Tripping in about 10 days and hearing bad bug reports. We have thermacells, bug net hats, permethrin all of our clothes and gear, and typically wear long sleeve shirts and zip off pants. This along with some spray has been enough most years.

Two new trippers in our group this year are 13 yr old kids and we want them to have an experience that keeps the trips going for another generation.

Is a screen tent needed this year? Been bwca tripping for 25+ years and never brought one but have one to bring if needed.

Have deet and many other variations of bug sprays, but what is the best bug spray to have?

Bite the bullet and buy a Nemo bugout 12x12. Only a couple more pounds than a standard tarp and it has turned many early nights caused by bugs and or storms into awesome evenings.

Will never go without one again.

Coach,

Just got out today… bugs are as bad as I’ve seen ever. Feet had little to no effect on flys, and they were horrible. It did ok on skeeters, but not great for those little black biting gnats, noseeums or whatever they were.

I’d recommend at least a bug suit jacket if not the whole suit for the youngsters.

As far as bug spray, consider bringing both Picaridin and DEET. Picaridin is very effective and doesn't have that greasy chemical smell/feel. If you find that it's not effective enough you can also go nuclear with the DEET.

Something to think about. I read on the internet that taking an antihistamine like Claritin can help minimize the effects of bug bites. Won't stop the bites but if your a bug magnet like me anything that helps is worth trying. Gnats and black fly bites result in nickel size welts on me.
I'm going in Tues. 6/6 and will have a full bug suit, head net, picaridin and a small 100% deet plus mosquito coils and permethrin treated clothes! Anyone around Long Island lake that week will be safe as every flying and crawling critter will be by me.
Have Benadryl in your first aid kit in case anyone has a severe reaction to a bite or sting. (bees and wasps)

We used both Picardin and Deet. One new guy we brought had worked mosquito abatement in his town during his college summers and indicated that we had both brown and black mosquitos...aka day and night biters...and we noticed that at times one repellent worked when the other didn't.

My wife thought the thermacell worked, I thought she was dreaming. We did set up a mosquito net...not the expensize nemo...and hung a candle lantern in at night and that was pretty awesome. Not as good as a campfire, but it was nice.

We did take a electronic bug swatter. I know there is some controversy over taking one of those but I found revenge a really great morale boost. A 12 year old will go to town with one! (I recommend all the purists go out and sleep under animal skins.)

Deet doesn't work on black flies. You need to get something intended to repel them. Herbal sprays have worked well for me in the past. Just make sure that it says it is a black fly bug repellant.

Head nets can help too, but only to a certain extent.

If all else fails, smoke does a pretty decent job. Cigars, smoldering pine needles, leaves in the firepit, all these can work if the wind and seating don't get in the way. Sometimes propping a rock in the firepit and stuffing that with needles, twigs and leaves will do the trick. Light it then put the rock down and half smother it so it just smokes for 20 minutes and you can help keep the bugs at bay.

Has anyone tried Cooke's Silicone Tarp Tent with the mosquito screen (https://www.shop.cookecustomsewing.com/product.sc?productId=190&categoryId=17)?

I was looking at the Nemo and seems as if there are some weird design choices. I have a CCS pack and tarp and absolutely love those. Would be great to get some recommendations on this.

Thanks!

I've camped with some friends who have one. Top notch! I own a Nemo and a Eureka, neither are close to the quality of the CCS tarp and both weigh considerably more. Dan will let you choose between no-see-um netting or larger screen (no-se-um netting can get pretty stifling, but does keep out the shifty little buggers). Hard choice between Eureka and Nemo. Eureka better where the netting meets the ground, Nemo has more vertical space but the zippers are fussy and ultimately fragile.

Banksiana: "I've camped with some friends who have one. Top notch! I own a Nemo and a Eureka, neither are close to the quality of the CCS tarp and both weigh considerably more. Dan will let you choose between no-see-um netting or larger screen (no-se-um netting can get pretty stifling, but does keep out the shifty little buggers). Hard choice between Eureka and Nemo. Eureka better where the netting meets the ground, Nemo has more vertical space but the zippers are fussy and ultimately fragile."

What is the typical set-up for the CCS? I'm assuming the netting is equal length around the perimeter, so I wasn't sure what worked best (just in case I finally pull the trigger on one).

Banksiana: "I've camped with some friends who have one. Top notch! I own a Nemo and a Eureka, neither are close to the quality of the CCS tarp and both weigh considerably more. Dan will let you choose between no-see-um netting or larger screen (no-se-um netting can get pretty stifling, but does keep out the shifty little buggers). Hard choice between Eureka and Nemo. Eureka better where the netting meets the ground, Nemo has more vertical space but the zippers are fussy and ultimately fragile."

You, my friend, are now on the hook for me having pulled the trigger and bought one. If it works great, you will be a hero. If it doesnt work great... ??

3M Ultrathon

PAR: "
You, my friend, are now on the hook for me having pulled the trigger and bought one. If it works great, you will be a hero. If it doesnt work great... ??"

.....

You will offer it up for sale via private email at 1/3 the initial cost......

mgraber: "

What is the typical set-up for the CCS? I'm assuming the netting is equal length around the perimeter, so I wasn't sure what worked best (just in case I finally pull the trigger on one)."

My friends used the "wedding tent" set up; tall pole in the center and guy lines from each corner. I'm sure that it could be set up with just lines as well.

Banksiana: "

PAR: "
You, my friend, are now on the hook for me having pulled the trigger and bought one. If it works great, you will be a hero. If it doesnt work great... ??"

.....


You will offer it up for sale via private email at 1/3 the initial cost......"

Touché!

merlyn: "Something to think about. I read on the internet that taking an antihistamine like Claritin can help minimize the effects of bug bites. Won't stop the bites but if your a bug magnet like me anything that helps is worth trying. Gnats and black fly bites result in nickel size welts on me.
I'm going in Tues. 6/6 and will have a full bug suit, head net, picaridin and a small 100% deet plus mosquito coils and permethrin treated clothes! Anyone around Long Island lake that week will be safe as every flying and crawling critter will be by me.
Have Benadryl in your first aid kit in case anyone has a severe reaction to a bite or sting. (bees and wasps)"

Just got back and can only describe the mosquitoes as LETHAL!!! I have never encountered swarms like this before anywhere but no black flies or biting flies.

Blatz: "3M Ultrathon "

Plus 100 on this one, Ultrathon is the bomb. We use both the cream and the spray. Love the time release on this. I also bring REI jungle juice for the really bad times. Thermacell works about as good as Avon's Skin So Soft for us. In other words, not at all. I have half a mind to bring up my mosquito fogger sometime to see how it works :)

In twenty years of tripping up there, these were the worst mosquitoes of all time. The buzz of their wings sounded like an airport from my hammock in the mornings as they clung hungrily to my mesh. HOWEVER there were virtually NO black flies (this was Crooked Lake, 6/3 to 6/7). And last year the black flies ate my face off. So, if I had to make a choice it would be this year's conditions. Lots of spray, a smoky fire (when legal) can make the day go okay. We always wear long pants and light, long sleeve shirts. Maybe that helps?

I have Nemo but I never use it. It seems hard to get just "right" and by the time it is dark and the bugs get bad we are either a) in our hammocks or b) at the fire. No one really seems to need to sit out in a screen tent after dark. Although it looks like Hammertime has put on to good use and that picture looks absolutely great.

I'll be interested to see how things go the rest of the summer.

These are interesting reads for me. Always learn something valuable.

I'm certainly not a BWCA pro, but I would consider myself a very capable outdoorsman. From Florida to BWCA and in-between I have never had mosquitos/gnats ignore permethrin treated clothing or a Thermacell. Now flies are a different animal...clothing choices matter most with them.

1) Treat all body layers and fabric gear with generously permethrin. Socks/Underwear/Base Layer/Hat/Headnet/Gloves/Chair Fabric/Neck gaiter/Tent/Hammock/Etc.

2) Wear long sleeves and pants with a tight UA heat gear or rhino base. Again all layers treated. I've never had a fly or mosquito bite through the treated double layer.

3) Wide brim hat with headnet/neck gaiter and gloves with long cuff to tuck sleeves into.

4) Thermacell works miracles for me. They now have a card that repels flies as well...can't comment on the new formula.

I do take a small bottle of deet free for exposed skin if I need it.

iCallitMaize: "These are interesting reads for me. Always learn something valuable.


I'm certainly not a BWCA pro, but I would consider myself a very capable outdoorsman. From Florida to BWCA and in-between I have never had mosquitos/gnats ignore permethrin treated clothing or a Thermacell. Now flies are a different animal...clothing choices matter most with them.


1) Treat all body layers and fabric gear with generously permethrin. Socks/Underwear/Base Layer/Hat/Headnet/Gloves/Chair Fabric/Neck gaiter/Tent/Hammock/Etc.


2) Wear long sleeves and pants with a tight UA heat gear or rhino base. Again all layers treated. I've never had a fly or mosquito bite through the treated double layer.



3) Wide brim hat with headnet/neck gaiter and gloves with long cuff to tuck sleeves into.


4) Thermacell works miracles for me. They now have a card that repels flies as well...can't comment on the new formula.


I do take a small bottle of deet free for exposed skin if I need it. "

I'm sure it functions to curtail insects but I would die of heat exhaustion. I find long pants difficult to deal with in summer much less double layer top and bottom. Even a bug jacket with nothing underneath it is sweltering.

"I'm sure it functions to curtail insects but I would die of heat exhaustion. I find long pants difficult to deal with in summer much less double layer top and bottom. Even a bug jacket with nothing underneath it is sweltering."

I hear you...the heat gear and light weight "hiking" pant/shirt combo isn't too bad for me. A little too warm at times I will accept the trade off for a week of no bug bites.

I can't bear the polyester fabrics, like being swaddled in saran wrap.

Banksiana: "I would die of heat exhaustion. I find long pants difficult to deal with in summer much less double layer top and bottom. Even a bug jacket with nothing underneath it is sweltering."

I also hear this - there's a reason I told family I'm never moving back to DC. Can't stand being too hot.

However for both bug and sun protection, I wear long pants and long sleeves in the canoe. No 'Heat Gear' or other baselayers....that would melt me. The pants are lightweight (kuiu tiburon) at 11.5oz and when wet actually provide real evaporative cooling. Same with the shirt; Orvis fishing shirt that weighs 7oz....plus a buff which gets dunked in the lake periodically.

I think I stay cooler on sunny days this way.

Banksiana: "I can't bear the polyester fabrics, like being swaddled in saran wrap."

Have you tried Capilene by Patagonia? I wear one of their Cool Tech tees moutain biking and it's fantastic. It's not thick like most poly shirts, it's very comfortable in hot weather.

I hate the slick stuff poly material as well. I like the softer brushed shirts like UA and Columbia offers. I'm not trying to change anyone's mind but that that heat gear stuff is designed to be worn under uniforms in the summer.

anthonylane: "

Banksiana: "I can't bear the polyester fabrics, like being swaddled in saran wrap."

Have you tried Capilene by Patagonia? I wear one of their Cool Tech tees moutain biking and it's fantastic. It's not thick like most poly shirts, it's very comfortable in hot weather. "

I can't bear it. Even if initially comfortable becomes impossible once you sweat into it. Plastic feels like plastic. Switched to Merino wool about fifteen years ago, three years ago I gifted my stash of Capilene to Goodwill because I hadn't put it on in over a decade.

I think the persistent dryness has really put a damper on a lot of the bug issues (in some places). My son and I just got back yesterday; we basecamped 6/10-6/14 on Trout and daytripped into the satellite lakes. He's a real treat for anything that bites and usually gets vicioualy harrassed. Sadly, he's the best bug defense for anyone lucky to camp with him.

We both agreed that it was the least buggy early June trip in recent years. We had our arsenal of gear and chemicals at the ready, but only had issue during lowlight in danker areas where you would expect issues. We took our bug tent down after the second night and played cosmic whimpout outside each evening well past sunset. My son neglected to put on long pants for an evening run into little trout and did manage 42 bug bites on his legs on the short paddle out through the creek, even after dousing himself in picardin and deet. So, there's that.. :)

I prefer wool, but recently started relying on patagonia again for the sunniest and hottest conditions. IMO, the newest patagonia capilene is far softer and comfortable compared to older versions. I have 25 year old patagonia that i should abandon, it isn't really comfortable like the new stuff.

PAR: "Has anyone tried Cooke's Silicone Tarp Tent with the mosquito screen (https://www.shop.cookecustomsewing.com/product.sc?productId=190&categoryId=17)?


I was looking at the Nemo and seems as if there are some weird design choices. I have a CCS pack and tarp and absolutely love those. Would be great to get some recommendations on this.


Thanks!"

Just got back from Kawishiwi Lake. The mosquitos were AWFUL! Worst I've ever experienced.

I brought my Nemo Bugout for the first time. It wasn't that hard to set up, and its ability to keep us bug-free was fantastic. Truly a lifesaver.

BUT, it totally failed in the rain department! A moderately hard rain fell for what ended up being maybe 15-20 minutes, and almost immediately drops started coming through the tarp and falling on us. The leakage didn't even appear to be seam-related, water was just soaking through all over. Terrible!

Really disappointed. I own several other Nemo products and have always been impressed with the quality. Looks like the Bugout will now just be my backyard bug tent and I'll be placing an order with CCS shortly.

Dotbear: "

PAR: "Has anyone tried Cooke's Silicone Tarp Tent with the mosquito screen (https://www.shop.cookecustomsewing.com/product.sc?productId=190&categoryId=17)?



I was looking at the Nemo and seems as if there are some weird design choices. I have a CCS pack and tarp and absolutely love those. Would be great to get some recommendations on this.



Thanks!"

Just got back from Kawishiwi Lake. The mosquitos were AWFUL! Worst I've ever experienced.


I brought my Nemo Bugout for the first time. It wasn't that hard to set up, and its ability to keep us bug-free was fantastic. Truly a lifesaver.


BUT, it totally failed in the rain department! A moderately hard rain fell for what ended up being maybe 15-20 minutes, and almost immediately drops started coming through the tarp and falling on us. The leakage didn't even appear to be seam-related, water was just soaking through all over. Terrible!


Really disappointed. I own several other Nemo products and have always been impressed with the quality. Looks like the Bugout will now just be my backyard bug tent and I'll be placing an order with CCS shortly. "

I have the Eureka and it has held up well in the rain. Having said that, you can tell it's not the highest quality tarp material. Mine has seen three trips over three years. Several rain events but no leakage. I'm gonna give it a full Nikwax cleaning and treatment nevertheless. Did that to an old tent fly and the water beads right up.

Back a few days ago following a three week adventure into the Q. Love the Eureka 13. Good in the rain and exceptional bug control. Although we didn’t find the pests too persistent in general, I was grateful my paddle partner had the bug tarp. Personally I’m not too bothered by insects. I do take Clariton daily as well as ground flax seed each day as I heard long ago that consuming flax discourages mosquitoes. Maybe it does?

Returned a few days ago from 10 days in the BWCA. Used the Thermacell and it works very well against mosquitos. Does nothing against other bugs. Heartily recommended.

Back from the trip. Bugs were bad, but not the worst I've experienced. Pants, light long sleeve shirt, hat with bug netting; all were great. Brought an inexpensive screen tent (coleman) and it was decided to be a essential piece for all future trips by the group. Thermacells did well for us, as usual, and used a little bug spray when need be.