I'm with Uppa on the NoBugZone. Bought one last year & it is worth its weight in gold in the backcountry!

You need to ask yourself why are you going camping?  Is it to a) enjoy nature or b) to prove how tough you are... err I mean... to prove how much discomfort you can handle by going one item camping like "naked and afraid"?

I used to ascribe to the "Don't complain, camp in the rain" scout motto, maybe I am just getting old, but I don't see the point in being miserable (all the while trying to convince myself I am not miserable...) in the backcountry.

NoBugZone allows you to sit outside & enjoy nature in peace despite the bugs and/or rain.  You always need to evaluate the space/weight penalty of brining something, otherwise you end up bringing way too much... but given how much more enjoyment of nature the NoBugZone brings, I think it is worth the space/weight penalty of brining it.

A few mosquitos out this weekend but with the dry weather they shouldn't be an issue. Black flies should be out in full force by the end of the week. 

IanTendy wrote:

My friend who lives in Kearney saw a few blackflies this weekend.  Odds are the warm weather will really make them start to pop soon.

I grabbed a NoBugZone a few years ago and can't stop suggesting them for any time of year.  The walls are sturdy enough to keep the rain off  most times too.  One of my fondest recent trip memories is sitting in the bug tarp with rain and bugs kept well away while me and my friend ate warm stew we cooked on a stove next to us.  It'll keep you dry, warm, and sane.

99% sure I'm taking it on my upcoming 24 trip, despite the added weight and bulk.

Which NoBugZone do you have? It looks like there are a few versions.  I've got the Onsight Big Box shelter and it works well for the bugs, but I like the idea of having something that doubles as a tarp as well.

AlgonquinLakes wrote:

IanTendy wrote:

My friend who lives in Kearney saw a few blackflies this weekend.  Odds are the warm weather will really make them start to pop soon.

I grabbed a NoBugZone a few years ago and can't stop suggesting them for any time of year.  The walls are sturdy enough to keep the rain off  most times too.  One of my fondest recent trip memories is sitting in the bug tarp with rain and bugs kept well away while me and my friend ate warm stew we cooked on a stove next to us.  It'll keep you dry, warm, and sane.

99% sure I'm taking it on my upcoming 24 trip, despite the added weight and bulk.

Which NoBugZone do you have? It looks like there are a few versions.  I've got the Onsight Big Box shelter and it works well for the bugs, but I like the idea of having something that doubles as a tarp as well.

I think I have the CT11 and that's perfect for 2-4 people.  I've got a lil review here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=srxxvhC-D68

I've found that by staking the bottom first it's a lot easier to set this baby up.  I love it.
 

ChristineCanoes wrote:

I just bought the 13. I debated the size but think it was a good decision.

Good choice!!  I also have the 13, think it is a much better "value" proposition and only 1/2 pound heavier. So about 10% more weight but much more than 10% useable area.  Not only is the square footage of coverage greater, but it is also around a foot taller, which makes actual useable area much more useful as the sides slope down, you have more useable height/area to work with.

The other option for May travel is long sleeves and DEET.  That's worked for me for 40 years of tripping.  But I don't sit around on my campsite very much - we are active and out exploring most of the daylight hours.

PaPaddler wrote:

The other option for May travel is long sleeves and DEET.  That's worked for me for 40 years of tripping.  But I don't sit around on my campsite very much - we are active and out exploring most of the daylight hours.

And gloves!  I purchased some that I'm going to try out.  Looked at Rynoskin gloves, but came to the conclusion those would be pretty slippery.  Instead, I bought some Coolibar gloves.  These are intended for people with skin conditions/extreme sensitivity to the sun (UV rated clothing).  They have a silicone pattern on the inside, so they won't (fingers crossed) slide off a camera, for example), and they are pretty close fitting, so that allows good dexterity.  The fabric is a breathable micro mesh, and is moisture wicking. They come in a normal length, elbow length, and halfway up your bicep length.  I got the elbow-length ones, kind of a cream color,  So, with long sleeve shirt, my hands will be pretty invincible.....I hope.  They seem pretty durable to me, I guess we'll find out.  I'm very interested to see how it works out, and will definitely report on how they worked for me after my late May trip. 

Up here in Huntsville, the black flies have been dealing for a good 5 days and as of yesterday a few decided to start feeding. It's probably a matter of a day or two before it's full-blown bugpocalypse.

i bought one of these NBZ 13. Some advocates of this thing in here. Thank you all for your help