The Complete Guide to Mosquito Nets for Travel & Adventure

Why Mosquito Nets Matter

When you’re travelling through tropical or subtropical regions, a mosquito net isn’t just a comfort item, it can be a life-saving piece of kit. Mosquitoes and other biting insects can transmit serious diseases including malaria, dengue fever, Zika virus, West Nile virus, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis, and chikungunya. These illnesses are most prevalent across Sub-Saharan Africa, South and Southeast Asia, Central and South America, and Oceania.

A mosquito net creates a physical barrier between you and insects during sleep, when you’re most vulnerable. Treated nets go a step further, combining protection with active repellency. Lifesystems mosquito nets are available both treated with EX8 Anti-Mosquito technology (approved by the UK HSE as safe for adults, children and babies) and untreated nets for lower-risk destinations.

For travellers heading to midge-prone or sandfly regions (think Scotland, Scandinavia or Patagonia), ultra-fine mesh options provide reliable defence against even the smallest nuisance insects.

How to Choose the Right Mosquito Net

The best mosquito net for you depends on a few key factors:

• Destination: Tropical or temperate regions, malaria zones or nuisance-only insects
• Accommodation: Hotels, hostels, guesthouses, camping or hammocks
• Group size: Solo traveller, couple, family
• Weight and portability: Ultralight backpacking or longer stays in one place
• Ease of setup: Quick overnight stops or permanent fixtures

Quick Tip: If you’re moving around daily and need something compact, a wedge or self-supporting net is ideal. For longer stays, a roomy box or bell net is often the better choice. More on that below…

Built Tough for Real-World Travel

When you’re off-grid, gear failure isn’t an option. Lifesystems mosquito nets are made with 75D polyester, a tougher and more durable fabric than the lightweight materials used in many basic nets. Every treated net also features a reinforced skirt at the base, an extra-tough section that reduces wear when tucked under mattresses or draped against walls and furniture.

All treated nets use a 156 holes per square inch mesh, the density recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) to block all mosquito species while still allowing airflow. For midges and sandflies, our Expedition Mesh provides 1001 holes per square inch for ultimate protection.

This balance of toughness, breathability and protection is what makes Lifesystems nets trusted by adventurers around the world.

Types of Mosquito Nets

Wedge Mosquito Nets

Best for: Backpackers, hostel stays, compact travel

The wedge-style mosquito net is shaped a bit like a slice of cake, higher at one end and sloping down at the other. The taller end gives you enough space to sit up (and even stand, depending on the room height), while the lower end drapes neatly over the bed.

It’s a great option for travellers who want something simple and compact. Wedge nets can be hung from just one suspension point, and in many cases, you can hang them from a wall or side fixture, which makes them ideal for tighter spaces like hostels, cabins or small hotel rooms.

(Tip: the Lifesystems Superlight MicroNet is especially good for this.)

While lightweight and easy to carry, this style does create a more enclosed space, so you might notice a bit less airflow compared to larger styles. That said, if you'd prefer a bit more internal room and don’t mind a slightly larger pack size, check out the Lifesystems MicroNet. It includes a spreader bar, which helps lift the netting away from your face and body, giving you a more spacious and comfortable sleep area.

Box Mosquito Nets

Best for: Longer stays, couples, hot climates

The box mosquito net is exactly what it sounds like, a rectangular, roomy net that hangs down evenly on all sides to create a comfortable sleeping area. It’s suspended from four points, one at each corner of the bed, and can be attached to hooks, beams or ceiling fixings.

In many tropical countries, bedrooms often come with built-in frames or fixtures specifically designed for this type of net, making setup easier. If you're staying in guesthouses, lodges or more permanent accommodation, this style is a great choice, especially if you're not moving around every day.

One of the big plus points of a box net is how much space and airflow it gives you. You can sit up, spread out, and not feel too enclosed which is ideal in hot, humid environments. If needed, the edge of the net can be tucked under a mattress to ensure zero gaps.

The trade-off is that it does take a bit longer to put up and take down, so it’s probably not the best choice for quick overnight stops or fast-paced trips. But for longer stays in one place, a box net can make your bed feel like a safe, breathable cocoon.

Bell Mosquito Nets

Best for: Comfort, hotel stays, couples

The bell mosquito net offers the spacious comfort of a box net, but with the quick setup of a wedge. It hangs from a single high suspension point, using two crossed spreader bars to create a roomy, bell-shaped interior above your bed.

At the base, you'll find a reinforced skirt made from tougher fabric. This helps protect the mesh when the net is tucked under a mattress, reducing the risk of snags or wear.

Thanks to its generous volume, the Bell Net gives you a cool, airy sleep space where you can move freely without netting pressing against your skin. It’s ideal for longer stays in places with a reliable hanging point, such as hotels, lodges, or more permanent accommodation.

The extra fabric and spreader bars do make it a little bulkier and heavier than our most lightweight designs. It’s not the best pick for fast-paced, multi-stop itineraries, but it’s perfect when comfort matters more than pack size. That’s why at Lifesystems, we offer this style in a double size only, making it ideal for couples or solo travellers who just want more room.

Arc Self-Supporting Mosquito Nets

Best for: Places with no hanging points

If you're heading somewhere with no hanging points and you don’t want to stress about it on arrival, the Arc Self-Supporting Mosquito Net is the ideal solution. Designed for situations where traditional nets just won’t work, this clever setup provides reliable protection without the need for hooks, beams or ceiling fixings.

At the heart of the design is a lightweight aluminium frame at the head end, which lifts the net into a wedge-shaped structure. This means the net holds its shape on its own, giving you a secure and spacious interior with no suspension required.

Setup is simple: unfold the frame, position the net over your bed, and use the adjustable webbing straps to secure it under the mattress. There are zipped door panels on both sides, making it easy to get in and out without awkward wrangling with fabric.

This makes the Arc Net a great choice for short- to medium-term stays in lodges, rural guesthouses, hostels or anywhere without reliable hanging points.

Expedition Mesh Mosquito Nets

Best for: Scotland, Scandinavia, Patagonia, nuisance insects

For travel in cooler, non-tropical destinations like northern Europe where midges and mosquitoes are a nuisance, our Expedition Mesh range provides reliable protection using a dense 1001 holes per square inch mesh that’s ideal for smaller biting insects.

While this tighter weave reduces airflow, making it less suited for hot and humid climates, it excels in environments where ventilation isn’t a priority. These nets can still be used in tropical regions, as the fine mesh ensures nothing can get through.

The range includes:

• SoloNet wedge-shaped net: compact protection for single beds
• GeoNet freestanding tent-style net: shock-corded aluminium poles, requires no hooks or suspension

Other Protective Options

For travel beyond the bed, Lifesystems also provides:

• Mosquito head nets – perfect for trekking, fishing or cooking in midge-heavy areas
• Insect repellents – the perfect companion to nets for 24/7 defence

Care & Maintenance

From our experience in real travel situations, mosquito nets are rarely used continuously for long stretches, which means with proper care they can last for many years. To make sure yours performs at its best every time:

• Check for damage: Always inspect your net for small tears or holes before use.
• Store correctly: Keep your net dry and pack it loosely to prevent damage to the mesh and treatment.
• Set up with ease: Every Lifesystems net includes a QuickHang system with hooks and cord, making it simple to hang in almost any type of accommodation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a treated net?
If travelling in malaria zones or high-risk tropical areas, yes. Treated nets add an extra layer of protection.

Are treated nets safe for kids?
Yes, EX8 treatment is approved as safe for adults, children and babies.

What’s the difference between 156 and 1001 mesh?
156 holes per square inch is ideal for mosquitoes in the tropics. 1001 holes per square inch stops smaller insects like midges, but reduces airflow.

How do I hang a net in a hostel?
Most nets include hooks and cord, and the Lifesystems QuickHang system makes setup fast even in awkward spaces. For extra peace of mind, take along a Mosquito Net Hanging Kit, which gives you additional fixings to deal with those more challenging setups.

Final Thoughts

A good mosquito net is one of the most important pieces of travel gear you can pack. From lightweight wedge nets for hostel hopping to spacious box nets for longer stays, Lifesystems has a design to match every journey.

Protect your nights so you can make the most of your days. Explore the full Lifesystems mosquito net range.