Mosquitoes, how to deal with them the lightweight way?

[sean salach]

When I lived in Mexico, a few of the locals insisted that beer, sweat out through the skin, kept mosquitoes away. So, all summer long, I drank a six pack before 1pm. It seemed to work.

[AZTtripper]

Just back from the Apache 200 and one of the worst nights sleep or lack there of ever. We choose to camp just up the road from the Start Finish line I didn't notice in the dark coming in but there is a huge ditch filled with water right there. It was almost as bad as Minnesota and definitely the worst place I have camped in all of AZ mosquito wise.

I didn't think of this until the second night while on the ride I pulled out my wind vest with mesh back and put that over my face while inside the bag work great and it's something I carry anyway.   

[dave54]

I used to use DDT, but I used up my last remaining stash just a few years ago (I was hoarding it and using it sparingly).  I think I can still get some from Mexico - I know someone who knows someone...  but that is a hassle.

[Slowerthensnot]

When I lived in Mexico, a few of the locals insisted that beer, sweat out through the skin, kept mosquitoes away. So, all summer long, I drank a six pack before 1pm. It seemed to work.

I like this idea =)

[Rabid Hillbilly]

Anybody tried skin-so-soft? I lived in coastal georgia afew yrs ago, they got a critter called the ga sandgnat.it worked

[LiiT]

a) nylon jacket/pants breathable but not biteable.(7oz)  b) Torso length net that i can attach to my tarp and get inside 3.5oz.  c) just a headnet. 8grams d) a bug tent made for attaching to a tarp 14oz.  e)  a full on mesh bug tent w/ poles (32oz)

I always take the jacket and pants.  and then i'll choose one of the others depending on perceived conditions.  I'll also carry a small deet wipe or dropper bottle with deet. 

[sthig]

I have experimented with a fabric softner sheet and rub it on you when the skeeters are thick.  The result is varied - but it ultralight!

[DesertDog]

Zombie threads, gotta luv em!

So...Never tried, but know several folks that swear that eating raw garlic does the trick.  And that's a light-weight, compact solution.

Personally, I just throw in some DEET-based spray and use when/if needed, which isn't very often.

[sam.pederson]

1) Get a long sleeved base layer that's breathable so your arms are covered. People think they need a short sleeved shirt in the heat, but the cooler/light long sleeves are actually super comfy.

2) I carry leg warmers and long johns. Leg warmers just in case for riding, long johns to wear around camp (under baggy shorts). That way I have a way to cover my legs too.

3) Mosquito nets can double as stuff sacks. I carry one as one of my stuff sacks, and if the shit hits the fan, I'll put it over my head. I've only done that once, in Hawaii, while kayaking up the Kauai river we were getting eaten alive. But I still bring my net in California too, and I put all my emergency first aid supplies (neosporin, etc.) in it so it can get double use.

4) I'm sure you already realize this, but if you can, building a fire will really thin out the mosquito herd. If they are still biting you, keep the fire smoking (pour a little water over the flame). Same way you would do if smoking meat over the fire (which is awesome to do, by the way). You just pour a little so you still have coals, but no flame. Works very well.

5) I bring some of these along the way (bug spray wipes). But that's only for when the shit really hits the fan. I prefer not to use bug spray on myself if possible cause it's nasty, gnarly stuff.

Lightweight bug wipes:

http://www.theonlinedrugstore.com/Off-Deep-Woods-Insect-Repellent-Towelettes-p/d633560.htm?utm_source=google+product&utm_medium=versafeed&utm_term=d633560&utm_campaign=health+beauty+personal+care+cosmetics+skin+care+skin+insect+repellent&utm_content=off+deep+woods+insect+repellent+towelettes+12+each&v_traceback=c0523_0500_f0523_0509&Click=6348&gclid=CNDB-43NmbACFY4FRQods2JqXg

[Done]

I've been using picaridine (icaridin) based repellent for a couple of years now. WAY less irritating than DEET, and it works as well. Good stuff!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Icaridin

[epicEdub]

Best headnet you can buy(.)
http://www.petersheadnets.com/
Bring ear plugs, this is to keep you sane of they get very bad.

Covering up is lighter than carrying spray, b/c it is dual purpose. If you like spray, your two options are 100% DEET (equals lightest, b/c it's full strength and goes the furthest/gram) or hippie bug spray, which isn't evil but doesn't work when the bugs are raping you.

If you need a "tent", look into MLD's superlight bivy with optional all bug net head, it's what I run with a tarp.
http://www.mountainlaureldesigns.com/shop/product_info.php?products_id=30

Good luck
EW

[rhino-x]

outdoor research bug bivy? 450 grams....with a waterproof floor thats good enough if its raining (and the ground is well drained), to flop it upside-down and use for rain shelter.

[mtndragon]

I just started using Permetherin (.05%) to treat my clothing and gear, and Badger Bug Balm for my skin.  This solution is pretty non-toxic, light weight, and works wonders.  The bugs up here in Tahoe are brutal once the snow melts, and I would frequently get mauled through my shirt when riding uphill. I know, I know, pedal faster...unfortunately, I can only go so fast uphill.  Sprayed all my outdoor/riding clothing down, and it has been amazing. Haven't been bit once through my shirt while riding, and that's not because I have gotten quicker uphill.  There are lots of different flavors (aqueous based and petroleum based) of permetherin, and price ranges, and I am very pleased with the results.

[Area54]

Sometimes you can get lucky with plants (but of course not to be relied upon). In many areas of low water we have ti-trees (Malaleuca/paperbark), the leaves can be crushed and the oil applied to the skin, much the same as citrosa geranium/mosquito plant. More of a novelty though. Generally have a tube of Bushmans in the kit, option of 20 or 80% DEET.

[TWebb]

I just ordered this for a July trip in Iowa

http://www.slumberjack.com/p-567-no-fly-zone-bivy.aspx?category=sleeping-bags