Permethrin -- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Permethrin
As it states, it is a neurotoxin. Personally, I would rather be close to DEET instead (although DEET can melt your clothes). Pick your poison.

Actually, I just hike with a wind shirt (and bug net, bug gloves, etc.). I've worn a bug shirt without a T-Shirt underneath, and it is OK. I generally just wear my T-Shirt all of the time instead, so I really don't save any weight by leaving it at home (I don't feel like walking around half naked and I wouldn't want to wear a wind shirt all of the time).

So, I see what you are getting at with your original post. It would be nice if you had a base layer that was as comfortable as a T-Shirt, but bug proof. Maybe it could have removable sleeves (or sleeves that are easy to roll up). The Original Bug Shirt (http://www.bugshirt.com/) is made out of cotton, but it is not comfortable to wear and is fairly heavy. It is kind of baggy (for good reason). I only break it out when I know I'll see heavy bugs and I'm going on a day trip. In general, in order to make a shirt bug proof, it has to have a very tight weave. I could see a synthetic T-Shirt being made that way, I just don't think anyone has done that (and even if they did, it wouldn't be close to the weight of a wind shirt). Plus, if you had that, it wouldn't breathe that well (another trade-off).

I have this same discussion going on at finnish outdoor forum and somebody suggested silk shirts. Do you have any experiences with silk shirts? I know they are really light and comfy, but are they bug free, even when fabric is against the skin?

How well does Permethrin hold up against washing?

Sawyer claims 6 washings!

I think Ex Officio claims 50 or so.

I have used silkshirts, and I assume it is the light colour that may make them bugfree, I would love to know more about silk shirts and bugs can you send me the finnish link?

Petri,

My silk underwear is somewhat see through and tight fitting and mosquitoes bite right through it. But if you found a silk shirt tightly woven and thick enough (loose fitting would be preferred) it would probably work but I have never seen anything like that. Maybe your Finnish friends can give you a source.

I wouldn't wear silk shirts.

1. Most people buy them for their lightness and airiness. Good luck trying to find a thick and tightly-woven version.
2. My own experience, silk feels sticky and uncomfortable after a few wears -- sooner than Coolmax and poly/cotton blends.
3. Silk requires more delicate care/laundering.

Silk is traditionally a "luxury wear" for royalty and the rich.

Couple finnish brands were mentioned in forums with recommendations (silk shirts)...

http://ruskovilla.fi/EN/Products/Adults
http://linnox.com/ (site under construction, only in finnish right now)

Second hand shops could be good a source for somekind of silk shirts also...

Actually normal "dress shirt" made from silk would be ideal for me... You can open front, it has couple front pockets, high collars protect more when needed, sleeves can be rolled up easily, light, very comfy,

This may lead to that next year I will be hiking in full black suit ;)

Hi Roger,
http://www.vaellusnet.com/turinat/viewtopic.php?t=6711&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

Ymmärrätkö suomea?


Roger: one guy mentioned that in one trip, when mosquitos we really bad... only shirt that worked very well was a WHITE silk shirt... of course no mention what other shirts were...

but wearing a white silk shirt in backwoods just sounds wrong ;)
well couple days and its not really white anymore :)

Edited by phoenix on 03/04/2011 12:14:06 MST.

Thanks Petri

No I do not understand Finnish, but Google Translate is always a good start : ) But as I am heading to Lapland for 3 weeks in July the issue of mosquitos (which I have seen first hand last year) is of interest to me. Loose fitting shirts seems like a good start and I am intrigued by the suggestion that a silk shirt is better. My question is why? Is it the fabric, the colour or ???

Edited by rogerb on 03/04/2011 12:13:33 MST.

Roger,
Welcome to Finland in July, which part of Lapland you are heading?

I think like in everything else there is a lot of quality differences in silk shirts. But long sleeve silk shirts could weight something like 120g, better quality maybe close to 200g.
But if you could treat that shirt with these poisons we have mentioned here... or maybe even works well without any treatment..?
But for sure I will get a silk shirt for next summer trips...
maybe in some light colour?

google translate can be funny...

Edited by phoenix on 03/04/2011 12:26:01 MST.

Agreed google Translate (even in my limited Danish) is funny. I don't use the poisons either, last year when hiking from Björkliden to Kilipsjärvi I used Prevent ( a pyrethrin based product) which worked well. This year I am intending to start in Kvikkjokk and finish in Abisko so I will not make it to Finland, however, I hope that I will be in Tampere in September when Chris Townsend is there

Silk shirts are worth investigating in my view, I just need to find a supplier of light coloured ones.

Edited by rogerb on 03/04/2011 12:49:11 MST.