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Choose a mosquito net for camping and power outages

By the Plain Prepper editors. Updated 2026-10-18.

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Quick answer

A mosquito net keeps biting insects off you while you sleep or sit. Sea to Summit's Mosquito Pyramid Net hangs from one point over a cot or mattress and uses 500 holes per square inch mesh; its Nano version is lighter 15 denier mesh. Coghlan's Rectangular and Hikers nets use 180 holes per square inch mesh and tie at the corners, and its Double net covers two cots. CDC advises mosquito nets where insect-borne diseases are a risk, plus EPA-registered repellent and permethrin-treated gear, never permethrin on skin.

When a mosquito net helps

CDC advises using mosquito nets in areas where vector-borne diseases are a risk or biting insects are present, along with EPA-registered repellent. At home, CDC says to use screens on windows and doors and air conditioning if available. A net is the backup when screens are torn, windows have to stay open in a power outage, or you are camping or sheltering outdoors.

Pair a net with a shelter from our 2 person tent guide or the kit in our bug-out bag guide.

Pyramid nets: one hanging point

Sea to Summit's Mosquito Pyramid Net Shelter hangs from a single suspension point and spreads into a pyramid over a cot, sleeping pad or mattress. Sea to Summit says the apex sits closer to the head end for more headroom, an overlapping flap at the base seals against the floor or mattress, the height adjusts, and colored corner tapes speed setup. It uses 50D black polyester mesh with 500 holes per square inch, comes in single and double sizes, and the double uses an aluminum spreader pole.

The Nano Mosquito Pyramid Net uses lighter 15 denier mesh with the same 500 holes per square inch and an elasticized hem that tucks under the mat. Sea to Summit notes it has no zippered door: you lift the side to get in or out.

Rectangular nets: four corners

Coghlan's rectangular nets tie up at the corners like a box. Its Rectangular Mosquito Net uses 180 holes per square inch mesh with six reinforced metal tie loops and included twine, and Coghlan's says it is washable. The Double Mosquito Net fits over two sleeping bags or cots with four corner tie loops and a carry bag.

The Hikers Mosquito Net is a tapered single net: 73 inches high, 83 inches long and 57 inches wide at the front narrowing to 36 inches at the back, with a 6 inch sheeting border that tucks under your mat and four corner rings.

Mesh: holes per square inch

Finer mesh has more, smaller holes. Sea to Summit lists 500 holes per square inch on its pyramid nets and head net, and Coghlan's lists 180 holes per square inch on its Rectangular and Hikers nets. Sea to Summit says its black mesh offers better visibility than white or olive mesh.

Permethrin and repellent

CDC says travelers can treat mosquito nets, clothing and camping gear with permethrin for added protection, and to wear permethrin-treated clothing and gear. Do not use permethrin products directly on skin, CDC says. For skin, use EPA-registered repellents and look for the EPA registration number on the label.

Sea to Summit sells Insect Shield treated versions of its pyramid net and head net, and says its permethrin treated head net repels ticks, ants, flies and mosquitoes.

What to look for when you buy

Questions people ask

Do mosquito nets work?

CDC advises mosquito nets in areas where vector-borne diseases are a risk or biting insects are present, together with EPA-registered repellent.

Should a mosquito net be treated with permethrin?

CDC says nets, clothing and gear can be treated with permethrin for added protection, but permethrin should not be used directly on skin.

What mesh size keeps mosquitoes out?

Sea to Summit lists 500 holes per square inch on its nets; Coghlan's lists 180 on its Rectangular and Hikers nets.

How do you hang a mosquito net?

Sea to Summit's pyramid nets hang from a single point; Coghlan's rectangular nets tie at four or six corner loops.

Sources

• Mosquito Pyramid Net Shelter (seatosummit.com), Sea to Summit
• Nano Mosquito Pyramid Net Shelter (seatosummit.com), Sea to Summit
• Mosquito Head Net (seatosummit.com), Sea to Summit
• Hikers Mosquito Net (coghlans.com), Coghlan's
• Double Mosquito Net (coghlans.com), Coghlan's
• Rectangular Mosquito Net (coghlans.com), Coghlan's
• Preventing Mosquito Bites (cdc.gov), CDC
• Mosquitoes, Ticks, and Other Arthropods (Yellow Book) (cdc.gov), CDC

Sources checked 2026-10-18.