Best insect & pest repellent according to redditors

Sounds like he should just treat all his stuff with Permethrin.

http://www.amazon.com/Sawyer-Premium-Permethrin-Clothing-Repellent/dp/B007VCRX2S

I really doubt a non-affiliate link to an unregulated product in response to an explicit request for help finding said product is against any rules here, but just in case it is I'll take the risk for you, MrFurrypants.

So /u/Ltdan994 I'm pretty sure this is what you're looking for:

https://amzn.com/B0038OH3XM

I can tell you from personal experience, when mosquito-magnet bf puts the current skin-so-soft with picardin (not the ancient one pictured in that article) on, he doesn't get bitten, or maybe one bite. when he puts on nothing, he gets eaten alive. when I read reviews of Sawyer "fisherman's formula" I got some of that. he got eaten alive. went back to skin so soft, he doesn't get bitten. same results when I put them on or don't. same.

We have this one.

There’s a door at the end that slides to trap the beastie. Then stick that end out of the window, rotate so that gravity makes the door slide open, and shake until it falls out.

I have one of these.

Last giant spider I caught with it actually managed to push it open and leap to freedom into the laundry basket. I figured it had earned its freedom as it wasn't my turn to sort out the ironing.

I've been using this for the past two years with fantastic results. Usually spray the affected plants every other day, and notice things are good within a week or two. Use it as soon as you notice them aphids.

https://www.amazon.com/Garden-Safe-Multi-Purpose-Insect-HG-93078/dp/B003B3N5YQ/

Permethrin -http://www.amazon.com/Sawyer-Premium-Permethrin-Clothing-Repellent/dp/B007VCRX2S

Sum up the light in a few words:

Name | Battery (type and quantity) | Lumens and mode | battery life (in order of lumens mode) | length | price (rounded up to full dollar)

------------------

The simple one mode guy:

• Coast PX25 | 3x AAA | 208 Lumens | 6.25 hrs | 4.7" | $28 Prime
  
  
  Maybe another setting would be nice:
  
  
• Coast HP7 | 4x AAA | 251/58 Lumens | 5.75/10 hrs | 5.6" | $44
  
  
  ...Or like 30 settings:
  
  
• Fenix LD10 | 1x AA | 120/94/47/9/SOS/Strobe Lumens | 1.5/2.2/6/34/varies hrs | 3.4" | $39 Prime
  
  
  Simple and I hate AAAs:
  
  
• Fenix E21 | 2x AA | 170/54 Lumens | 2.25/11 hrs | 6.5" | $31 Prime
  
  
  I like a sleek slim light with a lot of settings. I don't mind that its twist on:
  
  
• Foursevens P2 | 2x AAA | 160/?/2/SOS/beacon/strobe Lumens | 1/?/23/varies hrs | 5" | $45 Prime
  
  
  ...That and CR123As are my kind of battery:
  
  
• Foursevens Mini | 1x CR123A | 189/40/3/SOS/beacon/strobe Lumens | 1.2/8/150/varies hrs | 2.3" | $35 Prime
  
  
  Tail button FTW:
  
  
• Streamlight ProTAC | 2x AAA | 80/10/strobe Lumens | 1.5/30/5 hrs | 5.6" | $29 Prime
  
  
  
  Tail button and AAs FTW:
  
  
• Streamlight ProTAC | 1x AA | 50/6/strobe Lumens | 1.75/22/4 hrs | 3.9" | $33 Prime
  
  
  
  A little longer gets you 2x the brightness:
  
  
• Streamlight ProTAC | 2x AA | 120/14/strobe Lumens | 1.75/21/4 hrs | 5.9" | $36 Prime
  
  
  Okay lets face it. CR123As are kinda cool:
  
  
  
• Streamlight ProTAC | 2x CR123A | 180/10/strobe Lumens | 2.5/50/6 hrs | 4.7" | $40 Prime
  
  
  
  
  
  Hope that helps!! I have a couple Streamlights and I am happy with them. On a budget (sub $50-80) they are great lights. A lot of people (non-tactical) like Foursevens. Never used one. If you aren't afraid of loosing it they seem like fantastic lights. If you can afford it and you are in tactical or just rugged situations Surefire makes unbelievably good flashlights... but they cost a lot.
  
  EDIT: Formatting.
  

I use Sawyer Picaridin spray. It doesn't smell bad like deet does and doesn't damage plastic if it gets on it.

Avon Skin So Soft Bug Guard is my favorite.

We just got back from 5 days in Algonquin and had a blast! We stayed in one of the campgrounds though since we had 3 kids with us. I'd really like to go back without the kids and do a backpacking or canoeing trip.

Do not forget your bug repellent.

I forgot to bring it on our first hike and the mosquitoes ate us alive. They are plentiful right now.

A layer of ultrathon in the morning and then spray as needed throughout the day is what worked best for me.

In that part of the country you might want to be aware of deer ticks that cause Lyme disease. These are tiny cousins of the wood tick and are very hard to see on your body. Treat your clothes with this. http://www.amazon.com/Sawyer-Premium-Permethrin-Clothing-Repellent/dp/B007VCRX2S

Similar product, works well enough.
REPEL HG-24109 Lemon Eucalyptus Natural Insect Repellent with 4 oz Pump Spray, Twin Pack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B010AFV1LQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_A.kizb1190A0K

All of this stuff happened so quickly, didn't it? It kind of came out of nowhere!

I'd get lots of bug repellent. There is a cream called Ultrathon that is really effective. I guess you'd have to weigh the risks of DEET vs the virus. Personally I'd choose wearing heavy bug repellent for a week. You can put it on pressure points like ankles and wrists like perfume.
You can usually find it at an outfitter or camping store if there is no time for Amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004LA5SUC?keywords=Insect%20repellent%20cream&qid=1453126623&ref_=sr_1_1&sr=8-1


I know exofficio also makes bug resistant travel clothing, or they used to.

Enjoy your trip! Consult your doctor too.

I would believe the best protection and comfort would be to wear nylon pants protected with permethrin

Deet would be a second layer of protection applied to the skin and dont forget about the upper body being protected.

Long sleeves and pants help. Even in hot weather - wearing lightweight clothing that covers your skin will cut down on where the bugs bother.

A fire also helps. Candles (citronella) are an alternative option if you can't start a legit fire.

Wind also helps. If you can pick a campsite with cross breeze - it would be best.

Keep that tent zipped up at all times. At least when sleeping you will be in peace.

Ben's 100% Deet bug spray works GREAT. just keep it away from sensitive materials and your mouth - it's STRONG.

Avon SKIN-SO-SOFT Bug Guard PLUS, SPF 30 Gentle Breeze
https://www.amazon.com/Avon-SKIN-SO-SOFT-Bug-Guard-Moisturizing/dp/B0001ZWPI4?th=1

This one:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000XYWLE6/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I am prepper and a FIL, here are some things I can never have enough of...

• https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NGYGCH2/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  
• https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GH501T2/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  
• https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000O8OTNC/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  
• https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001H9N8B6/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  
• https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000LGPD64/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  
• https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000WXX0JS/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  
• https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001GAOIME/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  
• https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B014SRY5FG/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  
• https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004WFXCSQ/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  
• https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00345OMR0/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  
  Your FIL will be thrilled that you support his prepping no matter what you decide to give him!
  

• Anker lightweight 10,000 mAh external battery
  
• Leatherman multitool
  
• Luci Lux Inflatable Solar Light
  
• Optimus Titanium Spoon
  
• Sea to summit mosquito headnet

I have a can of Permethrin spray that I bought back somewhere around summer of 2011. It's been sitting in the basement this whole time.

Do you guys know if it will still be effective?

It's an older bottle of Coleman Gear & Clothing Spray (http://www.lancasterarchery.com/coleman-gear-clothing-permethrin-insect-repellent.html) which I assume is the same as the current bottle (https://www.amazon.com/Coleman-Clothing-Permethrin-Repellent-Aerosol/dp/B003AMH6JS) with 0.5% permethrin.

This specific pair, I'm not sure. But in general, high quality suede is a lot more resilient than people expect, although I wouldn't trek around in the snow with them, and if I knew it was going to be pouring rain, I'd wear something else. A little bit of rain/snow here and there shouldn't destroy them, especially if you condition & clean them.

Also, this stuff will help.

I used this on my last camping trip and it worked really well.

Where are you camping/hiking? What region? City/State?

I'm trying to get a read on whether you'll need to prepare for deer tick issues - NY State is rife with them right now, and you do NOT want to get into a problem with a deer tick - trust me.

Where are you camping?

Here are some essentials:

• Ditch the flashlight, consider instead a headlamp. Energizer x7 LED Headlights which you can pick up from ANY Home Depot right at the register - they're about $20 each. Trust me, if you need to take a leak in the dark, you'll need both hands free ;)
  
  
• Nalgene/water bottles - an empty Gatorade bottle also works. Don't bother carrying 2 gallons in with you, water weighs 1 pound for every liter - do the math - that shit's heavy. If you're camping by a river, consider using a filtration system instead and filter water as you need it. I use the Sawyer Squeeze Water Filtration System and it works a treat.
  
  
• Leave your knives at home - they're heavy - you're going to have to carry that shit around. Instead, for what you'll actually need a knife for, try a Leatherman Multitool. This thing has scissors, blade, tweezers, file, and a flat head screwdriver (can also work a Phillips head screw). $20, 1.4oz.
  
  
• Bug repellent. If you're in an area susceptible to ticks, you may want to consider treating your gear (clothing mostly) with Permithrin. Ticks hate this shit - in fact it kills them. Get this. Follow the instructions to the letter.
  
  
• Leave the hatchet at home - again, total luxury item that you won't need. And it likely weighs a pound.
  
  
• Zippo? Fuck that - take a box of matches, keep those in a Ziploc bag. Want to know a free method of tinder for making your fires? Dryer lint. Take a Ziploc bag of that shit with you - lights like a dream. Also, fluid? What are you, lazy? There's no better feeling than making a fire all by yourself, and in this climate with particularly dry environments, you shouldn't have a problem with building a nice roaring fire without using lighter fuel.
  
  
• Make sure your tents are rated for at least 10'F LESS than the temperature it's forecast for the nights you'll be staying out. Nothing worse than shivering all night - no sleep means miserable trip.
  
  
• EAR PLUGS. Whether it's your snoring buddy, or random noises in the night (snapping twigs, etc), ear plugs will ensure you get a decent night of sleep.
  
  
• First aid kit - essential. Bandaids, Tylenol/Aleve, antiseptic.
  
  
• Check to see what your state's rules are on bear/food safety. You will either be required to use a Bear Cannister (Bear Vault is an awesome product or you'll have to "bear bag" your food - essentially bear bagging is a method of hanging your food in high branches of a tree out of the reach of bears - you have to know what you are doing. Great article on that here.
  
  
• Do NOT go to bed with anything food related (or anything with an odor, ideally), ever. Bears can smell food from literally miles away - you do NOT want one trying to get inside your tent to sniff out that Snickers wrapper you left in your pants pocket.
  
  
• Food - take whatever you want, that's the beauty of eating out at camp. Make sure to take plenty of fatty foods for your hikes (chocolate, peanuts, etc) so you get plenty of carbs in you. A warm meal before your hike in the morning will not only give you some well needed energy, but it will also serve as a great moral boost. Remember, you need to pack in what you pack out.
  
  
• Booze. Leave this at home. Remember, cans, bottle, everything you carry in you MUST carry out. If you must insist on taking alcohol, maybe fill a Soft Platypus with your favorite wine or vodka cocktail.
  
  
• TOILET PAPER. For obvious reasons. Never take a #1 or #2 too close to a water source. It's considered a big no no to wash in a water source. For washing yourselves, or dirty dishes, fill a pot (or Nalgene, etc) and take it back to around camp and do with it what you will there away from the water source. Soiled water is known as grey water - never dump this anywhere near a water source - at LEAST 200 feet away.
  
  
• Cell phone. Emergencies. Make sure you have them.
  
  
• Batteries - those headlamps take AAA size - take at least a dozen if all you lads are taking a headlamp each.
  
  
• Clothing. If you're hiking quite far (let's say over 3-5 hours), don't wear cotton clothing. It will chafe the crap out of your bollocks, and wet cotton can kill (in low temps, obviously). If you have synthetic clothing for the hike, wear it.
  
  
• Spare socks. It's just smart.
  
  
• Camp towel. This can be a bandana, or other small cloth - wipe down the inside of your tent, wash your face, clean the pots, etc.
  
  If I think of anything else I'll post edits (running out the door right now).
  
  The most important thing... have an awesome time.

You can buy some spray and do it yourself. The fabric will change a little, but it's not too noticeable.

http://www.amazon.com/McNett-ReviveX-Nubuck-Fabric-Repellent/dp/B000XYWLE6/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1344958540&sr=8-2&keywords=ugg+waterproofing+spray

Ben's sells individual bug repellent wipes.

EDIT: per comment below, there are also Picaridin wipes available.

The hikes are perfectly doable for the majority of fitness levels. It's not something I would take my grandparents to, but I think anyone in moderate shape will be just fine. The hardest part is the heat and humidity, so make sure you stay hydrated. Other than that, it's really just watching were you step so you don't trip over roots or sink your boots into mud. In terms of the specific tour you will be going on, I cannot give you details about the activities and how exhausting the days might be, because I'm not your tour guide and I don't know where you will be staying. Every lodge and every tour is different. You will need to reach out to the person actually running your tour to get those details. If you have any say in what you get to do, request that you go out in a canoe one night to listen to the insects and see the stars. It's absolutely breathtaking.

I brought two light weight long sleeved shirts and two pairs of long pants. If you're trying to pack light, one of each would be fine, though I appreciated being able to wear something that wasn't super sweaty (although my clothing was all quick dry). Unless you're rolling around in the ground after it rains, I don't know why you would get any more mud on you than a regular hike. This also goes to your question about shoes - most lodges will provide you with rubber boots to wear during the hikes on land (that's how easy they are - you can do it wearing rubber fisherman's boots), and you tuck your pants into the boots. That way you just hose the boots off at the end and you're good to go.

I personally bought the insect repellent on Amazon, because my travel doctor recommended a specific kind and that's where I was able to find it. If you're able to find something to treat your clothing with in your local market, then you can buy it there. If you can't find it in person, by it online. You need to treat your clothes before you travel, and you leave them outside for a few hours to dry prior to packing. I used this for my clothing and this is the lotion I brought with me for my skin.

Ok

I did not use a bug net at all, although I was carrying one. I have some friends who did the JMT a couple years back, early June and they said the bugs were terrible. I guess I got lucky.

I did use bug spray: https://amzn.com/B010AFV1LQ

I used 3/4 of a bottle for the whole trip. At higher elevations, mosquitos become less of a problem. I recommend you get something that is deet free. Deet has a tendency to eat/melt through your camping gear.

I had blue skies and sunshine everyday, but as soon as that sun dips down behind a mountain it becomes cold, really, really fast. I don't know the exact temperatures, but some places were below 50F/10C for sure. We had frost on our tents some mornings. I had my Patagonia R3 and Nano Puff with me, wore both of them together on plenty of occasions.

Ascending Mt. Whitney at 3am was surprisingly warm, I was in a tshirt and pants until half way up.

I've got the Fenix LD10, a step below what is pictured in the OP, and costs roughly the same thing - about $50 on Amazon.


I don't do anything as exciting or tactically-requisite as a private investigator or similar, but you'd be surprised at how useful a ready flashlight can be in your day to day life. Totally necessary, absolutely not, but handy as hell to have, and having a nicer, more expensive one will not only make the general experience nicer, but makes you more likely to carry/not lose/care for it.

High quality, great light output, surprisingly long battery life (on a regular AA, not even the crazy Lithium batteries), rugged, handy every now and then, and small/compact enough to tuck away and carry every day. I'll pay $50 for that.

> "Use and carry your light with you at all times."

I preach this 24/7. It really surprises me just how many people carry a gun but don't also carry a flashlight. This is what I carry with me everywhere, every day.

Cover yourself head to toe and use some wasp/hornet spray. Buy something like this at the store. https://www.amazon.com/Wasp-Hornet-Killer-14-oz/dp/B004VD7NIO

DIY: http://softsolder.com/2010/11/20/bed-bugs-hot-box-disinsector/

Store-bought: http://www.amazon.com/ThermalStrike-Expedition-Bed-Heat-Treatment/dp/B004ZMS8P8

http://bedbugger.com/2009/03/29/what-is-a-packtite/

Stock up.

Skin so soft has versions with picaridin and IR3535. That are supposed to be much safer as far as carcinogens go. I'm not sure how it works yet because i found these after /u/docbrownsdmc12 mentioned picaridin as an alternative to deet.

long sleeve shirts with gloves and these http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003F5WGNG/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Also living in Tampa. OB just recommended wearing this stuff everyday for a sunscreen/bug repellant combo.

It exists. It's glorious.

Hey no problem! Patagonia makes a bunch of different weights of baselayers (https://www.patagonia.com/shop/mens-baselayers), and other gear that can serve as day shirts or baselayers (such as the Tropic Comfort Hoody https://www.patagonia.com/product/mens-tropic-comfort-hoody-ii/52123.html, or the Sunshade Technical Hoody https://www.patagonia.com/product/mens-sunshade-technical-hoody/52657.html), but all of the ones that are not labeled lightweight baselayer are marginally heavier, for different tradeoffs and features. Definitely an interesting and very well thought out product line in their totality, and always includes the killer Patagonia warranty (which is part of the reason their stuff is so expensive, aside from the fact they try to source and produce stuff ethically, which naturally costs more).

The S2S bug net was the lightest weight robust thing I could find to pair with a tarp that would keep out bugs and nightly scavengers (which seems necessary for the AT, but not the PCT per se).

Speaking of bugs, one thing that I think might be worth investing in for the AT as well is the S2S Mosquito Headnet with Insect Shield (https://www.amazon.com/Sea-Summit-Mosquito-Insect-Shield/dp/B003F5WGNG/), which is about .8oz. Would provide nice help combating all of the bugs on AT while you're walking during the day in the parts where it might otherwise be really annoying.

I prefer the 3M Deet Lotion. I am an avid backpacker and this seems to work better than anything else.

A head net isn't so bad once you get used to it. Try wearing a wide brim hat or at least a baseball cap or something underneath it... keeps it from touching your face all the time and makes it more comfortable.

Real vanilla extract seems to help with gnats as well, which seem to be a bigger problem in the U.S. lately for some reason... maybe the new pesticides that farms are using don't affect them as much? Dunno, but we have biting gnats around that are a huge nuisance and I don't ever remember that as a kid... Might not always be mosquitos that are bothering you, but also some biting gnats mixed in there as well.

*Cough*

If you use it on yourself, you should be alright, just avoid spraying it directly on your gear. If you can't see any damage, then you should be fine. It's mostly second hand information, I wouldn't freak out about it, just be careful about how and where you apply it. Maybe try something like this. There are alternative insect repellents like Picaridin and Permerithrin.

Hope that you have a good trip.

What is your project like? Is this your first time tanning? Are you buying a hide and doing something with it? Or are you skinning a squirrel for the first time ever?

Assuming the last, go for just drying the hide. Save tanning for when you've done a few squirrels (when you won't put as many holes in the hide and have more to test on). It's exciting to start, I know, but it's a learning process and learning both skinning and tanning honestly might be overwhelming (especially because both take many hours out of the day). I'm still not "perfect" at skinning, and I'm learning tanning, which still seems a bit overwhelming to do.

A few things you're going to need:

• Double Edge razor blades (for skinning, making things very easy) - Family Dollar, $1 for 5 blades
  
  
• Borax - Any store, around $5 (can also use salt, the cheapest of which is water softener salt for ~$5 per 25-50lb bag, which needs to be blended into a small grain like you'd expect in a salt shaker)
  
  
• Nitrile gloves - Harbor Freight, ~$7 (if you want to use them; I also sometimes stop using them post skinning and when cleaning)
  
  
• Permethrin - Tractor Supply, $8 OR this Coleman stuff if you don't want to mix and test it on the ants outside first to make sure it works. YES, I would say it's required. I like killing the ticks off before working on animals.I also use it in case they have any bugs that may survive by eating fur, which is common on squirrels. Gross, but just something you have to deal with in taxidermy.
  
   
  
  One other thing to know is how to sew. Get a decent needle (one that isn't poorly cast/stamped and cuts into your thread with each pull of the thread) and maybe a thimble and sew those holes closed while the hide is still wet. If you don't know how (to sew), you're going to have to learn (something I'm still doing).
  
   
  
  When you're confident in skinning (when it doesn't take a super long amount of time and you feel more comfortable), go for tanning. I honestly recommend not "case" skinning when trying tanning out for the first time. Completely just a slit across the back legs and one down the chest/belly. I'll simply link to my post on tanning for now since I don't have my guide for beginners put together yet. Heck, I'm still somewhat of a beginner myself. I'm just trying to find guides that actually make sense and is written coherently. No information let out. The type of guide where it isn't assumed you know everything as a beginner, y'know?
  
   
  
  Edit: One thing that's REALLY important to know is drying. DON'T dry a hide in front of a heater. I learned that the hard way and now I have a squirrel with really short arms and a really short tail. ...And it had fur slipping, too, so it's (probably) pretty much not fixable (if I re-hydrate it, the top layer of skin and fur would probably peel right off).
  
  If you get the skin off and need to take a break (say, overnight), go get some 70% isopropyl alcohol and a jar. Fill the jar rather full and put the hide right in. It should last forever. I've kept hides like that for a week straight.

Maybe this can help you: Parametrek Flashlight selection tool.

I personally carry a Fenix LD10 on my front left pocket, unclipped (but with the removable clip still there) and have no problems. However, I used to carry an Inova X1 (not a great light, but pretty compact) and it was unnoticeable.

Head over to /r/flashlight, they're experts there.

That's fine! What about something like a Fenix LD10?

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004DVIJSW?pc_redir=1395223756&robot_redir=1

Great brand, durable, very bright, uses common batteries.

Skin so Soft

http://www.amazon.com/Sawyer-Premium-Permethrin-Clothing-Repellent/dp/B007VCRX2S

This will change your life...

happy birthday! what are your big plans for tonight?

these bug wipes would be useful for me since I'm going to costa rica this summer!

http://www.amazon.com/Tender-Bens-Spray-Ounce-Bottle/dp/B001GCU3VM/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1368768075&sr=8-2&keywords=bens+max

I've used this for several years, camping, hunting, airsoft/paintball. Haven't had a single tick. If anyone does get this, or any 100 Deet repellent, remember to try not having it on bare skin, tuck pants legs into socks, shirt into waist, spray around those areas, cuffs and collar area of your shirt and you will be golden.

I would recommend spraying your clothing that you are going to wear beforehand with Sawyer Premium and then using Repel on your skin during the trip. Those are both effective. Don't use OFF! as it is only like 25% DEET. Repel is 98%.

I was browsing amazon, and found something like this. Will this do?
http://www.amazon.com/ReviveX-Nubuck-Fabric-Repellent-4-Ounce/dp/B000XYWLE6/ref=lh_ni_t?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Another option for a tarp if you don't want to or dont have time to put a lot of DIY work in would just be to buy a cheap utility tarp. A 6x8 tarp, hung in a "Diamond" shape would give you a 10 foot ridgeline. An 8x8 tarp would give you an 11' 8" rigeline.

This is obviously going to be a lot heavier that tyvek or plastic drop cloths, but it already has grommets attached so it is stow and go. It can be strapped to the backpack versus going inside of it so that it doesn't take up any pack space.

Definitely pick up a bug net though, getting eaten alive is no fun, especially on a longer hike like that.

One thing you might also look into is doing a permethrin treatment to your clothes and hammock/bugnet. You can buy the Sawyer spray at many outdoors stores. This works on ticks and mosquitos as well as other biting and stinging bugs.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01G9G9KEK/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

That is pretty much the gold standard.

That's what worked for us. We had a big problem so we had to heat treat the rooms as well, but all our bedding and clothing went into a shelf my dad made with foam insulation on the outside. He stuck a couple of ceramic heaters in there and left them on full blast for a day. All we had to do after that was wash the clothes do get the dead stuff out. It was pretty simple.

If you don't want to build a contraption for this, they sell little bags that do the same thing, but are just more portable.

Something like this would work.

I live in CO and hike almost exclusively at altitude, but I still use a bug net. Better safe than miserable, IMHO. Fire WILL NOT keep the bugs away. A far better option for repelling the bugs would be treating your sleeping equipment with repellent like this : http://www.amazon.com/Sawyer-Premium-Permethrin-Clothing-Repellent/dp/B007VCRX2S. I've never tried it, but I've heard good things.

Also, if DEET spray isn't an option there is DEET lotion sold in 3 oz bottles so it makes the perfect travel companion. Took this stuff to Peru (though it didn't really make a bit of difference....)

Gold Standard: http://www.amazon.com/3M-Ultrathon-Insect-Repellent-2-Ounce/dp/B004LA5SUC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1395318562&sr=8-1&keywords=ultrathon

off spray lol

Community: "Off Spray OP; Bungo plz nerf"

If lotion works, this stuff is awesome. I got issued it for deployments and found it after for personal use. https://www.amazon.com/3M-Ultrathon-Insect-Repellent-2-Ounce/dp/B004LA5SUC

From Amazon... Tred Not Deerfly Patches

Mainer here. Buy nothing but Ben's Deet https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001GCU3VM?th=1. I keep one in my backpack, one in the car, and one in my home. The formula is almost 100% deet. You'll get used to the scent when you see your friends being eaten alive.

Safe to use up to day of harvest. Kills a pretty bad case of spider mites in 2 sprayings, 90% on the 1st spray.

https://www.amazon.com/Garden-Safe-93078-Multi-Purpose-Insect/dp/B003B3N5YQ/ref=sr_1_2?s=lawn-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1537213640&sr=1-2&keywords=garden+safe

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Katcha-Buster-Spider-Vacuum-Blue/dp/B009PNXV40/ref=mp_s_a_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1537193529&sr=8-6&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=spider+catcher&dpPl=1&dpID=51qjuH%2BahHL&ref=plSrch

Don’t use his myself but I know someone who does

Mini fan? your cruise cabin will be air conditioned. Is it the white noise you're after?

The Go Pro is a "to each his own" thing I suppose. It just seems like one more thing to drag along that is not going to add to your overall enjoyment.

Bug spray - if you're going to the Caribbean this time of year, it's not really the wet, buggy season, and they won't be an annoyance assuming that is your main concern. If you're on high alert due to Zika, go for the highest concentration of DEET by % rather than the biggest bottle. (this is 98% DEET https://www.amazon.com/Sawyer-Products-Premium-Maxi-DEET-Repellent/dp/B07BRPKYXM/ref=sr_1_8?keywords=off+deet&qid=1550017016&s=gateway&sr=8-8 --- while this is 15% DEET https://www.amazon.com/OFF-FamilyCare-Insect-Repellent-Smooth/dp/B005MGRMZS/ref=sr_1_6?keywords=off+deet&qid=1550017016&s=gateway&sr=8-6) Again, though...mid-winter, bugs are not going to be swarming you.

Most of the stuff you've listed is small and packable, but I think you will find you won't use half of it. Hard to say which half that will end up being.

I'm a big fan of permethrin spray when paired with long pants/a long shirt. Here's a link to the one I like the best. Basically you spray it on your clothes before you go and you then let it dry (don't put it on your skin). It also works great for chiggers, especially if you drench your shoes/socks with it.

In Orlando, the mosquitos are really bad this year. I have a Zap-It! Bug zapper which gives a very satisfying zap when you hit an insect and Picaridin spray which lasts 12 hrs (it really does seem to last that long) and works better than anything I have tried - zero bites since I have used this stuff - it doesn't smell but it does leave a very slight film on the skin. If you aren't bothered by that, I would recommend giving it a try.

I use the zapper when they are annoyingly flying around and I feel like playing Zeus while ending their lives with a bolt of lightning.

I haven't tried the Thermocell due to cost - Thermocell and refills - but I will keep that in mind if the Picaridin is no longer effective. Glad you found something that works!

Do your best to eliminate standing water in your yard, as this is where mosquitoes breed. Even things like saucers from potted plants can be mosquito breeding grounds if water is left standing in them for long enough (about a week, from what I understand).

After a particularly bad mosquito year, I bought a head net (similar to this one), which helps in particularly buggy situations. Other than that I mostly use DEET-containing big sprays, although I’ve found some of the more natural repellants (the ones with essential oils) seem to work well enough if the mosquitoes aren’t too bad to begin with.

As a side note, myself and the guys on my crew use Repel lemon eucalyptus on ourselves and gear with good results. Link

If it is water/wax based makeup apply Avon Skin So Soft cream bug repellent then use the makeup over it. The makeup applies and blends better.

Oh yeah duh haha sorry. I’ll have to try this next time!

Edit- I see there’s a few types. is this the one?

Buy one of those face net thingies. As for repellent, we tried three or four products, and the only stuff that seemed to work was Ultrathon Insect Repellent, 12 hr time release. Even in areas where we were being swarmed, this seemed to mostly keep them off the skin.

Bring more than you think you need.
https://www.amazon.com/Ultrathon-Insect-Repellent-Cream-Pack/dp/B00KXB3QWU

Fenix LD10 has been great. Small with a clip to ride inside a pocket with two brightness level.

http://www.amazon.com/Fenix-LD10-Lumens-Waterproof-Flashlight/dp/B004DVIJSW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1381168823&sr=8-1&keywords=ld10

Basically anything except cotton. I have a pair of pants that say "100% nylon with teflon coating" that are great. Polyester would probably also be good. Basically, you'll have to go by "feel". Find something that isn't cotton, then ask "is this tough/thick enough that most bugs won't bite me through this?" and "is this light enough that I won't get overly hot in it?". And get yourself a bug head net, in black. they usually come in green, but black is easier to see through. here's an example amazon link

Uh, yeah it is.