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The Grand Trunk Skeeter Beeter XT is a field staple for budget-conscious hikers who refuse to let insects ruin a night in the backcountry. It integrates an ultra-fine no-see-um mesh canopy directly onto a durable parachute nylon hammock body. Access comes via a two-sided double zipper that opens wide, allowing you to slip in and out easily. When you are hanging in an area free of bugs, you simply flip the hammock over and use it as a standard open-air sling without the mesh in your face. To keep the net elevated, Grand Trunk includes elastic shock cords that tie off to overhead branches or your suspension points. Inside the net, hanging loops and storage pockets keep your headlamp, pocketknife, and water bottle within easy reach off the damp ground. The nylon body has enough give to contour nicely to your shoulders, and the generous dimensions accommodate taller sleepers reasonably well without binding at the ankles. Unlike Hennessy's all-in-one shelters, the Skeeter Beeter XT does not include a rainfly or tree suspension straps. You will need to bring your own straps to hang the hammock and pack a separate tarp if wet weather threatens. The shock cord net-suspension system also requires a minute of extra fidgeting compared to internal spreader bar systems, but the price-to-performance ratio remains stellar. **Highlights** - Integrated no-see-um mesh keeps out tiny gnats and mosquitoes - Reversible design flips over for open-air lounging when bugs are gone - Double-sided zipper allows easy entry and exit from either side - Interior gear pockets keep nighttime essentials off the ground - Roomy parachute nylon cut supports diagonal positioning **Watch-outs** - Tree straps and rainfly not included - Shock-cord net suspension requires separate anchor points - Parachute nylon absorbs moisture and takes time to dry
Pros
- Dense no-see-um mesh blocks biting gnats and mosquitoes effectively
- Reversible design flips easily into an open lounger when bugs clear
- Generous 10.5-foot length allows an ergonomic diagonal sleeping lay
- Durable 70D nylon stands up to rough trail wear and heavy gear use
Cons
- Tree straps and rain protection must be purchased separately
- External shock cord net rigging requires fiddly overhead anchor points
- Total packed bulk is higher than dedicated ultralight backcountry shelters
Best uses
- Buggy woodland backpacking
- Canoe and river camping
- Budget wilderness trail kits
- Warm-weather buggy backyard lounging
Specifications
- Weight Capacity
- 400 lbs
- Fabric
- 70D parachute nylon taffeta
- Netting
- Ultra-fine no-see-um mesh
- Dimensions
- 10 ft 6 in x 5 ft
- Packed Weight
- 28 oz (hammock, carabiners, cord)
- Included Hardware
- Two wiregate carabiners, shock cord
Pricing
We don't publish a price we haven't verified. The retailer links below open the live listing for this exact model.
Full catalog listing & offersBest for
Buggy woodland backpacking, Canoe and river camping, Budget wilderness trail kits, Warm-weather buggy backyard lounging
Where to buy the Skeeter Beeter XT Hammock
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If you camp in warm, insect-infested river valleys or swampy lowlands, sleeping without net coverage is out of the question. The Grand Trunk Skeeter Beeter XT has been a standby for years because it delivers dependable bug defense without forcing you to shell out cottage-industry money. It pairs a classic parachute nylon base with an integrated no-see-um mesh canopy that zips up tight against midges, gnats, and mosquitoes. The real beauty of this design lies in its flexibility. During peak bug season, you climb inside through the double-sided zipper and enjoy complete enclosure. When conditions cool down or the pests disperse, you simply flip the hammock over and sit or sleep on the bare nylon side without the netting dangling in your face. Keep your expectations calibrated regarding total shelter weight and out-of-the-box readiness. Grand Trunk sells this primarily as a hammock and net shell. You do not get tree-friendly hanging straps, nor do you get a rainfly. Once you supply your own suspension and tarp, you have a solid, highly functional backcountry shelter, but it requires that small initial effort to complete the kit.
Target User and Scope
The Skeeter Beeter XT is tailored for backpackers, scouts, and recreational paddlers who prioritize reliable insect protection over hyper-minimalist pack weights. If your weekend routes run through lake country, deep southern river bottoms, or damp woods, this hammock solves the bug problem cleanly. It is not an ultralight setup for thru-hikers obsessive about single-digit base weights, nor is it an all-in-one package for first-timers who want every stake, strap, and tarp in a single box. Instead, it serves the self-sufficient camper who already has suspension straps or wants to choose their own rigging. It gives you a tough, comfortable enclosed hammock body at a fraction of the price charged by high-end shelter makers, leaving cash in your gear budget for insulation and weather protection.
Materials and Build Quality
Grand Trunk uses a robust 70D parachute nylon taffeta for the main sling. This material has just enough elasticity to conform to your torso and shoulders without feeling like an overly stretchy trampoline. The stitching along the perimeter and seam transitions is tidy and triple-stitched at high-stress areas. The canopy uses a tight no-see-um grade mesh that halts even microscopic biting gnats. The zipper runs along a reinforced track that withstands nocturnal entries and exits without catching constantly on the fabric edge. Because it uses heavier 70D nylon rather than whisper-thin 20D silpoly, the fabric resists abrasion from rough boot soles, keys, and dog claws far better than delicate racing hammocks, making it tough enough for aggressive field use across multiple seasons.
Bug Protection and Rigging
The bug canopy keeps insects off your skin, but setting it up properly requires some extra patience. Unlike high-end gathered-end hammocks that feature an integrated structural ridgeline, the Skeeter Beeter relies on exterior elastic shock cords. You tie these off to your suspension ropes, high tree bark, or overhead branches to pull the mesh away from your face. If you hang the shock cord too loose, the netting sags onto your nose; if you hang it too tight, the elastic stretches thin and stresses the net seams. Once tuned, the volume inside is respectable. The dual double-sided zippers operate smoothly from both inside and out, and two interior gear pockets give you a reliable place to stash your headlamp, spectacles, or phone where you can easily find them in total darkness.
Sleeping Geometry and Comfort
At ten feet, six inches in length and five feet in width, the dimensions hit a sweet spot for most adults under six feet, two inches. It provides enough length to lie on a distinct diagonal angle, which is the only reliable way to get a flat, ergonomic sleeping posture in a gathered-end hammock. Taller sleepers will find reasonable calf clearance without aggressive ridge pressure beneath the knees, provided the hammock is hung with a standard thirty-degree strap angle. The fabric cut is symmetrical, giving you the freedom to position your head at either end. When you invert the hammock on bug-free evenings, the mesh simply rests underneath the nylon, creating a clean, open lounger that lets you enjoy unimpeded views of the tree canopy.
The Suspension and Add-on Reality
The biggest blind spot for new buyers is understanding what is missing from the sack. Grand Trunk includes two decent wiregate carabiners pre-attached to the gathered ends with short ropes, but there are no wide tree-saver straps in the package. Wrapping thin ropes directly around living tree bark cuts into the cambium layer, so you will need to purchase standard one-inch or 1.5-inch webbing straps separately. Furthermore, the shelter does not include a tarp. If you expect rain or wind, you must add an overhead rainfly. Once you factor in two tree straps and an eight-by-ten silnylon tarp, your complete shelter weight moves closer to two and a half pounds, and your overall investment creeps up accordingly.
Market Competitors and Value
At this price bracket, the Skeeter Beeter XT goes head-to-head with options like the ENO Jungle Link system and entry-level Hennessy Expedition hammocks. The Hennessy gives you an integrated rainfly and built-in structural ridgeline, but it restricts you to an asymmetrical footprint and costs significantly more. The ENO alternative is notoriously heavy and often pricier when purchased with its matched accessories. Cottage offerings from Dutchware or Warbonnet provide premium lightweight textiles, customized zip-off nets, and integrated ridgelines, but they run more than double the price of the Grand Trunk. For hikers on a sensible budget who want a proven, durable net-hammock that takes field abuse without fuss, the Skeeter Beeter remains one of the smartest value buys available.
How we picked
We started with a long list of camping hammocks that people actually buy, cut anything that could not clear our baseline for durability and field performance, then ranked the 10 that were left against the same criteria. Rankings are editorial. No brand pays for placement, and affiliate links never move a pick up or down.
- Real-world durability
- How the material, stitching, or steel holds up after a season of hard use — not how it looks new.
- Performance in bad conditions
- Wind, rain, cold, and grit are the test. Anything that only works on a nice day gets marked down.
- Weight and packability
- Every ounce has to earn its place in the pack, but not at the cost of something that fails in the field.
- Ease of use
- Setup, adjustment, and maintenance with cold hands, in the dark, without the manual.
- Value at its price point
- Compared against the closest competitors in the same tier, not against cheaper gear in a different class.
- Repairability and support
- Field-fixable design, available parts, and a warranty the maker actually honors.
Skeeter Beeter XT Hammock — frequently asked questions
- Is the Skeeter Beeter XT Hammock worth it?
- We rank it #7 in Camping Hammocks. The Grand Trunk Skeeter Beeter XT is a field staple for budget-conscious hikers who refuse to let insects ruin a night in the backcountry. It integrates an ultra-fine no-see-um mesh canopy directly onto a durable parachute nylon hammock body.
- What is the Skeeter Beeter XT Hammock best for?
- Best for buggy woodland backpacking, canoe and river camping, budget wilderness trail kits and warm-weather buggy backyard lounging. Standouts: dense no-see-um mesh blocks biting gnats and mosquitoes effectively and reversible design flips easily into an open lounger when bugs clear.
- What are the downsides of the Skeeter Beeter XT Hammock?
- Tree straps and rain protection must be purchased separately, External shock cord net rigging requires fiddly overhead anchor points and Total packed bulk is higher than dedicated ultralight backcountry shelters.
- What are the key specs of the Skeeter Beeter XT Hammock?
- Weight Capacity: 400 lbs · Fabric: 70D parachute nylon taffeta · Netting: Ultra-fine no-see-um mesh · Dimensions: 10 ft 6 in x 5 ft · Packed Weight: 28 oz (hammock, carabiners, cord)
- Target User and Scope — what should I know about the Skeeter Beeter XT Hammock?
- The Skeeter Beeter XT is tailored for backpackers, scouts, and recreational paddlers who prioritize reliable insect protection over hyper-minimalist pack weights. If your weekend routes run through lake country, deep southern river bottoms, or damp woods, this hammock solves the bug problem cleanly.
- Materials and Build Quality — what should I know about the Skeeter Beeter XT Hammock?
- Grand Trunk uses a robust 70D parachute nylon taffeta for the main sling. This material has just enough elasticity to conform to your torso and shoulders without feeling like an overly stretchy trampoline.
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