Insect Repellent Clothing Essentials For Backpackers

Backpacking long distances can be a truly incredible, life-changing experience. However, you do need to have the right gear to make it happen. In addition to comfortable shoes and a good sleeping bag, you'll want to have insect-repellent clothing to keep ticks, mosquitoes, and other pests from bothering you and possibly spreading disease. But what types of insect-repellent clothing are the most necessary for backpackers? Here's a look at the essentials.

Insect-Repellent Hat

Mosquitoes, and in some areas, black flies, love to swarm your face. The skin on your face tends to be thinner and easier for them to bite through. Some people protect themselves from these pests by wearing bug nets over their faces, but this can impede your vision and be a pain to deal with in high humidity. So, an insect-repellent hat comes in handy. Look for one with a wide brim, which will ensure the insect-repelling scent and products get spread around your head in a wider area. You should notice far fewer bugs around your face, and you'll get sun protection at the same time.

Insect-Repellent Pants

You might think any pants would be enough to protect you from bugs close to the ground, but ticks have been known to occasionally bite through pants or crawl up pant legs. When you're in tick territory, it really is best to wear insect-repellent pants for extra protection. Ticks carry Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, Ehrlichiosis, and all sorts of other nasty diseases you'll really want to avoid when you're out on the trails.

Insect-Repellent Long-Sleeve Shirts

Another good article of clothing to purchase is a long-sleeve, insect repellent shirt. The sleeves will offer some physical protection from both bugs and the sun, making this a better option than short-sleeve shirts. There are a lot of really breathable long-sleeve shirts with mesh inserts that are far more comfortable than you'd imagine on hot days. And on colder days, layering this same long-sleeve shirt under a jacket or windbreaker will give you a little extra warmth while still protecting you from bugs. Look for one with a high neckline for the most protection; mosquitoes love necks.

Backpacking does require you to have the right gear in order to succeed. Look for the items above, and give them a try. Chances are, you'll find yourself dealing with far fewer bugs along the trail, and that's good for both your mood and your overall health.

For more information on insect repellent clothing, contact a company like RYNOSKIN TOTAL.

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