don’t feel like reading all this? here are my top recommendations
- Eco-Keeper Bedbug Tent: Easy to put together, plop it on your bed and get in.
- SansBug Pop-Up Freestanding Mosquito Net: Perfect if you don’t want to spend a single second setting it up (but you will have to spend a bit of time folding it away).
A mosquito net is possibly the single most important way to stay healthy when you travel in the tropics (not to mention you’ll sleep more soundly and won’t spend the night swatting the wildlife).

Remember, over half a million people are infected by malaria mosquitoes (not to mention the threat of Zika in some places). And I don’t want to scare you but there are many more diseases you can catch from insects:
- dengue, yellow fever or West Nile Virus from mosquitoes
- Lyme disease or typhus from ticks and lice
- plague from fleas
- sleeping sickness from tsetse flies
- some encounters are just plain revolting, like leeches, or poisonous, like scorpions or snakes.
Many of these illnesses can debilitate you for life – or worse. Having slept outside in many countries where these critters are common, I can’t bring myself to travel without serious protection. To me, that means a mosquito net, mosquito net clothing, or at the very least some kind of mosquito repellent.
If you’re already convinced you need to take some kind of bug net on your travels, see my recommendations in the comparison chart below for the best mosquito nets for travel. But if you still need convincing, see the more detailed explanations after the comparison chart.
MOSQUITO NET COMPARISON CHART
Name | Image | Weight | Size | Details | Buy |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Kamp-Rite Insect Protection System | 3.5 lb/1.58kg w/o tent rain cover | 4-5lb/1.8-2.3kg with cover | L84 x W28 x H40 inches/ 213 x 7 x 101cm | Packed ∅: 14" x 6"/35.5 x 15cm | Free-standing with side zipper entrance and waterproof floor. Can attach to military-style cots. Aluminum poles and rain cover make it suitable for outdoor use. No See Um-proof. | Buy Now! | |
Eco-Keeper Bed Bug Tent | 4.5 lb/2.04kg | L74.8 x W35.4 x H43.3 inches/190 x 90 x 110cm | Zip-out leg extension to 86.8"/220cm | Also comes in Double and Queen sizes. | Free standing mosquito tent with straps to stabilize it on the bed. Zipper opens on the side. Keeps out mosquitoes and smaller bugs. I've used one of these for years. (I have two, similar to this one and the Kamp-Rite.) | Buy Now! | |
SansBug Pop-Up Freestanding Mosquito Net | 2.5 lb/1.13kg | L86 x W32 x H59 inches/218 x 81 x 150cm | 4-way folded: 20"/51 x 2.5cm ∅ | 3-way folded: 26" x 1" deep/66 x 2.5cm | Instant mosquito tent. Freestanding, colorful, practical. Keeps out mosquitoes and smaller bugs. You MUST read the instructions before folding/unfolding or it can hit you (and you might break it)! | Buy Now! | |
Coghlan's Mosquito Net | 9.6 oz/0.27kg | L78 x W32 x H59 inches/198 x 81.2 x 150cm | 240 Mesh | Simple, semi-enclosed classic mosquito net, no floor - tucks under you. 4 fixing points to suspend from trees or indoors, and bottom pegging points. Mesh size might not provide full protection from smallest "no seeums" (biting midges). | Buy Now! | |
Even Naturals Premium Mosquito Net | 14 oz/0.4 kg | L80 x W39 x H80 inches/203 x 99 x 203cm | Packed: 9.8 x 4.7"/25 x 12cm | Also comes in double bed mosquito net; 225 Mesh | Free hanging kit with 6 screw hooks; 6 plastic plugs and cord. Carrying pouch and ebook with tips on how to use nets. Machine washable. Side opening. Smallest "no seeums" might get through. | Buy Now! | |
Sea to Summit Mosquito Box Net | 18 oz/514g | L7'2" x W3'7" x H 5'11"/218 x 109 x 180cm | 500 holes/sq in | Comes with 4 cords. Skirted at bottom to tuck under mattress or sleeping bag. No See Um-proof but fine mesh allows less air circulation. Stand-up shelter with (or without) Permethryn insect shield. | Buy Now! | |
FIRINER Camping Hammock with Rain Fly Tarp and Mosquito Net Tent Tree Straps | 22 oz/ 633g | Hammock Size: 114 x 55 inch | Rain Fly Size: 122 x 122 inch, Length x Width: 90.5 x 82.7 inch | A mosquito net that attaches to a tree. Tree straps were also included, but they were rather short. Great for getting off the ground and keeping pests and rain out. | Buy Now! |
WHAT IS A MOSQUITO NET AND WHAT IS IT USED FOR?
Bug netting of any kind will help keep you safe by keeping out the mosquitoes that can kill you. It is a mesh material made of tiny holes through which mosquitoes can’t pass, insect netting keeps you separate from potential stings.
A mosquito net also keeps other critters out, like creepy crawlies or falling geckoes. I wouldn’t dream of traveling without one when heading to warm, humid places.
It’s especially important if you’re traveling on a budget or off the beaten track. Air conditioning helps keep mosquitoes at bay but if you’re staying in huts or out of doors or with open windows – there’s nothing to protect you.
The most effective and best travel mosquito nets should have a close mesh – and please check the specs to see if they are No See Um-proof.
While cotton may seem more natural, it collects dampness and weighs more than a synthetic fiber so I’d opt for the polyester-type nets.
There are many kinds of nets – a bug net for bed use, a portable mosquito net or a mosquito net tent.

TYPES OF MOSQUITO NETTING FOR TRAVELERS
There are several types of insect net and we’ll look at each in turn. The one you use will depend on how you travel.
The best travel mosquito net for bed protection
Let’s start with the standard travel mosquito net – without a frame. It is usually a hanging mosquito net, which is often included with your room in places where mosquitoes are prevalent.
Typically, these insect nets are squares or rectangles of insect netting with a ring (or two) that are attached to a wall or ceiling. The net should be large enough to tuck under the mattress without touching you. If it touches your skin, the mosquito can simply land on it and bite you right through it. And it will!

This plain foldable and portable mosquito net is an inexpensive product that will do what is required of it: keep mosquitoes out.
It is also a great backup DIY mosquito net for bed use, small and light enough to carry with you and it takes up little room. You might consider bringing one along in case your room doesn’t have one or worse, there is one but it has holes in it.
You can easily wash it and hang it out to dry.
As long as you’re not terrified of anything crawling into your bed – something could get in if you’ve been a bit careless when tucking yourself in – then anything made with extra-fine mosquito net material should more than keep you safe from mosquitoes and their diseases.
Mosquito net pros
✓ It’s cheaper and lighter
✓ You’ll usually have more headspace around you
✓ A certain aura of nostalgia
✓ Smaller when folded
✓ Nothing to break
✓ If you’re not traveling solo, there is such a thing as a mosquito net for double bed use
Mosquito net cons
✕ You constantly have to tuck it in – every time you get in and out of bed
✕ No barrier against bedbugs (which can appear even in the poshest establishments)
✕ You need nails or hooks to fasten it to walls or ceilings – and sometimes that’s not possible
✕ If not tucked in properly, creepy crawlies can get in (and I don’t like the idea of spiders or even snakes dropping by for a midnight visit)
✕ An overlapping net entrance can often allow insects in if you’re not careful
So like it or not, while there are some significant advantages to the traditional mosquito net, there are also quite a few downsides.
And that’s why I travel with a mosquito net tent. I have not one, but two of these, just in case I lose one. That’s how important it is to me!

The mosquito net tent: protection from mosquitoes (and everything else)
The mosquito tent for bed use is a brilliant invention and I would not have made it through three years of backpacking across Africa and Asia without one (two, in my case – I lost mine, got another, and found the first one!)
This is basically a tent, but – with a few notable exceptions like the Kamp-Rite Insect Protection System – it has mosquito netting fabric rather than the waterproof cover you’d usually expect in a normal camping tent.
The bug net tent is for women willing to spend a bit more for a more insect-proof product – and for those heading off into areas that are more remote or where mosquito tents or nets may not be easily available. Whereas I didn’t have much use for mine in South Africa, I could not have made it through Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi without this kind of protection (I would have been eaten alive and certainly sleep deprived).
A good pop-up mosquito tent will also keep out most other creepy crawlies and that, to me, is a huge benefit, especially if you’re in a rural area. If you’re health conscious or even a bit squeamish, this tent will give you total peace of mind.

Mosquito tent pros
✓ It’s free-standing, which means no worries about nails or hooks and once it’s up, it is ready to use
✓ It’s properly sealed, which means mosquitoes can’t get in, under or around it (nor can other critters – or bedbugs)
✓ You can get in and out without having to tuck yourself in each time – just unzip, and zip again
✓ Zippers will also keep errant mosquitoes from getting in
✓ You can leave it set up during the day, no rolling up – and no bugs will get in while you’re out
✓ The netting isn’t touching you and as long as you keep away from the sides (easily done) you won’t get bitten
✓ Many have internal pockets for such things as phones or flashlights or important papers
✓ You can keep your shoes and clothes at the bottom overnight and avoid any surprises in the morning (just check them first – don’t invite critters in!)
Mosquito tent cons
✕ It’s heavier to carry and takes up more space in your luggage
✕ It is more expensive (but also far more robust)
✕ It can be warmer inside, especially if it has a waterproof – plastic – floor (I use a travel towel, silk sleeping bag liner, damp T-shirt or sarong to lie on)
✕ There are more pieces, like poles and zippers, so more can go wrong
✕ I’ve worried sometimes that setting it up on a bed in someone’s house might appear insensitive, as in “I don’t feel safe here” but – I’m afraid that given the potential deadliness of a mosquito bite, I’d rather take that chance; I do explain where I can
Bug nets for camping
If you like to sleep out in the wild, your tent may already have some kind of built-in mosquito protection. If not, make sure you take along a mosquito net for camping. You can keep it simple, for example with this compact mosquito net for camping, for tent or sleeping bag. You can use it inside your tent or outdoors while enjoying the sunset – it’ll do the trick and it’s better than being unprotected.
That said, if your destination has a serious malaria problem, I’d think twice about sleeping out of doors and opt instead for an enclosed room with a proper bed net.
Mosquito net clothing
Yes, there is absolutely such a thing! You can get everything from a mosquito head net to permethrin treated clothing – and in some cases, these items might be perfectly appropriate, especially if simple mosquito repellent won’t do the trick.
I find mosquito repellent clothes to be useful where the threat of malaria is really high or if you don’t want to be eaten alive. They’re particularly useful in tropical regions if you plan to be outdoors all day, say in the rainforest or near a swamp or wetland. Most times, though, repellent products you spray on will be enough.
A few other types of mosquito netting
Mosquito nets come in all shapes and sizes – and uses.
- Black mosquito netting vs white: you can see through the black netting more easily, but the white will keep bugs away better. The same goes for dark clothing – wear lighter colors to keep the bugs away.
- Mosquito net fabric: yes, you can buy the fabric and sew it up yourself any way you want. In fact, you can even buy bulk mosquito netting if you need it in quantities.
- Mosquito net curtains: you can make these yourself – they could be useful if you’re staying in one place and want to build a frame or an enclosure to keep mosquitoes away. You could do the same for mosquito net for windows but again, this is only worth considering if you plan to stay put for weeks. If you’re using a vehicle for camping, these are a must because your indoor lights will attract all sorts of insects.
TREATED MOSQUITO NET OR NOT?
Before buying a mosquito net or tent, you need to decide whether to go for a permethrin-treated mosquito net or whether to opt for a simple untreated net.
The advantage of permethrin, a strong synthetic chemical, is its effectiveness.
Most mosquitoes won’t survive contact with it so you’ll have fewer chances of being bitten. Permethrin treatment isn’t permanent – you’ll have to re-treat the net (and your clothes, if you spray them) with Permethrin every so often.
While it’s not known to be toxic to humans (keep it away from your pets – it can kill them with the fumes if it hasn’t dried yet, which is why you have to spray outdoors), many people abhor chemicals and simply refuse to use them if at all avoidable.
If that’s your case – get an untreated net.
My own choice?
A travel mosquito tent. For those who have been writing and asking about mine, the model I’ve been using for years is the Longroads Travel Tent – sadly I don’t think it’s made anymore but my recommendations above would make good substitutes.
A few words of caution…
Even if rooms have their own mosquito nets, check them carefully. Years of wear and tear may have left holes in the net – and if mosquitoes can get in, the net will be useless.
Remember, avoiding malaria, dengue fever and Zika should be right at the top of your travel health list! And please… don’t leave home without your travel insurance.
WHERE TO BUY MOSQUITO NETTING AND REVIEWS OF THE BEST MOSQUITO NETS FOR TRAVEL
There are plenty of products on the market and the comparison chart at the top of this page maps out some of the most popular. But if that’s not enough information for you, here are details for four of the best.
- The Kamp-Rite - my personal favorite - is sold by the same people who supply firefighter and emergency management agencies (as well as demanding travelers). I love this thing - when it gets rough out there with critters and bugs, I love having a safe haven into which I can crawl. My travels have taken me to local homes where Ive slept on grass, earthen floors or on platforms outdoors. Being able to relax without expecting any surprises allowed me to sleep restfully and safely in some unlikely places.
- I also like bringing my shoes into it at night to keep them clear of insect visitors, knowing that if I have to get up and leave the tent, I wont be stepping directly onto a scorpion, spider or snake. I still have a vivid image of a scorpion crawling out of my shoe after a night in the Sahara in the days before I bought my freestanding mosquito net.
- Dont know about you, but my imagination makes up a circus-full of insects as soon as the sun goes down... I dont rest easy in a hanging mosquito net, the kind without a floor or zipper...
- PROS: If youre a bit adventurous or if you havent planned your accommodation, it can be used as a sort of camping mosquito net or basic tent - add the rain cover and sleep outside. | It can also be combined with a camping cot or bed, especially useful if youre camping with a car or if youre volunteering outdoors in an emergency situation. | A strong selling point is its fine mesh, so insects wont be able to fight their way in. Bottom line: you get total protection, with floor and sides fully enclose and a zipped entrance down the long side.
- CONS: Heavier than a simple canopy mosquito net but a lot safer wrapped in your own cocoon, away from all manner of bugs, snakes and other creepy crawlies. | The fine mesh will restrict air flow a little so youll have to make a trade off between safety and breathability - much depends on where you plan to travel and the variety of the insects you might meet. | Its (obviously) more expensive than your average mozzie net. | Its a tent - so you need to assemble it, not just unfold it, although the process is quick and simple.
- I love this tent - just pop it open but you MUST watch the instructions first. If it is folded into four, it is so tightly sprung that when you open it it could fly up and hit you so you need to do it right. Folding it to make it small may seem difficult but again, with instructions its a breeze.
- This is a great option to the Kamp-Rite above, and it is less expensive. The challenge is to fold it properly so it fits in your bag but the flip side is that you can set it up in seconds.
- If you dont need the extra tent cover option for outdoor sleeping or the heavier duty Kamp-Rite design, I think youll be happy with the Sansbug.
- This pop up mosquito net is almost instantly ready. Just pop out, unzip and crawl in. | Also quick to pack, although youll need to do it right. | Fun colors and fun concept. | It has pockets for your flashlights and space for books and phones and tablets, as well as your shoes. | Like the Kamp-Rite, its a safe haven from the outside world. | Its also slightly lighter. | Its very fine mesh should stop all insects youre likely to encounter, including bedbugs - yes, apparently even found in some upmarket hotels!
- CONS: You MUST learn to fold it properly - do it wrong and it will shatter. Good news though - its easy to learn and quick to do. | You need to fold it in the four-way method to bring down the diameter so itll fit in your bag (20/50cm ∅). That said, it does take up a little more space than the Kamp-Rite but youll be fine if your airline has a generous carryon policy - or put it into your checked luggage.
- TIP: Set it up at home before you travel to make sure you know how to do it and that nothing is missing.
- If youre going to get a plain hanging mosquito net, get this one. Its simple, no-frills and does the job.
- PROS: Its cheap, period. If youre going to a developing country, take along an extra one or two and donate them to a family in need. | It comes with 4 lengths of twine, 4 screw hooks, 4 wall anchors and 4 one-inch nails (though Id pack a few spares, just in case). | Its light and easy to pack. You can squeeze it into a small space (although Id pack it in a bag to avoid damaging the netting). | Theres no overlapping netting and you have to lift up the bottom to get in - this makes it more secure than ordinary bed net with a long, floor-to-ceiling doorway. | It is high enough and as wide as the the much smaller pyramid style mosquito net. The problem with the pyramid style is that it is easier to lean against the sides, which means bugs can still bite you since your skin is accessible because it is touching the net.
- CONS: There is no floor, just a tucked-in valence so its not bedbug-proof - and you need to make sure you keep it tucked in. | The mesh isnt as fine as it could be. Even the 240 mesh wont keep out anything smaller than a mosquito. If theres a problem with No See Ums or other tiny insects, then you might be better off with the Sea and Summit bednet below.
- Like the Coghlans bed net, this one is a decent size - and to me thats important. It means you wont easily brush the walls during sleep, allowing insects to bite you through the mesh. It also means you can almost stand up inside, making it so much easier to get in and out.
- The mesh is extremely fine and should keep out even the smallest insects. It is still a net rather than a tent, and you do have to tuck in the valence under your bed, sleeping bag or cot - no zipper means no complete seal - you have to lift it off the ground to get in or out. So if youre planning on getting a net rather than a tent, this one is as safe as you can get.
- PROS: Generous tall design. | Fine mesh keeps No See Ums out. | Nothing to break so should last for years and comes in its own stuff sack. | Available pre-treated so should kill insects as they land (your choice - it also comes untreated). | Comes with corner tie cords and bottom corner peg loops (but no pegs). | No poles so you can stuff it into small spaces in your luggage.
- CONS: Not self-supporting so youll have to lash up the 4 corners onto something. Its easier if youre tall. | Like the Coghlans net, it is not fully enclosed so bedbugs and anything already in the bedding will keep you company - and be joined by anything that sneaks in under the net if you havent sealed it well.
Personally speaking, I would rather leave clothes behind than travel without my mosquito tent. It’s not the sexiest travel item I have but it most certainly is one of the best bits of travel gear I’ve ever bought, and I’m a relatively adventurous traveler.
How to Help
It’s not just about us, either. Malaria is Africa’s biggest killer: a child dies of it every minute, deaths that are preventable. While we sleep comfortably under our nets, millions of people, especially the poorest, can’t afford them. Nothing But Nets is a great grassroots campaign that raises money for bed nets. To keep up with developments, read up at Roll Back Malaria, the global partnership that fights the disease.
— Originally published on 03 January 2011
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