Best Bug Jacket Ever….From a Bug Magnet

I’m not real big on bugs.  Talking biting bugs here, not the random grasshopper or ladybug.  I’m not bug phobic, but I am a bug attract-a-thon.  You want to find the only mosquito in a 5-mile radius? You can rent me for an hour if you’d like, happy to assist. I really wish I was kidding.  There is a reason we keep bug spray by our door alongside our keys. Right now my ankles look like I’ve just had chickenpox, because I spent 3 minutes in a yard.  The people I was in the yard with? Nada. Yea yea, I know this is partly about immune reactions and other mumbo jumbo (not really, I believe in science obvi), but the bottom line is, if I don’t want to be a scratchy-welty-mess, I take precautions.

Columbia Insect Blocker Mesh: Prevents Swatting, Itching, and Complaining!
(Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda)

There are tons and tons of options out there.  Many of them are great for colder weather–but what about when you are hiking in hot, humid conditions? When you can’t imagine adding another layer or wearing a rain jacket to keep biting insects away? Well I’m pleased to present my lifesaver–the Columbia Insect Blocker Mesh Jacket.First, it has a HOOD.  What is more awesome than not swatting bugs around your face and hearing that horrible high pitched hum in your ears?  Nothing, that’s what.  It really keeps them away from your face in general.Second, it is incredibly light and packable.  It does not make you hot.  The ultrafine mesh just keeps the bugs off, where they belong.  I often wear just a light tech tank top underneath, and it’s awesome.  Because it takes up so little space, I also used it in Cambodia when I needed to cover my arms for temples in Siem Reap–perfect double duty.Third, while off-label usage, it also helps to protect against sun, which is awesome.  You know that gross feeling when you lather on suncreen followed by layers of deet? Yea…this jacket means at least your arms, neck, and face can just have a light layer of SPF, and you don’t need to worry the rest of the day.  The fellow traveler who first introduced me to this jacket actually wore it in Egypt, in September, in 104 degree heat, without sunscreen underneath.  She was fair-skinned and never had so much as a slight tan.

Fourth, it’s machine washable.  Do it on delicates, it comes out looking like new.  But I’ve also hand-washed it while traveling with lots of success.

Yes, there are some downsides. The mesh can be a bit delicate, though the only time I’ve caught mine was when I accidentally ran into something, not going through bushes, brambles, or forests. It made it through Bwindi Impenetrable Forest without a single snag.

I also find that it gets stinky faster than some of my other gear, though this also may be because I’m sweating into it profusely?

Finally, you might find the colors of mine hideous–I quite like it (it perfectly matches a pair of purple hiking pants I own, of course) but don’t fear, they have much more toned down colors now, if brightness is not your thing.

This jacket prevented me from stocking up on beekeeper-related equipment for use when traveling to avoid bugs.  Not really, I’m actually not that pathetic, but this jacket does make traveling in bug-infested areas a whole lot easier!

I Convinced DH He HAD to Have One!
(I now realize this was silly, considering I attract all the bugs away from him anyway. But he did say it worked well, too.)
(Mountain Pine Ridge, Belize)