Grand Trunk Skeeter Beeter Pro Review

Introduction: Why I Finally Ditched the Tent for a Hammock

I have been a dedicated tent camper for over a decade. I love the ritual of staking out a footprint, the familiar zipper of a rainfly, and the feeling of being sealed in for the night. But after a particularly miserable trip to the Shenandoahs where my tent site was a root-covered slope, I started looking seriously at hammocks. The promise of sleeping flat on any terrain, suspended above the rocks and bugs, was too appealing. After weeks of research, I landed on the Grand Trunk Skeeter Beeter Pro. It was affordable, it had a built-in bug net, and the reviews were overwhelmingly positive for a budget option. I have now used this hammock on six overnight trips over the past eight months, in conditions ranging from humid Virginia summer nights to chilly early fall evenings in the Alleghenies. This is my honest, hands-on review.

How I Tested It: Real Trips, Real Conditions

I did not set up a controlled lab environment. I took this hammock into the field. My testing included:

• Three overnight backpacking trips in George Washington National Forest, where weight and packability were critical.
• Two car camping weekends at a state park in Maryland, where I tested comfort over consecutive nights.
• One afternoon setup session in my backyard, where I deliberately tried different tree spacings and strap configurations to test the learning curve.
• One night in heavy rain (with a separate tarp) to see how the integrated net handled moisture and condensation.

I used the hammock with a pair of generic 15-foot tree straps I bought separately, as well as with a set of ENO Atlas Straps to test compatibility. I slept in a 40-degree sleeping bag and later a 20-degree top quilt. I weighed the hammock on my own kitchen scale to verify the manufacturer’s claims.

Performance: The Integrated Bug Net is a Game Changer (With One Catch)

The Good: The Net Works Flawlessly

The defining feature of the Skeeter Beeter Pro is its integrated bug net. On my first test night in June, the mosquitoes were thick enough to qualify as a biblical plague. I set up the hammock, got inside, and zipped the net closed. The mesh is fine enough to block no-see-ums, which is a huge plus for anyone who has dealt with those invisible biters. I did not get a single bite. The net creates a tight seal around the hammock’s edges, and the zipper track runs smoothly without snagging the fabric. I was genuinely impressed.

The net also unzips fully. This is not one of those models where you have to crawl through a small opening. You can unzip the entire side, fold the net over the ridgeline, and turn the hammock into an open, star-gazing lounger. I used this feature constantly during afternoon breaks. It transforms the hammock from a sleep pod into a versatile camp chair. The zipper is a standard YKK-style, and after dozens of cycles, it still feels crisp.

The Bad: Claustrophobia is Real

Here is the honest truth: the integrated net can feel claustrophobic. When it is fully zipped, the mesh sits very close to your face. If you are a side sleeper like me, your nose can press against the netting. This is a common issue with integrated net hammocks, but the Skeeter Beeter Pro’s net is particularly tight. The hammock body itself is 9.5 feet long, which is on the shorter side for hammocks. Combine that with the net sagging inward, and you have a space that feels smaller than it is. I am 5’10”, and I found that if I did not lie perfectly diagonally, the net would brush against my forehead. It never caused me to panic, but it did make me aware of the fabric inches from my face. If you are prone to feeling trapped in small spaces, this might be a dealbreaker.

Weight and Packability

Grand Trunk claims the hammock weighs 27 ounces. My scale put it at exactly 28 ounces with the included stuff sack. That is impressively light for a hammock with a full integrated net. It packs down to about the size of a small cantaloupe. For backpacking, this is a solid weight. It is not ultralight, but it is competitive with other “all-in-one” hammocks like the ENO Junglenest or the Warbonnet Blackbird (which cost significantly more). The fabric is 70D ripstop nylon, which feels durable without being heavy. I have dragged it over rocks and tree bark without any punctures or tears.

Build Quality and Value: You Get What You Pay For (And That’s Good)

Materials and Stitching

The hammock body is made from a 70D ripstop nylon that has a soft, almost silky feel. It is not as breathable as a 40D fabric, but it is more durable. The stitching on the gathered ends is reinforced with bar tacks, and the triple-stitched seams have held up without any fraying. The carabiners included are aluminum and rated to 300 pounds. They are functional but feel a little cheap compared to aftermarket options. I replaced mine with wiregate carabiners after the first trip because the stock ones were stiff. The ridgeline is a simple piece of paracord, which works fine for hanging a light or a clothesline, but it is not adjustable. For the price, the build quality is impressive. Nothing has broken, ripped, or come loose.

The Value Proposition

This is where the Skeeter Beeter Pro shines. It typically retails for around $60 to $70. Compare that to an ENO DoubleNest ($70) plus a separate bug net ($40 to $50), and you are saving significant money. The integrated net eliminates the hassle of rigging a separate net that often sags or gaps. For the price of a single night in a mediocre hotel, you get a complete sleep system that will last for years. The value is undeniable.

The Missing Piece: Suspension Straps

I have to call out the biggest con: suspension straps are not included. The hammock comes with two carabiners and a stuff sack. That is it. To hang it, you need to buy separate tree straps or use rope. Grand Trout sells their own “Tree Slings” for about $15, but they are short (6 feet) and not the best. I strongly recommend buying a set of 15-foot polyester straps with a daisy chain or a cinch buckle system. This adds another $20 to $30 to your total cost. So while the hammock itself is a great value, the true cost of a complete setup is closer to $90. That is still a bargain, but it is important to know going in. Do not buy this hammock expecting to hang it out of the box.

Who Should Buy the Grand Trunk Skeeter Beeter Pro?

After months of use, I have a clear picture of the ideal user for this hammock.

Buy this if:

• You are a budget-conscious backpacker who wants an all-in-one bug protection solution without spending $200 on a cottage brand hammock.
• You are a car camper or festival-goer who wants a comfortable lounger that can double as a bed on warm nights.
• You are under 6 feet tall. The 9.5-foot length works well for people up to about 5’10”. Taller users will find the net too close to their face and the lay angle too tight.
• You want simplicity. One hammock, one net, one zipper. No fiddling with separate bug nets or complicated setups.

Do not buy this if:

• You are over 6 feet tall or over 220 pounds. The weight limit is 300 pounds, but the comfort limit is lower. Taller users will feel cramped.
• You are claustrophobic or dislike having fabric near your face while sleeping.
• You want a ready-to-hang system with no extra purchases. Factor in the cost of straps.
• You need a hammock for below-freezing temperatures. The net is not designed for winter use, and the single-layer bottom requires an underquilt for insulation.

My Verdict: The Best Budget Hammock with a Net, Period

I have been honest about the flaws. The net is claustrophobic for some. The suspension straps omission is annoying. The length is not ideal for tall people. But when I weigh all of that against the price, the durability, and the sheer effectiveness of the bug net, I keep coming back to the same conclusion: the Grand Trunk Skeeter Beeter Pro is the best value in the hammock market for anyone who needs bug protection.

It has replaced my tent for solo trips. I sleep better in it than I do on the ground. The net has kept me bite-free in swamps and meadows. It packs small enough to fit in my daypack. For under $100 total (with straps), you have a complete, reliable sleep system. I have recommended it to three friends already, and two of them have bought their own. It is not a luxury item. It is a tool that works. If you are on the fence about hammock camping, this is the hammock that will get you off the ground and into the trees without breaking the bank. I will keep using mine for years to come.