Re: Physical barrier from bugs

> I would like to know if anyone uses physical barriers to protect themselves from bugs
>  and how does it work out for you. I am thinking of getting this head net

I haven't used this specific headset, but assume it would be effective
at keeping bugs at bay assuming you have an appropriate hat on. In
locations with heavy bug pressure (especially in places where there
are so many that even 33% DEET doesn't provide full protection) head
nets are really great.  Several times I believe having a headset
helped me keep my sanity.

I have used a variety of head nets over the years. Several made by OR,
and currently I am using http://www.littleflydesign.com/1-headnet.html

One downside of headnets is that even though they are netting, they
impede airflow, so your head will be hotter with the netting than
without any.  They can lower the quality of vision, though better
quality head nets provide minimal disruption.  They also are
inconvenient if you want to eat while wearing one.

> There is also this shirt http://www.bugshirt.com/ but I see that people complain about
> it being hot.  I read somewhere that you should wear tightly woven clothes but what
> does it mean exactly? How do I recognize that something is woven tightly enough?
> Any particular fabrics, brand names?

I haven't used a bug shirt, but I imagine it might effect airflow
which would make it feel hotted than people would expect.  Tightly
woven means the gaps in the fabric as smaller than the mosquitos
proboscis.  My experience is that pretty much any of the nylon
(supplex) hiking clothing on the market are good enough.  My
experience has been mostly with clothing from Mountain Hardware,  Rail
Riders, and Ex Officio.

As to being hot... yep.  A good tech-tee is a lot more comfortable
because they are more air permeable and they wick... tightly woven
materials like supplex don't do either.  On the other hand, supplex
keeps bugs at bay, dries very quickly, and is very hard wearing.  I
have a pair of pants purchased 10 years ago which has been worn around
town at least 1000 days plus 10s of days in the back country.

There are a number of companies that make clothing from polyester /
nylon mixes with a chemical treatment designed to keep bugs away (such
as Ex Officio Bug Shield)... or you could apply permethrin.  I have
found these options to be slightly more comfortable in hot weather
than supplex, but also slightly less effective. In particular, I have
had bugs occasionally be able to get me where the fabric was pulled
very tightly across my shoulder.

--mark