🐜 Bug Season Survival Guide: How to Actually Enjoy the Backcountry

Bug season.

If you know… you know 😅

For a lot of people, bugs are the number one reason they hesitate to get into canoe tripping or backcountry camping. And honestly? It makes sense.

There’s nothing worse than feeling like you’re being eaten alive while trying to enjoy your morning coffee or cook dinner at camp.

But dare I say...

Bug season doesn’t have to ruin your trip.

With a few key pieces of gear and some simple strategies, you can still paddle, camp, and actually enjoy your time outside.

🧥 1. A Good Bug Shirt (Worth Every Penny)

If you’re going to invest in one thing — make it a bug shirt.

Yes, they might look a little intense… but they work.

The Original Bug Shirt is one I always recommend because:

• It keeps bugs completely off your skin

• The mesh face covering actually lets you breathe and see

• It makes a huge difference in your overall comfort

👉 They make them for adults and kids, which is a game changer for family trips.

💡 Pro Tip: Wear a brimmed hat under it to keep the mesh off your face and get a size up so you can pull your arms in and eat your lunch inside it!

🔥 2. Thermacell = Your Bug-Free Bubble

This is one of those items that feels like magic the first time you use it.

A Thermacell creates about a 15-foot zone of protection from mosquitoes.

There are a couple options:

• Adventure MR300 → runs on its own small butane canisters

• Backpacker version → attaches to your camp fuel canister (more compact)

💡 Perfect for:

• Cooking at camp

• Sitting around in the evening

• Actually enjoying your meals without swatting constantly

🏕 3. Create a Bug-Free Hangout Space

One of the biggest upgrades you can make to your trip?

A bug shelter.

We use the NoBugZone by Eureka, and when it’s set up properly, it creates a bug-free oasis at camp.

A couple tips:

• Peg out all corners so it’s fully sealed

• Fold flaps in properly to keep bugs out

👉 This becomes your go-to spot for:

• Morning coffee

• Meals

• Escaping the worst of bug hour

🧴 4. Bug Spray (Still a Must-Have)

Even with all the gear above — bug spray is still essential.

A few tips:

• Pump bottles work best (skip aerosols in the backcountry)

• Choose between:

  • With DEET → stronger protection

  • Without DEET → gentler option

💡 Keep it accessible — not buried in your pack.

💛 The Reality About Bug Season

Here’s what I tell everyone:

Bugs are part of the experience… but they don’t have to define it.

Once you:

• Have the right gear

• Know what to expect

• And feel prepared

Everything shifts.

You stop focusing on the discomfort and start focusing on:

• The still mornings

• The sound of paddles in the water

• The feeling of being out there

✨ You’re More Capable Than You Think

If bugs have been the thing holding you back from getting into the backcountry…

This is your sign that you can handle it.

And once you do, it doubles your tripping season.