Just the other day I was asked, are there lots of mosquitos on that trail. I have to say if this is a concern you can’t overcome, you are going to struggle to hike many of the most beautiful backpacking trails in the Canadian Rockies. I’m talking about Tonquin Valley and Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park. These two trails in particular I’ve done twice, each time either getting destroyed by mosquitos or barely noticing them. Just goes to show, preparation for the worst case scenario will help you enjoy a trip regardless of how many aggregating, buzzing, mosquitos you encounter.
What Are Mosquitoes?
Mosquitoes are common the world over, with more than 3500 types. Not all species bite but when they do, they most commonly leave behind red bumps on the bite site which can be insanely itchy! Here in Canada they are pests but in some parts of the world the spread deadly diseases.
When Are You Most Likely To Encounter Mosquitoes?
These creatures are everywhere in summer, however they need stagnant water to breed, so they are most common around water or waterlogged areas. They also can’t survive when the temperature is under 10 degrees celsius.
This means, in Canada at least, mosquitoes are most common in the earlier summer months, once the night time temperature rises. So to avoid mosquitoes, head out during the shoulder season! The first time I hiked Tonquin Valley it had snowed a few days prior, even at the beginning of July, so we had no mosquito issues!
What To Wear To Avoid Mosquito Bites
The way you dress can seriously affect the number of bites you find post trip. I for one find while I’m hiking I don’t get bothered much but when I stop…oh does that story alter dramatically. Therefore, particularly when I’m at camp I make sure I am dressed for success!
Two items I swear by and saved me from getting completely destroyed by mosquitos whilst staying at Amethyst Lake in Tonquin Valley was a pair of hiking pants and a fishing shirt!
The material of hiking pants along with the fact they are looser cut seemed to mean that mosquito bites on my legs were almost completely non existent! The few I got were mostly from sitting down to use the open air bathroom facilities. With pants on I didn’t need bug spray….and didn’t think about spraying before going to the bathroom, until I was surrounded and batting toilet paper at the mosquitos.
I personally find hiking pants light enough and comfortable enough to wear even in summer in the Rockies and therefore I always have a pair in the backcountry. I wore tights on my first trip to Mount Assiniboine and I can confirm, mosquitoes can bite right through them.
A fishing shirt is a must have in my backpack at all times now. It’s light and cool plus mosquitos can’t seem to break through it. Double winner for me is they also tend to come with sun protection making it an awesome option for hot days on the trail as well!
Marks Work Wearhouse also has a line of mosquito repellent clothing. I haven’t personally tried it out, so I can’t speak to the quality or protection it gives you. However I have tried similar products from a British brand called Craghoppers and found they worked incredibly!
Things To Never Leave Home Without
There are a number of things you can buy to help keep those pesky mosquitoes at bay.
The first which comes to mind is bug spray! Great for days when you don’t want to be fully covered up or for those short breaks on the trail. Some people take issue with bug spray due to the chemicals used, more natural options are becoming much more common and reasonably priced and can be picked up from most outdoor stores.
We never leave home without mosquito coils, essentially incense sticks you light and burn and something in them keeps mosquitoes clear of the close area. Perfect to light around a bench while you are cooking dinner. These are relatively cheap and easy and light to pack for backpacking.
The other option is to use a Thermacell, there are many options depending on where you want to use it, how big of a space you want to cover and if you are carrying it on the trail. There is now a Thermacell specifically designed for backpacking. It attaches to a standard isobutane gas tank, many of you will likely carry for use with your stove. They are on the pricier side and refills will set you back as well, but a great reliable option.
As silly as it may look, a bug net was an absolute lifesaver on our second trip to Tonquin Valley. I didn’t need to wear it while hiking but we went to the lake shore to watch the sunset and without the face protection, I’m honestly not sure I would have made it to sunset! They are relatively cheap depending on the brand and light and easy to carry.
So there it is, my top items I’d never leave home without if I’m expecting a mosquito filled trip! If you have any other suggestions, I’d love to hear them in the comments!
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