Hiking Armor

Late May and early June is the season of the Black fly in New Hampshire, although they can persist at higher elevation later in the summer season.

Not all black flies bite, but the ones that do have quite a nasty reputation.

Personally, I have not had too many negative encounters with the winged pests, save for a single memorable hike in my early days.

I chose to hike the Wildcat mountains in New Hampshire one year, and opted for a short sleeve shirt. It was in the spring, and I guess I was skimpy on my application of repellent. I arrived back at the trail head with multiple big red bites, and they remained itchy forever. I learned my lesson well.

The flies are not the only pests to feast on hikers. The mosquito is the deadliest creature alive. On average they kill 475,000 humans globally each year. Let’s not forget my sworn enemy the tick. Facing off against these supervillains requires some special tactics.

I always wear a long sleeved shirt and pants, even in summer. Besides it being difficult for bugs to bite through, it’s good sun protection. I treat my shirts and pants in permethrin to ward off the evil aviators, and keep ticks from hitching a ride on my pants legs. I usually take a week or two off at the end of “mud season” (May) to avoid the scourge, and carry and apply good quality insect spray to keep the all beasts at bay.

While DEET has been around a long time and is highly effective, It can feel greasy and can harm synthetic garments. For the last few years I have been carrying Picardin instead. I feel the pepper based repellent is less oily and works just as well. I always carry a bottle with me, even on day hikes. I also carry a mesh head net for those tiny bugs that like to commit suicide by flying into your eyes as you hike.

Just recently I was descending from a mountain and a hiker asked if I had any bug spray. She was wearing a pair of very short pants, and her legs must have looked like feast to the swarming mosquitos on the trail. Fashion should be the least of your concerns in the woods. Given my current hiking dress code, it’s unlikely you’ll see me featured on any outdoor magazines or websites. That’s ok. I don’t wish to be featured on the cover of a medical journal either for having contracted a nasty exotic mosquito-borne illness.

Do you have a secret formula for keeping the bugs at bay? Share it in the comments.