Flatlander3
Active member
Anyone have good recommendations for a light weight sun protection shirt that also protects for mosquitoes, flies, nats, etc? Planning for the BWCA.
Thanks!
Thanks!
Sun and Bug shirt
- Thread starter Flatlander3
- Start date
Dougfirtree
Well-known member
I like the Patagonia Sun Stretch shirt, but I have a pro deal and they are a little steep if you're paying full price...
DoubleAron
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- Aug 2, 2023
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There are a lot of great sun shirts out there. One of my favs is the mountain Hardwear crater lake. Since you list bug protection the Sitka Equinox guard system is well thought out and effective in my experience. You could also spray you clothes with Permethrin as well.
jpcoll01
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- Jan 14, 2021
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Freefly lightweight hoodie treated with permethrin. The bamboo breathes super well so no worries with long sleeve, head (I’m bald) and hand coverage in hot temps.
WildWill
Well-known member
I love my kuiu Gila LS shirts and hoody. Nothing better to protect you from the hot desert or coastal sun IMO bugs not so much. I have a pair of the of Sitka equinox pants with the bug guard but haven't used them enough to give a honest review.
I have had pretty good luck with this one: https://forloh.com/collections/mens-outdoor-shirts/products/insect-shield-hooded-long-sleeve-shirt
I found they run a little big but it seems to really keep the mosquitos and ticks away.
I found they run a little big but it seems to really keep the mosquitos and ticks away.
The sun stretch shirt is good but looks stupid. I really like the tropic thunder hooded shirt. I pay full price. I continue to get their stuff cause it is better.
David658
Well-known member
I simply take the shirt I like best, and soak it in Permethrin. Will last six or more washes, I find it cheaper than buying a bug proof shirt. Soaking your hat in permethrin (by soaking I mean spraying it to the point of being very wet) is very important, maybe more so, than the shirt IMHO.
David
NM
David
NM
Dougfirtree
Well-known member
Wait, you mean I've been walking around looking stupid and no one told me!?
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diazjm2378
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The best one I have found is the sitka core lightweight hoody has a face mask as well. Wearing the hoodie and the face mask will protect you from the bugs. The hoody is only about 6 Oz in weight.
Hhahahah. I'm sure you look great! I looked stupid.
Drenching clothes in 2oz water soluble permethrin per gallon of water works, but it stinks pretty bad at first. The stinky phase will repel mosquitoes. Later they just don't land for long. Other bugs jump off or die. Permethrin is a nerve agent and does act on you with direct skin contact. Whether possible risk is worth it is up to the user. People use different formulas and concentrations. 2oz/gal works whereas weaker has failed me.
https://www.insectshield.com/pages/insect-shield-your-clothes will do any clothes you like. I like the Elimitick clothing because the permethrin is bonded to the fabric; not absorbed and absorb-able. The only additional insect repellent required is on exposed skin. A little Ultrathon cream is much more pleasant than spraying lots of DEET and lasts longer.
https://www.insectshield.com/pages/insect-shield-your-clothes will do any clothes you like. I like the Elimitick clothing because the permethrin is bonded to the fabric; not absorbed and absorb-able. The only additional insect repellent required is on exposed skin. A little Ultrathon cream is much more pleasant than spraying lots of DEET and lasts longer.
Agreed with a few folks on here you're better off getting whatever sun shirt you prefer and applying permethrin. I like Outdoor Research Echo shirts, but countless options from mountaineering/backpacking brands that are very effective and not much different.
nastynate
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- Mar 7, 2021
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I use Columbia pfg Tamiami button up shirts and a bug headnet lives in the breast pocket. The shirt is baggy which keeps mosquitoes from biting through into your skin, unlike some tighter fitting sun shirts. But try one on as I think they run big. I pull Headnet out on portages or if bugs are otherwise awful. My preference is to have a baseball style hat instead of broad brim hat if you’re wearing a headnet. The headsets weigh nothing. I hate wearing them but when the bugs are really bad it’s nice to have.
nastynate
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Also steer clear of the dark/earth tones. Some of these bugs, flies in particular, are tuned into darker colors. Ask my black lab. Plus if you're in the sun all day it'll help you stay cool.
Irrelevant
Well-known member
I'll be the first to say, I don't think there is a product that works well as both a sun shirt and prevents skeeters. For the former I really like this one: https://www.mountainhardwear.ca/en/p/mens-crater-lake-hoody-1982411.html?dwvar_1982411_color=642
for keeping skeeters off... IDK, I've rocked both a wind shell: https://www.montbell.us/products/disp.php?cat_id=25014&p_id=2303139&gen_cd=1
and a fleece: https://www.patagonia.com/product/mens-microdini-fleece-hoody/26210.html?dwvar_26210_color=ENLB
both without 100% efficacy
bugs suck.
for keeping skeeters off... IDK, I've rocked both a wind shell: https://www.montbell.us/products/disp.php?cat_id=25014&p_id=2303139&gen_cd=1
and a fleece: https://www.patagonia.com/product/mens-microdini-fleece-hoody/26210.html?dwvar_26210_color=ENLB
both without 100% efficacy
bugs suck.
