Byer of Maine Moskito Kakoon Hammock
Product Description
I reviewed the Byer of Maine Moskito Kakoon when it came out in 2014. The company has made some improvements and released a new version this year. For the most part, Byer of Maine has kept the hammock true to the original but with some notable updates. Most importantly, the hammock is now 8 inches longer and has an increased weight rating (275 lbs). This increases the number of people who might fit this hammock.
The 2016 model also features removable bug net poles, which means the hammock can be easily flipped over and used as an open-style hammock for lounging and general recreation without worrying about the poles ripping through. The extra length really improves the lay of this hammock and makes it usable by most folks up to 6 ft tall.
It still lacks any suspension, so you’ll have to purchase that separately.
Overall Impressions and Updates
The Moskito Kakoon is a very lightweight yet fully-featured jungle hammock. The price remains a remarkable $60, which makes this jungle hammock a steal, especially when compared against similar products (see list below). For anyone starting with hammock camping, I highly recommend the Moskito Kakoon because you get a very versatile hammock at less than the cost of most open style hammocks. Even when adding a suitable strap and suspension system, the hammock will still cost less than any other jungle hammock on the market.
When I tested the new model, I instantly felt the added room from the extra 8 inches in length. I like how the bug net poles really help open up the interior space. Since the poles are now removable, packing is much easier as you can stuff the material into a smaller space and not worry about bending or poking issues.
Ironically, the smaller, removable poles are at risk of getting lost. Unfortunately, while I was testing the hammock I lost one pole while I was setting it up. On the plus side, I prefer the poles on the head end more than the foot end, so it worked out in the end.
I’m still not a fan of the mesh pockets sewn into the bug netting. Placing my smartphone or flashlight into these pockets pulls the netting down and warps the shape. I just am not a fan of these pockets. I wish there were interior pockets attached to the hem of the hammock bed fabric instead.
Recommendations and Review
| Criteria | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension and Anchor System | ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ | The end loops are usable and work with multiple options, but the hammock doesn’t come with any suspension system. |
| Construction and Craftsmanship | ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ | The quality is very good. Even stitching throughout. A few loose threads. Exposed interior seams typical of a mass-produced product. |
| Modularity | ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ | The removable spreader bars make the hammock much more modular. |
| Aesthetics | ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ | Only available in Spruce Green/tawny |
| Price and Value | ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ | Best deal anywhere for a jungle hammock. |
- Manufacturer: Byer of Maine, made in China
- MSRP: US$60
Available Features/Specifications
Features
- Jungle hammock with integrated, zippered bug netting
- Removable spreader bars to hold open the bug netting on the head and foot ends
- Adjustable ridgeline to hold the bug netting up.
- Lightweight design
Specifications
- Hammock: 116 × 56 in (295 × 142 cm)
- Weight Capacity: 275 lbs (125 kg)
Weight
- 22 oz (623 g)
Similar Products
- ENO JungleNest
- Grand Trunk Goods Skeeter Beeter Pro
Disclosure of material connection: The author (Derek Hansen) was provided with a free sample from the manufacturer for testing and evaluation purposes. The comments in this post (written & spoken) are of my own opinion, which I formed after personally handling the gear. I was under no obligation to publish a review of this item.