#1 mosquito coils good, bad? We have used coils going back to the '60's mostly outside but to skeeter proof the tent too. Bad idea or no big deal? I don't like the idea of insecticides on my clothes or tent (perm whatever)

#2 PFD. I use a regular pfd but have thought about getting a self inflating style. The self inflating looks like it would be more comfortable . Do they need to be completely submerged to inflate or will a big splash or rain set one off ? Opinions please.

#3 Any ideas on a light source inside the tent? It needs to be small ,similar in size to the candle lanterns but brighter using aa or aaa batteries.

Thanks, Merlyn

1. not much luck with coils. Thermacell units work better IMO. also we permethrin cloths and tent if going in July or August. All other months we just use Deet or eucalyptus/ lemon oil stuff as needed.

2. Self inflating PFD's will not be set off by splash or rain. They work only on submersion or you can pull a cord to inflate.

3. Have you looked at Luci lamps? They are solar powered and work great if you have some sunny days and put them out. I don't have any experience with battery powered lanterns. I use my headlamp if Luci light dies.

1. Thermacell's work okay with no wind, coils likely the same unless the wind is light and predictabale and you position it up-wind of you.

2. Self inflating PFD's work off of one of two principles. The one I have has a "bobbin" in it. The bobbin dissolves very quickly when wet. This releases the valve and fills the bladder with Co2. I always carry an extra arming kit with. I have never had an accidental discharge, but I have read about many people that have. To be safe if it's raining I wear it under my rain jacket. I don't leave it hanging on the clothes line over night (it's in my dry tent with me). Every knows I'm wearing it so know horseplay (i.e. purposeful splashing). I forget about the other type of mechanism. Perhaps it's a simple mechanical one. As far as comfort goes, I forget that I have it on. It's never in the way and not bulky, hot, or cumbersome. With that said it also doesn't have any pockets, no storage, and only a couple of D-rings.

3. I have both Luci and Goal Zero lights. No batteries needed, very light weight, a charge lasts a long time. The new ones have a multitude of color options for light.

#1 Have had success with coils, for the money and weight can't hurt.
#2 No opinion
#3 I like my little black diamond but can find it cheaper if you hunt around. Not super bright for a tent but very functional and light.

Coils work well for me just need little to no wind.

I use a hibrid inflatable, for a long time liked it a lot but was heavy. Went to a lightweight fixed flotation Astral YTV.

Like and use Luci solar lanterns and now a Goal Zero Crush, no bateries, lite weight, small packed size, and plenty of light inside a tent.

butthead

Coils are amazing. I wouldn't use one in the tent though... there shouldn't be bugs in there. And the solar inflatable lanterns are the only thing I use nowadays. Simply amazing.

No experience with the 1st two items, for lighting, I love these...

Lux Pro LP352 flashlight

#2 PFD.
This is the first year I used a self inflating PFD. It was awesome! Lightweight, cool and comfortable. Mine is automatic or manual (Onyx A/M 24 Deluxe). I brought a spare CO2 and bobbin as a backup but never needed it. I asked the same question about a year ago and discovered that out of all the folks that responded, only one person used the self inflating style. All others used the regular vest style. I got it for use down here and liked it so much I used it on our latest canoe trip. If you need to, TSA allows you to take them on commercial flights.

I use coils at the cabin. I hang 4 or more on the deck or the porch. They keep the bugs away from us and also away from the doors. One is never enough. 4 or 5 work well. I would never put a lit coil in my tent.
I use a backpacker thermacell when camping etc. Works pretty well.
I am a believer in permethrin. I've used it for years.

No opinion on the other two.

For mosquitoes deet, pfd, I went back to a regular one. My self inflatable has inflated twice accidentally. Lucy light for the tent.

I love my Black Diamond Moji, although I've always wanted to try the Luci Light as well.

Black Diamond Moji

Something about inflatables seldom mentioned or done. Triggering experience in the water in non-emergency training. Re-arming is simple and you do not need expensive kits. I bought green firing pin indicators by the dozen and simple CO2 powerlets and tested yearly in Sterns inflatable fishing vest and a Kokotat SeaO2 hybrid.
Halkey-Roberts Life Jacket Inflator Replacement Indicator Pins, 6-Pack
CO2 powerlets other brand and types are easily sourced.

butthead

My favorite low-cost lanterns that put out good light:

(1) Thorfire rechargeable: solar charge or USB. $16. Collapses to the size of a hockey puck and can be used as a flashlight when closed.

(2) Rayovac Sportsman 3 AA: a lot of light for such a small lantern

(3) Luci (frosted---easier on the eyes)

I usually take all 3 of these in case of failure, plus a headlamp. I find solar lanterns aren't all that reliable for recharging, so I always take a battery lantern as well. I have a Siege 4D but honestly the above lanterns (combined) do a better job.

2. To expand on what Northwoodsman said, the other mechanism for inflatable PFDs is a hydrostatic pressure valve. Those are triggered by the pressure of actually being *under* water, so can't be set off just by wetness. The dissolvable bobbin kind won't go off from splashing or a light rain, but a sustained soaker can do it. The hydrostatic ones are therefore somewhat preferred for flexibility, but also significantly more expensive.

Personally, I do have an inflatable one that is the bobbin style but that I've actually converted to manual-triggering only that I wear in my (small) motor boat, which is typically used for day fishing outings in the metro, i.e. a relatively safe environment. I'm still wearing a foam PFD for canoeing and wilderness stuff, both because it provides more protection against hypothermia and because it has more pockets for ditch kit materials.

tonyyarusso: "...because it provides more protection against hypothermia..
."

Don't kid yourself on this. No protection from your pdf against hypothermia. None.

Northwoodsman: " To be safe if it's raining I wear it under my rain jacket. "

I do not think that is legal, or a wise decision. It blocks the inflation (amazing how large they are triggered or orally inflated), prevents manual activation, may render auto activation useless, if it goes off it may cause trouble with your breathing restricting chest, and blocks access to the oral inflation tube.

butthead

Thanks to all for your input. I ordered an auto inflating pdf, am going to stick to coils ( when I said using it in the tent I meant to kill skitters trapped in the tent never while I'm in it ) and I'm going to try using my old Brinkman adjustable pocket flashlight, hanging it from the top of the tent--it's for reading.

On another note how about a Butthead forum or "ask Butthead" column? Dead serious! I have read most of posts on all the forums and have always been impressed with his knowledge and good advice.

Thanks , Merlyn

merlyn: " "ask Butthead" column?


Thanks , Merlyn"

In the imortal words of Frank Zappa "oh no-no-no-noooooo" as heard about 5 minutes into DON'T EAT THE YELLOW SNOW AND NANOOK RUBS IT!

I'll answer what I can, if I have familiarity with the gear, but no butthead column please, Thank You.

butthead

1. Thermacell that goes on the canisters
2. No opinion
3. Luci Light w/ headlamp backup

#3 for outside at nite aspen headlamp once we move into the tent ozark trail 3 settings takes 3a batteries but have not lost power ant has a little hook to fasten on the little on the top of the tent for plenty of light distribution

For a tent light or a small area light around the campfire, I have found that these work great. Two light settings plus night light and on high it throws off a lot of light. Hangs upside down inside your tent, the globe is collapsible and after you have used it the globe throws of a really minimal phosphorescent glow for much of the rest of the night. Good battery life too. Takes 3AAA batteries. This was a good purchase for around 10 bucks a few years ago.

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oops

For inside the tent, use battery operated bug whackers for each tent. Reason obvious as handing it back and forth would defeat the original purpose when critters enter then. They are reasonably priced from around $10.00 and leave no mess on tent walls. Also, none escape the upward swing much, so few land in gear to come out later. Worth every penny. If you have kids, they like the hunt as well. Keep very dry in bags as wetness can short them out. Store batteries until evening of first night to help assure no dampness issues.