be a good idea for you since this is what you're thinking of already. I also seem to recall you going off-track in Ladakh which might make it a very good idea instead (I imagine a fan up there might be less practical too. On the other hand malaria is not prevalent above a certain altitude. But I think you'll be moving on too.)

Loosely draping a single one over a double bed will be next to useless yes. They smell you out or sense your warmth or whatever they do, and they will come after you. Touching the net in your sleep at night and hence getting bitten is a real possibility but it beats being completely exposed. Tucking in a 2-person one over a single bed I don't see any problem however, so I'm not sure what Travinfo means. (There is a type that has a fixed "roof" shape however and this might turn out impractical, but not impossible I think.) Minor rips will occur over time because of tossing and turning etc., can be fixed with simple tape.

Travelling around with a net it would seem difficult to me to keep it from getting seriously torn but there seem to be people who do it. Another concern might be attaching it to anything where there are no provisions for it already (presumably and again with the existing net already provided), without a whole lotta fumbling about (bring a hammer and nails and don't disturb the neighbors? Talk about travelling "light"...)

But to keep this all very short: You seem to want to take one so I'd stick with that idea. On your question, I'd make it a double one while you're at it, they're very compact and weigh almost nothing. Maybe take half a book less. I believe there are tent-like contraptions which people use indoors and which might certainly suit you outdoors, this would presumably add to the bulk but it's something to look into.

btw You're right that you'll bump into double beds a lot, luckily so I think. Although any bed's length can be a problem.

Nick-H · Jan 22nd, 2007, 08:44

I don't find that AC or fans help at all! But then I cannot stand a fan on faster than its lowest setting, as I cannot sleep in that draught, and it gives me a seriously stiff neck. I often find mossies sitting on the outside of my net, cooling off right in the cool air stream from the AC!

I've never travelled with a net, although I couldn't live here without one. If I was buying one to travel I'd get the complete tent type, self-supporting and including a 'floor'. No problem with either bed size or hanging points

machadinha · Jan 22nd, 2007, 09:04

Haha just goes to show again so many folks, so many different solutions right! I seem to remember you complaining about being a mosquito magnet. Must be a real, eh, pain in the neck.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nick-H

I often find mossies sitting on the outside of my net, cooling off right in the cool air stream from the AC!

Hehe quite. I think the idea is they're less active in the cold and hence stop biting though. With the fans people say the airstream stops them from landing on you, which may be mythological however.

In said place of growing up (where yellow fever used to be something of a concern, and I just recently read about dengue in the wider area which I'd never heard of), before the advent of electricity people would just sleep with opposite windows open and let the tradewind do its work. Which they happened to be lucky to have of course. Worked wonders in case of power outages though.

I must admit to getting some serious colds just after landing in India btw. That fan really doesn't have to be on full blast all night, nice though it may be in the evenings.

whatiyam · Jan 22nd, 2007, 09:07

i bought a net to take to india with me, i don't want to be stuck without one and the ones they make in india, at least where i was, are way too bulky and heavy because they were made with mesh cloth with regular cloth near the bed to save on the mesh cloth. there was very little circulation with that one.

davidp80 · Jan 22nd, 2007, 09:15

Yeah, I really don't want to be stuck without one either. I found some nets on Campmor that look promising, and the double-size nets apparently don't weigh anymore than the singles (although I can't imagine how this is really possible...)

Here's the link to the single, and the link to the double is found in the upper right hand corner of the page:

http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/st...rId=12 500226

I could carry some thumbtacks with me, and wallah - at least I hope it would work that easily (the ceiling fan could prove to be an obstacle here, but I could also carry some lightweight rope to use as tie-out points at the sides.

Any comments?

Thanks again,

-Dave

Nick-H · Jan 22nd, 2007, 09:19

You might not be able to reach the ceiling!

davidp80 · Jan 22nd, 2007, 09:25

Yeah, I thought about that too Nick. I'd probably have to carry some lightweight rope with me - both to extend the possible range in terms of depth and width (depth for high ceilings, and width in case I need to tie the net out at the sides...due to a ceiling fan or God knows what else is up there). Thanks so much,

-Dave

whatiyam · Jan 22nd, 2007, 10:35

that is where i got mine, i bought it at the store in paramus new jersey. they have them at sports authority for the same price.

well, the last time i went travelling with a net, i landed in Kathmandu, i found some light cord at a hardware store, not cotton but colorful synthetic, probably polyester, thin and very strong. must have been extremely cheap and it waseasy to carry.

Quote:

Originally Posted by davidp80

Yeah, I really don't want to be stuck without one either. I found some nets on Campmor that look promising, and the double-size nets apparently don't weigh anymore than the singles (although I can't imagine how this is really possible...)

Here's the link to the single, and the link to the double is found in the upper right hand corner of the page:

http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/st...rId=12 500226

I could carry some thumbtacks with me, and wallah - at least I hope it would work that easily (the ceiling fan could prove to be an obstacle here, but I could also carry some lightweight rope to use as tie-out points at the sides.

Any comments?

Thanks again,

-Dave

machadinha · Jan 22nd, 2007, 10:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by davidp80

the double-size nets apparently don't weigh anymore than the singles (although I can't imagine how this is really possible...)

This is 100% nylon synthetic crap, don't worry about it and go get one already

You'll be carrying a lot more that might cause you concerns. I hear hardcore travellers drill holes in their toothbrush to diminish weight.

Nick-H · Jan 22nd, 2007, 10:59

Yes, Mach... I'm a mossie magnet.

And they don't even have to bite me: I think I'm alergic to the stuff they dribble on your skin before biting, as I get irregular swellings, different to the small round lumps of an actual bite. I think I get swellings if the damn things even land on me

And there's billions of the things enjoying the cool(er) weather here just now.

Jan 22nd, 2007, 07:03	#1
davidp80 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Pennsylvania, United States Posts: 260	Small or large mosquito net? Hi everyone, I can't seem to decide which size mosquito net to buy. There are those that adequately cover single-size beds, and those that cover queen/double size beds. I will be traveling alone, but from what I understand, depending on the hotel, I may either be sleeping in a single or a double. A larger net will of course cover me for both, but is anyone out there using a single size net for double beds. The only reason I wouldn't automatically opt for a larger net is weight and bulk. I'm trying to keep my pack size as small and light as possible, thus the dilemna. What do you recommend? Thanks everyone! -Dave

Jan 22nd, 2007, 07:09	#2
machadinha Not Your Guru Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: yörp Posts: 11,445	A single-size net won't fit a double bed. You might rip it and render it useless. The difference in weight or bulk will be negligible. I never used them in India btw but extensively elsewhere including where I live; I assume the phenomenon remains the same __________________ Reading tips, all picked up at IndiaMike : INDAX's A Comprehensive Guide To India / Dinoj Surendran's Desi Humor / ITHVC on Culture Shock & Travel Health / JetLag Travel Guides For the Undiscerning Traveller / India Travel Links

Jan 22nd, 2007, 08:44	#7
Nick-H Loud-mouthed, Noisy Bird Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 28,368	I don't find that AC or fans help at all! But then I cannot stand a fan on faster than its lowest setting, as I cannot sleep in that draught, and it gives me a seriously stiff neck. I often find mossies sitting on the outside of my net, cooling off right in the cool air stream from the AC! I've never travelled with a net, although I couldn't live here without one. If I was buying one to travel I'd get the complete tent type, self-supporting and including a 'floor'. No problem with either bed size or hanging points __________________ . Just one member of the IndiaMike Mod Team

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Beach Resort in Goa for a large group	mite	Goa	0	Jan 17th, 2006 00:57
Large houses to rent in Goa	Caz	Lodging and Hotels in India	2	Oct 11th, 2005 00:47
summer salts with large stakes	sadhuji	Sports in India	8	Mar 27th, 2005 08:55
Large knife	lalooprasadyadav	Chai and Chat	11	May 17th, 2003 16:38

Jan 22nd, 2007, 07:33	#3
davidp80 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Pennsylvania, United States Posts: 260	Thanks for the input Machadinha. So you don't think a single size net, with the bottom of the net just lying loosely on the bed would provide enough coverage? Would mosquitoes somehow find their way under the net if it's not tucked underneath the mattress (which I assume is what most people do). I guess there is always the risk of rolling around a lot, and either ripping the net from lying on it, or getting bit by sleeping too close to the edge of the net. I know a lot of people don't use them, but a net for me really seems like an essential piece of equipment. For one, I'm not going to be taking anti-malarial medications (I won't be spending -that- much time in critical malaria areas), and it is going to double as a mosquito/bug barrier for my open-air tarp. Thanks so much. Any other input? -Dave

Jan 22nd, 2007, 07:59	#5
davidp80 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Pennsylvania, United States Posts: 260	Well, I kind of assumed that a double-size net would most definitely cover a single-size bed - if the bottom of the net is tucked under the mattress on each side. You don't think this would work? I'm also not positive that I'll be sleeping in a lot of double beds as a single traveler, but my accomodation in India research tells me that a lot of the budget rooms (and perhaps rooms in all price ranges) cater to travelers in pairs, rather than singles. Thus the use of double beds in single rooms. I could very well be wrong - if someone with experience tells me so! Thanks everyone, -Dave

Jan 22nd, 2007, 08:13	#6
machadinha Not Your Guru Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: yörp Posts: 11,445	I grew up with them, and have used them in watery areas where I live now, not because of the fear of disease, but to get some sleep (find them claustrophobic however, not a great fan). My thoughts: I didn't use anti-malarials either, but this is entirely personal and I wouldn't want to publicly recommend it. Most places will provide a fan which keeps the critters from landing on you (aircos likewise keep them away), and/or a mosquito net indeed. So I wouldn't bring one of my own, but it may be a good idea for you since this is what you're thinking of already. I also seem to recall you going off-track in Ladakh which might make it a very good idea instead (I imagine a fan up there might be less practical too. On the other hand malaria is not prevalent above a certain altitude. But I think you'll be moving on too.) Loosely draping a single one over a double bed will be next to useless yes. They smell you out or sense your warmth or whatever they do, and they will come after you. Touching the net in your sleep at night and hence getting bitten is a real possibility but it beats being completely exposed. Tucking in a 2-person one over a single bed I don't see any problem however, so I'm not sure what Travinfo means. (There is a type that has a fixed "roof" shape however and this might turn out impractical, but not impossible I think.) Minor rips will occur over time because of tossing and turning etc., can be fixed with simple tape. Travelling around with a net it would seem difficult to me to keep it from getting seriously torn but there seem to be people who do it. Another concern might be attaching it to anything where there are no provisions for it already (presumably and again with the existing net already provided), without a whole lotta fumbling about (bring a hammer and nails and don't disturb the neighbors? Talk about travelling "light"...) But to keep this all very short: You seem to want to take one so I'd stick with that idea. On your question, I'd make it a double one while you're at it, they're very compact and weigh almost nothing. Maybe take half a book less. I believe there are tent-like contraptions which people use indoors and which might certainly suit you outdoors, this would presumably add to the bulk but it's something to look into. btw You're right that you'll bump into double beds a lot, luckily so I think. Although any bed's length can be a problem.

Jan 22nd, 2007, 09:07	#9
whatiyam Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: new york city Posts: 61	i bought a net to take to india with me, i don't want to be stuck without one and the ones they make in india, at least where i was, are way too bulky and heavy because they were made with mesh cloth with regular cloth near the bed to save on the mesh cloth. there was very little circulation with that one.

Jan 22nd, 2007, 09:15	#10
davidp80 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Pennsylvania, United States Posts: 260	Yeah, I really don't want to be stuck without one either. I found some nets on Campmor that look promising, and the double-size nets apparently don't weigh anymore than the singles (although I can't imagine how this is really possible...) Here's the link to the single, and the link to the double is found in the upper right hand corner of the page: http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/st...rId=12 500226 I could carry some thumbtacks with me, and wallah - at least I hope it would work that easily (the ceiling fan could prove to be an obstacle here, but I could also carry some lightweight rope to use as tie-out points at the sides. Any comments? Thanks again, -Dave

Jan 22nd, 2007, 09:19	#11
Nick-H Loud-mouthed, Noisy Bird Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 28,368	You might not be able to reach the ceiling!

Jan 22nd, 2007, 09:25	#12
davidp80 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Pennsylvania, United States Posts: 260	Yeah, I thought about that too Nick. I'd probably have to carry some lightweight rope with me - both to extend the possible range in terms of depth and width (depth for high ceilings, and width in case I need to tie the net out at the sides...due to a ceiling fan or God knows what else is up there). Thanks so much, -Dave

Jan 22nd, 2007, 10:59	#15
Nick-H Loud-mouthed, Noisy Bird Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 28,368	Yes, Mach... I'm a mossie magnet. And they don't even have to bite me: I think I'm alergic to the stuff they dribble on your skin before biting, as I get irregular swellings, different to the small round lumps of an actual bite. I think I get swellings if the damn things even land on me And there's billions of the things enjoying the cool(er) weather here just now.

User Name		Remember Me?
Password