How I Deal With Bugs When I'm Camping With A Tarp

[@ntfd60]

I love this vid. I've always preferred tarps. Bugs are attracted to CO2 (breath) and CO (stove), along with temp. and color...but I'll tell you this, black flies in Canada are not to be messed with. The only thing I've ever found is netting, period. A physical barrier like your bivy is vital. A head net in the day, and a hammock bug net from Walmart at night. I tie off the side by my head to the top of the tarp in front and get in. Your mat and bag will keep the netting away from your face. Cheap fix for like $24. It’s worked great for 10 years now and I can still rock a tarp.

[@matjobin]

Thanks ntfd60! Those flies can be brutal in Canada and I've also experienced similar in Vermont and Maine. Happy to hear you're still getting out there with the tarp!

[@jesseherbert2585]

Yep, I luve in VT and work in Maine for a month each summer and my head nets and full upper body bug suit get a lot of use. Hoody is nice when cool enough to allow their use. Time of day matters...

[@ipedros7]

Same in Scotland. Always amusing seeing them follow your CO2 'trail'. In spring to autumn, those pesky things can't be ignored if you stop for any length of time, and net time (rated for Scotland midges) over a wide brim hat is a great and quick way to deal with them!

[@Bazza1968]

@@ipedros7 Are you meaning the midges or the "Birch Flies" (these are actually of the family of the "Canadian Black Fly" the OP refers to)?? The worst place in the UK for them is where I live- Loch Insh/Kincraig (It's mentioned in the "bugs" section of the Mountaineering Scotland website!) and now the birch leaves are out the flies will be here for a week or two(but when? Who knows.... A stiff breeze always keeps them down and evenings can be bad when wind dies off) I swim in Loch Insh most days spring to autumn and the last time I got caught I legged it the 400m home in my boots with no socks and laces undone....they make the midges look like a mild irritant and I've seen kids at the watersports centre there with blood running down their necks, and our collie gets mauled by them...utter ba&%ards!!!

[@justinw1765]

@@ipedros7 The worst I've ever experienced was outside of Fairbanks, Alaska during the summer. The mosquitoes were like dark clouds. I've been to Scotland, but didn't do any backpacking then, just some day hikes, and thankfully didn't experience bugs too badly, though I'm sure they can be intense there as well. Any cool and wet places seem to be the worst.

[@bushcraftoz2]

Love the umbrella idea. I started carrying a small umbrella a few years ago after somebody put me on to it as instant shade for the Australian summer.... never thought to use it to keep my bug net off my face.... Always learning 😊😊

[@pedroclaro7822]

Location is indeed KEY! I cook with fire and smoke keeps lots of critters away. When I’m done cooking and boiling water I’ll add green stuff to my stove and it’ll smoke for a few good minutes and repel some more. Green pine needles work wonders. Also there’s a lot of natural herbs and plants thst people rub on their skin as their scent is insect repellent as well, though I never tried that out of laziness. I have a little bugnet for my face meant for daytime use, and I’ve hung it above my head overnight. Made a little tripod with some twigs and that’s it.

[@ulbushcrafting6592]

Awesome! I use all natural bug repellent too. “No Bite Me” It works! But does not last as long as deet , obviously. Fantastic idea of using the umbrella with the netting!

[@0fficialnomad]

Great video! I want to add a tip for those reading the comments. I've found that Vicks Vaporub or even the generic brands, work well to deter all insects that I've encountered. I found this out when I made a last ditch effort to deter a trail of fire ants along the anchor rope of my sailboat. I rubbed the ropes with Vicks and no more ants would even touch it. (It worked so well that it trapped all the ants on the boat. Haha!) 😂 I've been using it ever since and won't camp without it. If I see ants on a tree that I'm hanging a hammock, I rub a little on the straps right at the tree and that has worked every time.

[@matjobin]

@officialnomad7268 Thanks! I’ll have to try your tip. Thanks for sharing. Glad you were able to escape the boat of fire ants. That sounds like quite an experience!

[@0fficialnomad]

@@matjobin That was but a part of my most terrifying and epic adventure to date. I didn't get much video footage of the crazy stuff, but I did upload some of the peaceful parts of that 2 week adventure of mostly paddling, a 19ft sailboat down the Congaree River.

[@matjobin]

@@0fficialnomad Sounds like an epic adventure and a great way to spend a couple of weeks!

[@0fficialnomad]

@@matjobin Yes indeed! Thanks again for sharing your content bro!

[@markroberts7001]

@@0fficialnomad I want to hear all about it. Have you told the story somewhere??

[@Teddy-fx6fx]

I am also from the north east. No tarps for me. Worst thing on trail are ticks. Had Lyme,no joke. Thankfully I caught it quick. But was really sick.Single wall tents are pretty light. No ticks.

[@jordanlyon6225]

You can make tarp-tent setups with 10x10s and up, you should look into them.

[@bukketkid2567]

Basecamp: I forgot to zip up my tent all the way at the bottom once. Was gone 9 hrs came back at dusk, banana slugs all in my fkn sleeping bag 😂 I laugh now, but was super pissed trying to hunt them all down😂

[@BeautifulTripsandPlaces]

There are bug net 'tents', you could use a tarp with one of those :) If you'd want to ofcourse

[@pedroclaro7822]

Tent inners are a fine workaround. Benefits and versatility of a tarp with the reliability of a tent. I use a hammock so I just use my hammock bugnet but yeah

[@justinw1765]

Get an old, long, somewhat worn sock. Fill it with diatomaceous earth, dust around your sleeping area and on your lower legs. Any bugs get in that stuff, and they are toast (especially with the non food grade, microscopically sharp stuff--kills them even faster). Very safe for humans, unless you breath in a lot of the dust (especially the non food grade stuff). Granted, this only works for weekend/short trips, and not longer trips/thru hikes.

[@Oldsparkey]

Here in Florida it's normally a hammock for me. A jungle hammock with a double bottom and attached bug netting under my tarp. For ground camping it's the YAMA Mountain gear one person bug shelter. They make 2 different ones the Y Zip Bug Bivy or the Bug Shelter , the bug shelter offers more head room. Besides Sawyers Permethrin for material they also have the Fisherma's Formula with 20 % Picaridin in a spray pump for the skin.

[@vikingskuld]

Hey thanks for the video. I know years when the ticks are bad I would put a cheap flea tick collar around each of my boots I never had a problem with ticks when I did that. I can't tell you how healthy or unhealthy it is but most people love on their dog don't have an issue and I have never noticed any problems from it. I do more hunting and camping then straight hiking so I'm off the trail a lot. Hope this helps

[@matjobin]

@vikingskuld Thanks for watching! I haven't tried that method so I can't speak of it, but I'm glad you found something that works for you.

[@AB-kg6rk]

Where i camp in the Northern Rockies I was tarp camping. While sitting by the outdoor lamp, about 6 feet from my tarp, I watched a 4 foot long prairie rattlesnake crawl under the tarp and attempt to crawl inside my back pack. I slowly picked him up with a stick and moved him out of my campsite. I sure wouldnt have enjoyed him crawling under the blanket with me. Maybe the bivy would help prevent snake encounters it really never became alarmed or even opened his mouth, i know i was being chill while relocating him.

[@cartergray2227]

I always make sure there is nothing for critters to climb into. I keep my sleeping bag packed until I get into it and my pack is always zipped. I’ve never had any problems with mice or snakes as of yet.

[@__-pl3jg]

One time in the month of May I Kayak'd 8 miles to an island on the Taledo Bend Reservoir in Eastern Texas. The Mosquitoes there were so big they could bite me through my jeans. Later I learned they could bite me through my jeans, and the hammock! That was the trip that convinced me to ALWAYS have netted shelter going forward😅. They were the most aggressive I'd ever seen. Eventually I learned their schedule. They would come out to feed 1hr before sunset and left 1hr after sunrise. As long as I hide during those times I will be safe. I've noticed mosquitoes up North are on the opposite schedule....They hide at night when temperatures drop low 🤔.

[@thedannyd]

I live in Nebraska. Our mosquitos don’t take a break. You need a 35mph wind to keep them in the vegetation.

[@Ifitallfails]

That's great, I never thought of the umbrella method, thanks for sharing.

[@tomsitzman3952]

In past summers I oftentimes carried a tarp for better ventilation than a tent, where mosquitoes were just a minor problem that only required a ball cap and a head net for restful sleep. Due to changing climate conditions, diseases carried by mosquitoes and ticks are now found outside their former range. I am now using a lightweight tent with large netting panels for summer bike trips. I try to avoid repellents as much as possible and rely on covering my body with clothing.

[@drytool]

You mean due to Bill Gates' bioweapon experiments, don't you?

[@melwtan]

Thank you for the video! I've been camping outside for 20 years and picked up some new stuff from you! Especially the umbrella idea. I've been looking at going the flourless pyramid tent option but struggle with the bug issue. I've lived in Ontario where they were absolutely vicious and now in BC where it can still be during sunrise and sunsets. I really did the umbrella idea. I've seen it done for sun protection in other countries, but never really thought or bothered about it for hiking. I saw ultra light umbrellas for sale in Japan and thought it was weird, but now I am going to get one! I am keener now in sun protection and seeing how the umbrella solution will work for both bugs and the sun, I'm sold on the multi-functionality.

[@reconwatcher9475]

Try this... Gather dried cow dung... Use a small clay pot... Fill the pot with dung and light it... I use a small amount of fuel to light then when a decent flame is going,I blow out the flame and let it smolder. The smoke repels the bugs and there is no foul odor. Use several to surround your campsite.

[@dniemi58]

Dried cow dung? Really?

[@angelabarnes1547]

They used dried cow dung in the prairies in wood stoves etc. This the new 'cow pies'. When dry they don't stink as it's dried processed grass!

[@alfredlear4141]

They do the same in Mongolia. Dung is a major fuel source there, lots of goats and sheep. It dries very quickly at that altitude and gives a slightly sweet odour, nothing like fresh dung ...

[@Ridesmule]

Citronella oil, eucalyptus oil etc. are very helpful. A smoky fire with punky wood or leaves etc helps. However when I camp with a tarp I also use an army surplus bug net.

[@matjobin]

Those oils are helpful and are actually some of the plant oils used in the bug lotion I show in this video. Cedarwood oil is great for ticks too.

[@davey_dude1230]

Also quality lavender oil or any mint. Mint took over my herb garden so I’ll just pick a top off and rub the leaves over my exposed skin. It works well for mosquitoes in south east Texas

[@sundaymorninghikes6275]

I love your mellow approach to everything! As much as I would love to tarp camp, I like my sanity (you only mentioned it 5 or 6 times). I had a run-in with a brown recluse spider about ten years ago and it damn-near did me in as I developed sepsis from the bite. I definitely see the merits of using a tarp system, but I'll stay fully enclosed, thank you. I use Alcala body wipes when I get to camp to help me feel somewhat human. They're biodegradable (made of bamboo) and have chamomile, tea tree oils, aloe, and cucumber and they work great at keeping the bugs away at camp.

[@matjobin]

Thanks @sundaymorninghikes6275! Sanity can be a game changer out there, especially when the bug pressure is extremely high. Sorry to hear of your run in with the brown recluse. Completely understand your decision with the tent. Tents have their benefits too. Glad you are still able to get out there and enjoy the trails. I haven't heard of those wipes, but will have to check them out at some point. Thanks for sharing!

[@curseofsasuke]

If you set up your tarp in a breezeway, the spiders can blow away

[@tatooine_dream]

those wipes sound very interesting. tea tree is such a power house. going to strongly consider getting those because a tea tree wipe on the feet every night would absolutely keep the socks and shoes way fresher on a longer hike/camp too. will look into making my own

[@88WhiteRhino]

Feel free to be enclosed but if a spider wants in it will find a way, went camping all summer last year despite being very carful spiders periodically got in and I only opened the door to get in.

[@sundaymorninghikes6275]

@@88WhiteRhino Yup, I agree, but I'm not going to make it easy for them by going without a net.

[@Soulja4ChristWeAreAtWar]

From a military guy who had to walk thru marshes, he said that pantyhose is the best to keep bugs from getting into and biting your skin, including tics and chiggers. Also, it weighs next to nothing and takes up nearly no space.

[@crisdeeming2758]

Uurrrmmmmmm

[@__GALLANT__]

And a little lipstick and some charcoal for mascara made the fellows appreciate when you helped them pitch their tent, huh "solja"?! lol

[@Soulja4ChristWeAreAtWar]

@__GALLANT__ lol. Nope. I never had to do that. Just watched a video about what to do about bugs. The soulja isn't for military or a county but rather a soldier in the Army of the Lord Jesus Christ for the Souls of mankind. So my screen name is a combination of Soldier and Soul.

[@wolfeadventures]

Great video. I like the Katabatic Piñon bivy/tarp combo. Can leave tarp in your pack when no weather is expected, bivy pitches easy and has lots of room inside.

[@matjobin]

Thanks Wolfe! Katabatic makes some great gear. I've done the same on occasion with my Borah Gear bivy. Love the versatility of the system.

[@JohnMury]

Fellow New Englander here. Thanks for the vid and info. One point of consideration -- you mentioned that you count a heavy rain as a "washing" when looking at the lifespan of your permethrin treatment. According to a vid by Bigfoot, he had correspondence with Sawyer and they indicated that it's not the water that degrades the permethrin treatment, it's the physical agitation, so rain shouldn't affect the treatment. Also, I'm a big fan of InsectShield. You can send your stuff to them and for something like $20, you can get a permethrin treatment that lasts 70 washings. Depending on the situation, it can be well worth it, especially for outer garments or netting that will be used for a thru-hike. Thanks again!

[@matjobin]

@JohnMury Nice! Thanks for watching. Like with everything, results may vary with everyone. In my experience, heavy rain had reduced the effectiveness of permethrin. Sunlight will certainly aid in that. Hiking for hours in heavy rain, pack strap and back panel friction with hiking, shoving the jacket in the front outer pocket and removing it, infrequent brushing against vegetation, and body oils/dirt/debris could have contributed to what I had found too. InsectShield is a great alternative if there is enough turn around time before a trip or long hike. The product wash-in will last a lot longer than spraying it on. Thanks for sharing!

[@justinw1765]

Heavy rain will take off much of current DWR's pretty fast--I'd be surprised if they didn't take off some other chemical treatments like permethrin. With heavy rain, comes friction and a surprising amount of force from velocity.

[@billpetersen298]

A video like this, needs a parts list. That light bivvy is great.

[@Greg_M1]

Good tips on insect avoidance. Re: your tarp... olive drab? Not quite. Thanks for the excellent video.

[@aprilk141]

This is great. This one time I tarped in spider town, I almost froze and stayed up all night clutching my pistol because there were also a pack of coyotes hanging out.

[@pedroclaro7822]

I sleep with my mora inside my sleeping bag, and pepper spray always visible and close by. Tarp, tent or hammock - either way we’re really vulnerable out there. Sleeping bags are constricting of movement do having a quick way out is something I don’t hear about often, but could be the difference between being mauled to death and having a fighting chance

[@Smokdeel]

I like the umbrella setup.Thank you! 🏕🤠👍

[@matjobin]

@Smokdeel It’s a great option to have out there. Thanks for watching!

[@Dutcharmytent]

I hear “Tarp Camping” and I subscribe. I’m a simple man.

[@matjobin]

Yes, love the simplicity and versatility of tarps. Thanks for subscribing!

[@randomweirdo2701]

I use a mesh mosquito suit. Downside is it adds some heat and the mesh seams can be scratchy if you have texture issues but it allows freedom of movement compared to the bivy and much greater coverage than just a head net or other partial coverage nets. It's also lighter than the full mesh hammock envelopes and freestanding mesh shelters.

[@rtopalovich]

I only camp out in cold wx when bugs aren't active. Works every time!

[@MoonShadow74]

I hadn't thought of the umbrella/net figuration. As I do own a lightweight hiking umbrella and a large bug net, I will surely give it a try as soon as the snow melts and bugs appear in horrifying numbers here in Alaska.

[@justinw1765]

Worst bugs I ever experienced were in Alaska, a bit outside of Fairbanks. Just dark clouds of mosquitoes. It's like something out of a B horror movie. Every once in awhile, I think, "sure would be nice to move to Alaska", but then I remember the bugs and I second guess that urge. I can deal with the cold (unfortunately my spouse can't, and we'd would have to split for me to move there).

[@MoonShadow74]

@@justinw1765 I totally concur. The bugs can be maddening. Worse I have seen were on the shores of Medicine Lake which is NorthWest of Central, AK. The other which was just as bad was on the McKinley River just across from Turtle Hill next to Denali(Mt. McKinley). Could not eat without getting a mouthful of mosquitoes along with the food. Other places(many) were nearly as bad. Bug nets save lives!

[@wanttogo1958]

Mosquitoes are most attracted to red, orange, black and cyan. Greens, blues (medium to light are best) and white are the colors they are least attracted to. So all of those black hiking shorts that so many hikers seem to prefer are not helping to reduce your mosquito bite count. FYI. Nice video with great examples and options. Thanks.

[@Richard-fg2pk]

Source for what colours mosquitoes are most attracted to? Thanks!

[@obikenobi1906]

Im pretty sure 'blue' downunder attracts sandflies and mosquitos.

[@horustwohawks]

In lieu of an umbrella you can fashion some tent poles (or create a wire ensemble) for a lightweight "standoff" for holding the netting off you during sleep. I like this interior solution better than exterior tying off each time. Good vid and tips -thank you.

[@jamiepeirce526]

The little lake in the intro reminds me of Sterling Pond.

[@wisenber]

I go with the concentrated permethrin from Tractor Supply and soak several sets of clothing in a 5 gallon bucket. A couple of ounces mixed in two gallons of water will treat about everything you'll need. A machine washable synthetic quilt can be soaked too. Water resistant layers with membranes or coatings don't absorb permethrin for the same reason they don't absorb water.

[@waynemensen4252]

You might want to just spray that mixture on the outside of your clothes. You'll avoid it absorbing into your skin.

[@dananorth895]

Also cats shouldn't get near the stuff, it'll kill them.

[@wisenber]

@@dananorth895 That's when it's still wet. After it's cured, it's not an issue for cats. Definitely don't let cats around it before it dries.

[@mesmogruvinski]

Thankyou very much for posting. Very helpful.

[@matjobin]

@mesmogruvinski Thanks for stopping by my channel. I’m happy you found the video helpful.

[@The-GreenHornet]

To each their own. Tents can still make a great camping experience...WITHOUT BUGS! The drab clothing colors 👌 is a good idea. Head netting over a hat keeps bugs off your face.

[@mrnobodieswildcampingadventure]

Thankyou very informative. I love to go into hot areas in swampy lush environments (lowlands on National Parks). Trouble is Mosquitos love my blood. I find a good neutral colour tarp to use if needed for rain. Other than that I have a lifesystems geonet self standing mosquito enclosed net. Added to this when out of the net and little to no wind, I use the Nitecore EMR 10 battery powered mosquito, rodent, snake repeller. I still get the odd bite (nothing is perfect), but without this kit it would be unbearable. I would add that if you are going to base in a leafy area (fallen leaves on the ground), then move them away from your base as bugs love the insulation given under the leaves and live there. Liked and Subscribed

[@Shieldmaiden001]

Mosquitos are actually attracted to dark colors. The 5 best colors to wear are light blue, purple/violet, beige, white and green. There are scientific reasons for these colors, but from experience lighter or brighter colors will keep the pests away from sucking your blood more than darker hues. As for other insects...well, that might be a different story. Bees love bright colors. :)

[@koleale]

I’ve had good luck repelling mosquitoes with a combination of Repel brand lemon eucalyptus oil spray - plus, Off brand mosquito coils, set upwind of my tarp a few feet away. They last for much of the night. FWIW.

[@fabiogarcia1431]

I love your method, bro! Thank you so much! Greetings from Brazil. See you on the trail.

[@matjobin]

@fabiogarcia1431 Thanks so much! See you out there!

[@davebloggs]

Nice video . where I live unfortunately we have Teradactal skeeters by the millions they will eat you alive over night , I find staying away from water and long grass works good, also having a slow smouldering fire over night works great because they hate fire smoke.that is where a punky wood night log comes in handy. I use tarps in winter and always a tent in not winter yet. again great video nicely done.

[@matjobin]

Thanks @davebloggs! I find the cross breeze to help quite a bit too. In some cases, a tent could be better than a tarp. Not only for the protection from those prehistoric skeeters, but also for a little sanity. Thanks for watching!

[@thomasbaldwin4431]

Screw the chems. Take a net. The flying critters in La. fly in formation, have numbers on their wings and grow fur in the limited winter we have.

[@jhonyermo]

What a great channel. Geeze, glad I found it. Liked and Subscribed. Thank you.

[@matjobin]

@jhonyerm0 Thanks for visiting my channel and subscribing. I’m happy you’ve been enjoying the content I have on here so far. There’s a lot more to come.

[@michaelneuwirth3414]

🇬🇧​ Thank you for the video. The fact that you should keep a certain distance from the preferred habitats of insects (or other animals) and especially water is really fundamental if you don't want to be disturbed by them. P.S.: An umbrella is and remains simply an ingenious invention! 🇩🇪​ Danke für das Video & die vielen Anregungen. Dass man zu den bevorzugten Lebensräumen von Insekten (oder anderen Tieren) und vor allem Wasser einen gewissen räumlichen Abstand halten sollte, ist wirklich fundamental, wenn man nicht von ihnen gestört werden möchte. P.S.: Ein Regenschirm ist und bleibt einfach eine geniale Erfindung!

[@socrateos]

Thanks for an informative video. Not many videos talk about bugs.

[@matjobin]

@socrateos Happy you found my video helpful. Thanks for watching.

[@JohnMury]

Quick question -- you mention using natural insect repellents. Most of them are quite fragrant. Wouldn't that be a big no-no in bear country? (if used while sleeping) I've been using Sawyer's picaridin options for the reasons you mention but it's not always available on the trail, so I'm wondering about the bear question when I'm also trying to avoid DEET. I have a potential hike from Katahdin down through the 100 Mile Wildernerness this summer, so it's a big question on my mind.

[@matjobin]

@JohnMury The fragrance could encourage any inquisitive wildlife, not just bears. It's often the mini bears that I find to be less fearful at certain campsites. I'm not wearing the insect repellent to bed and will use one of the netting options with my tarp if the bugs are really bad. Good campsite selection can help greatly too. My research before heading out for a long hike or shorter trip will determine which is most suitable. The Picaridin is a great alternative to DEET too. I haven't used DEET in many years and I'm very cautious of it these days, especially around my Dyneema gear. Bear activity has increased quite a bit on the AT over the years and the trail has changed too since my hike on it close to 20 years ago. Though it's always good to be bear aware, I'd be more concerned about mini-bears (squirrels, chipmunks, porcupine, raccoons, mice), black flies and mosquitoes in Maine during the summer. Still all things that you will want to keep enticing scents away from. Have a great hike!

[@mattthornton6729]

Mosquitos are attracted to dark colors for camouflage also, white, you want to wear white, green or blue, (not bright)these colors mosquitos typically ignore the most

[@gud2go50]

Great information. Thanks!

[@matjobin]

Thanks for watching my video @gud2go50!

[@AndrewSmith-rp6ee]

There are ways to set up a 10'x10' tarp so that there is a floor and only a small opening that is easily covered with netting. Wish I could demonstrate, takes a little research and experimentation. Any exposed seams along the ground can be sprayed with non-deet bugspray.

[@matjobin]

Andrew Smith, That is a good option too. I've used it a few times in the past with my square tarp.

[@richjoebushcraft]

Nice ideas!

[@koleale]

Great review and perspective of bug solutions. You mentioned the backpacker’s old favorite, Dr Bronners’s as a bug-neutral choice for cleaning up. However, it has a wonderful peppermint aroma. So has this worked for you, or were you referring to the new “odorless” version of DrBronner?

[@matjobin]

@koleale Thank you. I haven’t had any trouble with the peppermint Bronners. I’ve actually used peppermint as a bug deterrent in my vegetable/herb garden and found it to be effective there so I thought I would give it a try with backpacking too. Granted some of the other options will be more effective, it’s still a nice alternative. I’ve been very happy with the Herbal Armour bug lotion I showed in the video. It’s been effective against ticks, mosquitoes, gnats and more 🙂.

[@koleale]

@@matjobin Fair enough. Thanks for your clear reply. However, if we turn our attention from bugs to bears, the latter’s famed sense of smell is another matter - and a flyswatter might not make the list of defensive options!!!

[@corleyoutdoors2887]

Informative and beneficial video!

[@Lue_Jonin]

You put out some very well explained information. 👍 👣

[@matjobin]

Thank you @KingLuey. I appreciate it. 👍

[@tedelder1796]

We have learned that A1550 mix of pine salt does are really good job oh Helping to keep bugs away

[@ek-nz]

I camped with a tarp setup in the Catlins in early summer and came back with a face half eaten by sandflies. Not a happy camper. Tried pulling my sleeping bag liner around my head but they bit right through it. Since then been using a hooped bivvy with netting but the setup is now no lighter than a tent. Still, used it in Fiordland National Park and no bites. But you lose the view and everything as well. Might just get a tent and use the tarp only when there aren’t any bugs.

[@matjobin]

@ek-nz That sounds rough. There are some great tents out there and as you mentioned, some of them can be lighter than a tarp/bivy setup. Though I prefer using a tarp, I'll still use a tent instead depending on the type of trip or hike. Everything has its benefits and drawbacks.

[@robertennor1143]

I picked up a net deigned to hang from a light and cover a bed. A bit bulky but if cut down and re-sewn, it could hang. from an inside ridge line under a tarp.

[@matjobin]

@roberttennor1143 Nice! Sounds like a fun MYOG project ahead.

[@SoloGetHykt]

That’s an interesting looking pack. Which pack is that? And thanks for the vid. Some bugs really don’t bother me. I either don’t feel them or probably just eat them 🤣. But it’s when you wake up with a Slug 🐌 on your face is when you question tarp camping. 🤣

[@matjobin]

MF Solo, I love the pack in my video! It's the Pa'lante Packs Joey. Here's a vid I made going over the pack if interested: kzbin.info/www/bejne/l5O8gmeLqtWAY6s And packing the Joey up for a 4 day stretch out on the trail: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gWWwiKGdi7tphMU Most bugs don't bother me either, but the mosquitoes and ticks can be troublesome in the northeast late spring/summer. Haven't had much trouble with them and haven't had a slug on my face yet! That would definitely make the experience interesting🤣. Thanks for watching!

[@terryqueen3233]

All of those systems are pretty cool although I prefer the bivy to all of them and I will suffer with the few more ounces but honestly I really have no problem with bugs I could almost sleep in the middle of a swamp and never get bit. My wife used to say that I was a sourpuss that's why they left me alone. At one point I was picking blackberries with my sister-in-law and we were side-by-side she got eat up with the chiggers and I never got bit one time. Now I did get bit one time buy a mosquito in the Grand Tetons. They were buzzing all around me but none were landing and then all of a sudden at the tip of my nose I seen one drilling into my nose but besides that I never have any problem. Guess I'm just lucky huh. Y'all think about it now.

[@matjobin]

@terryqueen3233 Some hikers have more luck on their side than bugs. I'd pick up a lotto ticket if I were one of them haha. The tips in my video have helped me greatly over the years though, and I prefer the tarp/bivy combo to other shelter options too. Keep enjoying the hikes!

[@hikesome]

Great video Mat! Thank you for all the tips man.

[@matjobin]

Thanks Mario! I appreciate you taking the time to watch my video and I'm happy you found it helpful.

[@shaynejohnsonmedia]

I like this video I also have an umbrella!

[@matjobin]

Thanks @shaynejohnsonmedia! Nice! They’re great to have on the trail and offer a lot of versatility.

[@masonthorpe7327]

Snugpak has a 50degree sleeping bag with a bug net to completely seal you up from bugs. Additionally, I use panty hose for ticks and chiggers. Good luck!

[@mikedevere]

Thanks for the video 😊

[@matjobin]

@mikedevere Thanks for visiting my channel and watching!

[@markthurst9751]

I'm sure someone has already said it but you can buy permethrin concentrate from tractor supply and maybe other farm supply stores. it will save you so much money if you use it often.

[@jackvoss5841]

I deal with bugs by camping in a tent that has a screened in enclosure. Tents do that job well. Ideal with a place to sit, cook, eat, read, etc with a tarp. Tarps keep off rain and sun well. In combination, a tent and a tarp make a very enjoyable camp. I learned that as a teen ager, and haven’t forgotten it. Kind of like heating water or cooking in a metal container over a fire. Together, a fire and a metal container make a good combination. I learned that at the age of three, and haven’t forgotten it. Courtesy of Half Vast Flying

[@billwiley7216]

Another that thinks the screen tent liners in conjunction with a tarp for rain protection is a good compromise between weight and being comfortable and bug free. The tent liners are not that expensive and designed to be set up using a ridgeline and a few cheap lightweight ground stakes. Swatting bugs in camp all evening is not my idea of a good time so a few extra ounces is worth it to me.

[@andrewyeong3767]

I would smoke the place with slow smoulder off some wet leaves etc or egg trays. Apply some ointment with strong camphor or other herbs smell may work as well.

[@lysan1445]

Actually, mosquitos are more attracted to dark colours as these camouflage them better. The umbrella-mosquito-net idea is brilliant!

[@ervinslens]

Fantastic video and great tips! 🔥🔥🔥

[@matjobin]

Thanks so much Ervinslens!

[@user-gn5uy6lx7z]

Hmmm, i use a hammock with a bug screen AND a 10x10.5 tarp to cover it in the rain. I'm off the ground, where the bugs are. If you're not against bringing a can of YardGuard you can spray the ground around your camp, bushes and the tree's that you are strapping to. This helps tremendously especially if you are in a tick infection area. I use DEET products on the top of my boots, socks and cuffs of my pants .if the bugs are bad I will use bug repellent. Then all are about the same but I do carry the whipes and use these for my skin. The used towels i attach to my Hammock and that helps with the bugs. At night if everything you tried doesn't work, start a fire and throw on a green Pine Tree branch. It will smoke and drive out bugs.

[@cakeshoe]

Have you tried oil of citronella as both a anti-mosquito deterrent AND a (slight) anti-body odor cure? I have no idea whether citronella would work with the bugs in your area, but it smells nice and sweet for times when you meet / camp with others on the trail.

[@matjobin]

@cakeshoe Yes, citronella oil is actually one of the ingredients in the bug lotion I showed briefly in the video. I find it to work really well for bugs along with the other oils in the repellent and have been very happy with it. Results may be different for others though.

[@bharris9824]

I use tulle -can be bought by the yard -for cover over me -while on my hammock. I also drape it over the brim of my hat while working in the woods. Covid masks are a great way to confuse biting bugs of my location. I too wear muted forest colors and cover myself depending on bug concentration. I no longer camp outdoors overnight -I now have a rustic cottage on my property. When we first started we used Permethrin, but I like to avoid using chemicals. I have type O+ blood -I’m a blood-sucking bug magnet. Thanks for your wisdom -lots of good ideas and some some good ones in the comments, too. 😊

[@justinw1765]

Tulle will work for mosquitoes but not smaller bugs. You need noseeum mesh for these.

[@angelabarnes1547]

I finally have an explanation as to why I get eaten up/bit and my sister doesn't! O+ blood type! Tyvm!

[@sigmalife0570]

Tysm for sharing

[@matjobin]

@sigmalife0570 You’re welcome. Thanks for watching!

[@ChavsADV]

I have a large bug net that I hang from my ridge line.

[@chancetolbert4852]

I'd love for you to come to south Louisiana and go tarp camping and then hear you try to say with a straight face that the Northeast has a lot of bugs.... lol

[@georqedubyakush6066]

Mosquito like bright white so i wear a white shirt on the way to my site to get it stinky and pin it to a tree a bit away from me, sometimes that thing looks like static with how many it attracts, if they're especially gnarly at night point a light at the shirt. Maybe I've placebo'd myself but i swear it keeps em off me, still need some kinda skin coat repellent for backup

[@tamiboelter5491]

I spray my clothes and ground sheet with permethin.

[@nickhikesinthewoods6150]

Where did you find that bivy bag at that's cool

[@matjobin]

@nickhikesinthewoods6150 Thanks! It’s a Borah Gear bivy.

[@ianbruce6515]

I live in Maine. You have to have a fully screened tent or hammock. We have blackflies, mosquitos--and abundant ticks! It is possible to get three tick borne diseases from one bite!

[@matjobin]

@ianbruce6515 One of my favorite places and not too far from me. I'm out hiking there every year. Sometimes a tent can be more beneficial and makes sense, but I've been able to use a tarp or tarp/bivy system in Maine too. Depends on a lot of factors and the type of trip. We definitely get our fair share of biting insects in the northeast.

[@ianbruce6515]

@@matjobin For many years, I headed out into the woods in the second week of October and bugs were minimal. September ok too

[@Berzerker71]

GOOD Video

[@matjobin]

Thanks Berzerker71!

[@CraigDroneAdventures]

Loved this. Will try with Scottish midgies

[@matjobin]

@CraigDroneAdventures Thanks! Those midges can be brutal. Make sure the Headnet is a made of a noseeum mesh and not the larger mesh for mosquitoes, or it could be a rough experience. I’d pack a bivy too like the one in my video depending on the time of year if going with a tarp.

[@CraigDroneAdventures]

That is some great tips. Thanks for your advice@@matjobin Looking forward to watching more of your content

[@matjobin]

@@CraigDroneAdventures You’re welcome. Thanks for following along 🙂. A lot more to come!

[@1DrBar]

A small tip ... insects mostly do not use scent to find their prey. They use carbon dioxide levels to find us, when we exhale. Of course, not breathing is a poor long term strategy. ;) You are correct that insects are attracted to color. Yellow is the worst according to a study by the Uni. of Southern California - but it it white that attracts them the least.

[@rodnryl3330]

I ditched my usual deoderant months ago. I now use a spray bottle of 90% alchohol instead. It works better than deoderant and evaporates quickly leaving no smell or mess.

[@stampede963]

Just don't get too close to the campfire...lol

[@journeybrook9357]

Friend of mine was sleeping inrr a tarp with his cat. He woke up on a cold morning thinking he was petting his cat. Two skunks have sought comfort and warmth with them. They did spray him. He day they looked surprised as he was and they just got up and mossy away.

[@robertw.7698]

Thanks

[@AS-os3lj]

What is the bivy that you showed? Looks really interessing. Thank you.

[@matjobin]

@AS-os3lj It's a Borah Gear bivy with a dyneema floor and a couple of customizations I asked for when I ordered it. I've been really happy with it and it pairs really well with my tarp when needed.

[@MattScottMusic]

Wow… “New England”…? There’s another England? This is wild, I am going to look it up.

[@matthewg7835]

Great video! Wanted to add that mosquitoes are attracted to black clothing/gear.

[@ckhung2679]

hello love your vid. May I know your clothes brand?

[@matjobin]

@ckhung2679 Thanks for watching. In the video I'm wearing a Senchi Designs Wren polartec alpha direct fleece, a generic button up dress shirt and Prana Mojo shorts.

[@dwaynerobertson383]

Great video, man. Thanks for sharing. Damn right I'll subscribe! If you are not in an area loaded with predators, I have heard that hanging a bag or two of raw spoiled meat 20 or 30 feet from your tarp/tent/hammock/camp draws all the nasty winged biting bastards into that bag and away from your person. I think the scent permeating off of the meat is like amplifying our own CO2, and it draws the attention of the majority of blackflies and mosquitos to it instead of us. Now I've never had an personal experience using this method, but I thought I would include it...in case anyone else can verify, or wishes to try it out themselves. I can handle sacrificing a few slices of bacon and a cheap burger patty or two for such a cause, if it works. Still, I'd take a net, a netted hammock and a tarp regardless. Safe, sound and comfortable out there, friends!!

[@johnswanson3741]

Repel the mosquitoes in lieu if attracting bears, sounds bad to me

[@dwaynerobertson383]

@@johnswanson3741 a dear friend of mine that told me of this 'application' used it for a family event. A lot of people, huge bonfire, loud music, lights shining, loud drunk people everywhere. In that kind of setting it's absolutely safe. I would not advise this for solo camping in the backwoods of Yukon or Alaska!! Hell, in any remote area and alone for that matter. I agree.

[@justinw1765]

A Sea to Summit style hanging bug net really doesn't weigh nor cost much. Just put a loop (DFC or Uultra TNT tape if its made out of those materials, or a strip of silnylon and some silicone caulk if its silnylon or silpoly tarp) on the middle of the inside part of the tarp, and you can hang it quick and easy. You do have to lift it up to get in and out, which is kind of annoying, but it saves weight over those with a zipper (and especially those with a built on floor).

[@jackvoss5841]

In the outdoors, insects outnumber us wayyyyy beyond our imagination. Before packing to leave, I apply permethrin to the inside of all - repeat, ALL - of my clothes, sleeping bag, tent, etc. As W.C. Fields said, “Never give a sucker an even break.” Violate this to your own discomfort and regret. Courtesy of Half Vast Flying

[@WoodRabbitTaoist]

If you know plants (which, sadly, most people don't anymore) you can use this knowledge to your advantage. There are plants that repel insects and plants that attract insects. Use the ones that attract as insect bait away from your camp and the ones that repel in your shelter.

[@jjj14]

I will just use my tent, thank you

[@danielgrubb9668]

I’ve read that Ninjas used to burn indigo-dyed cotton cloth to drive away insects. Never tried it myself so I can’t swear it works.

[@sierraridgereaper]

Some great tips. But Id love to know where in the Sierras you can be bug free cause I live in the foothills and spend much time in the high Sierras and have never had a day without bugs, if it aint the skeeters its the yellow jackets, if it aint the yellow jackets its the carpenter ants, if it aint the carpenter ants its the caterpillars and the list goes on (not to mention rattle snakes) most times its all 24/7...lol...

[@LMay64]

Great tips and info! Which brand of bivy is that?

[@matjobin]

Thanks BACPAKR! It's a custom made Dyneema bivy from Borah Gear.

[@LMay64]

@@matjobin I thought it looked a lot like mine, but mine is not a pretty blue color! I use mine so much that I’d be lost without it. Borah makes a great product.

[@matjobin]

@@LMay64 I was lucky that there were a couple of different Argon fabric choices available when I placed my order. Couldn't pass up the blue. I've been very happy with it. They do!

[@oldschooltakingyaback]

Did you use a trekking pole to set up your tarp?

[@matjobin]

@oldschooltakingyaback One trekking pole and one tree 🙂

[@oldschooltakingyaback]

@@matjobin That's such a great idea! I've never seen it before. Thank you.

[@BoulderHikerBoy]

Permethrin is the active ingredient in topical tick and flea repellent for dogs.

[@benwoodard6851]

Mosquitos are specifically attracted to dark clothing. 😂

[@jonschmitz7189]

In Minnesota you have to have screening

[@justinw1765]

Mosquitoes are most attracted to dark colors and least attracted to white, though of course other factors play in like CO2. There are certain natural scents that a fair amount of bugs don't particularly like, like mint, clove, cinnamon, obviously citronella, lemon eucalyptus, lemongrass, etc. If your soap or deodorant has essential oils from these plants, it will not extra attract bugs to you, though bears might take note. But bears have such an acute sense of smell, and high enough intelligence, that they are pretty good at telling from a distance, what is food and what isn't.

[@Andy-x3i8y]

So… just go with the tent. Got it. 😊

[@dianabenobo]

Most impor-ently, sanity!

[@chrisgage894]

When it rains does that tarp actually keep you dry? Any wind and I’d think you’d be soaked

[@matjobin]

@chrisgage894 This 7x9 tarp works really well in rain and does keep me dry. Good campsite selection and suitable pitches will help. If it’s a sideways rain and my pitch and site selection aren’t enough, I’ll pair my tarp with a bivy.