I am thinking about getting this hat from REI. http://www.rei.com/product/813292/quiksilver-pierside-hat

I love the fact that it has a 4.5 inch brim on front and 5 inch rim on sides. Typical safari hats don't work for me because the brim does cover my neck. 3 inches is just not enough. I realize they have hats with capes that extend off of them, but many that I've experience do not extend completely over the length of my neck.

Here is the problem. I already purchased this headnet from backpackinglight.com http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/ultralight_headnet.html.

I know and realize that this headnet probably will not extend over the top of my hat. With that known, I would have to where it directly on my hat and put my head on top of that. This poses the issue of the net not being brought away from my face with the help of the hat brim. This could and probably will allow mosquitoes to bite me through the headnet since it would be close enough to my body while completely touching me at places all together.

Any help, assistance, and suggestions would be greeted with great appreciation. Thank you.

If you could find out what type of mesh is used in the BPL net, perhaps you could make your own, with a larger diameter? I'd like to know what type mesh this is myself, as I'd love to try making my own net with it. I agree that wearing a net under a hat is not satisfactory for keeping the mosquitoes off your skin.

nm.

Edited by greg23 on 05/22/2011 11:21:05 MDT.

This is what I use . Folds up well. Not too $.
http://www.leevalley.com/US/garden/page.aspx?p=47932&cat=2,51555,47932

Look for tulle at a fabric store (e.g. Joann), or
nanoseeum at thru-hiker:
http://thru-hiker.com/materials/breathable.php

You could just drape this over the hat and tuck the ends into the neck of your shirt covering your whole head and hat like the commercial head nets. If you wanted to get fancy, work out some way of keeping the bottom in place (loops under your armpit, velcro to the inside of your shirt, etc.) You really don't want the netting to come out of your shirt.

If you decide to get rid of the BPL headnet let me know. I want one for a trip on the JMT in September, but they are always out of stock.

I'm not sure I see the problem. Judging from the pictures, the model is wearing a 3+" brimmed hat with plenty of spare material at the bottom. You should be fine. The deepest V-neck shirts may have issues, but most should be fine.

I agree, I don't think there will be a problem using it with the hat you describe.

How durable is that headnet? Could a down vest be stuffed inside to function as a pillow? This is what I do, then cover the whole thing with a buff. Very comfortable.

Steve