Is this a bad idea? Permethrin is a chrysanthemum-based chemical, if I recall. No harm will be done to this beloved 100% nylon workhorse, right? What if I treat it with permethrin and then with ReviveX to restore the light DWR? Cool and dandy, yes?

Neil,

Yes... see http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=60423&skip_to_post=517000#517000

Thanks Richard! So treating a Houdini with permethrin will significantly reduce the efficiency of its DWR. Assume, then, that the DWR on the garment is already quite reduced from standard use (e.g. it has been worn and washed numerous times over the course of 6 months). At this point, I suppose one would have to decide if water resistance was more a priority than insect resistance and treat accordingly (with ReviveX _OR_ permethrin).

Isn't the Houdini bug resistant to begin with? I don't remember being bitten through mine

Steve

He's probably more worried about ticks using it as a catwalk to deeper darker locations.

Per this thread:
http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=62197

and based on my experience the last couple times on the trail, ticks are plentiful in my neck of the (Mid Atlantic) woods this season.