Getting Eaten Alive Isn’t a Strategy.
Early-season hunting is brutal when bugs are in play. I’ve had Lyme disease twice, and both times I lost weeks of hunting and had to go through heavy antibiotics. That’s why insect-repellent clothing isn’t optional for me anymore, it’s mission-critical.
Whether you’re glassing a ridge in August, sweating through a September sit, or scouting new ground in the off-season, the right clothing will keep you focused and in the game.
Below are my top insect-repellent systems for 2025. These aren’t press release picks, they’re field-tested, brutally honest evaluations based on what works when ticks, mosquitoes, and heat are all hitting you at once.
Best Overall: Sitka Equinox Guard System
Treated With: Insect Shield + Polygiene Odor Control
This is the system I trust the most for early-season whitetails. Sitka uses a tightly woven stretch fabric that physically resists bites, layered with Insect Shield treatment and Polygiene for odor control. The hoody includes a built-in mesh face mask and a long tail that tucks into your pants to block ticks and chiggers.
The pants feature zip vents, internal leg gaiters, and a quiet, breathable build that doesn’t sacrifice mobility.
It’s not cheap, but if you’re serious about hot-weather hunting, this is your head-to-toe answer. See my full review here.
➜ See the Sitka Equinox Hoody here
➜ See the Sitka Equinox Pants here
Dialing In Weight: I use this $15 digital arrow scale to weigh every finished arrow. It’s cheap, accurate, and hasn’t failed me yet.
Runner-Up: FORLOH Insect Shield SolAir Pants and Hoodie
Treated With: Insect Shield + Polygiene Stay Fresh + Odor Crunch
FORLOH’s SolAir system is loaded with tech. Between the cooling brrr® Pro fibers, full-lifetime Insect Shield, and dual odor control, this set is built for long, sweaty, bug-infested hunts. The pants are mobile and breathable with a gusseted crotch and articulated knees, while the hoody brings full UV and bug protection.
My main complaint? The hoodie fit is oversized, and the inside of the hood is white, visually risky in close cover.
That said, for scouting, hiking, or mobile hunting in heat, it’s an extremely capable system. See my full review here.
➜ See the FORLOH SolAir Hoodie here
➜ See the FORLOH SolAir Pants here
Best Budget: Cabela’s Instinct Insect Repellent Hoodie & Pants
Treated With: Insect Shield + 4MOST INHIBIT Odor Suppression
Cabela’s Instinct system is what I recommend for hunters who want full-body insect protection without breaking the bank. The pullover includes a built-in gaiter hood, and the pants have internal leg gaiters that actually block bugs when tucked into your socks.
Add lightweight moisture-wicking fabric and scent-suppressing treatment, and this combo covers the basics surprisingly well.
It’s not going to win awards for fit and finish, but it’s saved my skin more than once in tick-heavy cover.
➜ See the Cabela’s Instinct Hoody here
➜ See the Cabela’s Instinct Pants here
*Read my full Cabelas Instinct Defense Hoodie and Pants Review here.
Bonus: DIY + Add-On Options
If you already own solid early-season clothing but it isn’t treated, you can easily make it bug-resistant using a permethrin spray like Sawyer or Ranger Ready. This is also how I treat socks, belts, gaiters, and gloves. Most sprays last 6–10 washes.
➜ Get Sawyer Permethrin Spray here
➜ Get Ranger Ready Permethrin Treatment here
Where This Gear Matters Most
- Treestand hunting: Stay still when bugs swarm your face, especially at last light
- Saddle setups: Ticks love to crawl inside waistbands and harness straps
- Ground scouting: The woods are full of sweat, brush, and crawling insects. Protect yourself
I use insect-repellent clothing in all of these scenarios, from early-season bow hunts and summer glassing to hanging stands and checking cams. It’s not about comfort, it’s about staying in the woods longer and not losing weeks of your season to a tick bite.
First Lite Options?
I’ve run the First Lite Yuma Hoody, which is treated with Burlington’s No Fly Zone. It works well against bugs, but only the hoodie is treated. First Lite doesn’t currently offer insect repellent-treated pants. If you go this route, you’ll want to treat your pants or layer with bug protection underneath.
Gamehide’s ElimiTick Clothing
Another option worth considering is Gamehide’s ElimiTick line. It uses the same Insect Shield® treatment found in higher-end systems but comes in a more affordable, no-frills package. I’ve worn the pants and shirt during turkey season and heavy summer tick pressure. They’re soft, quiet, and get the job done.
They’re not as breathable or technical as Sitka or FORLOH, and the sizing can be a bit boxy, but if you just want reliable tick and mosquito protection for scouting or light sits, they’re a solid, budget-friendly choice.
What Is Insect Shield (And What Does It Actually Do)?
Insect Shield is a long-lasting treatment that’s built right into your hunting clothes to repel bugs like ticks, mosquitoes, and chiggers. It’s not a spray, it’s a factory-applied permethrin treatment that bonds to the fabric itself. That means the protection is always on, and you don’t have to reapply anything before you hunt.
I’ve used it during spring turkey, summer scouting, and early-season bow hunts when ticks are brutal. It works. And when you’ve had Lyme disease twice like I have, you don’t mess around with tick prevention anymore.
The best part? You can’t smell it, feel it, or see it. But the bugs know it’s there. Insect Shield keeps them off your skin without you having to soak your gear or spray down constantly. The treatment lasts up to 70 washes, depending on the brand, which is basically the lifetime of the clothing.
From a hunting standpoint, that matters. It’s scent-free, doesn’t spook deer, and gives you a layer of defense without adding weight or heat. If you hunt in warm, buggy conditions, I highly recommend having at least one Insect Shield-treated setup in your kit.
If you’ve got a favorite early-season setup or outdoor gear that’s not treated, you don’t have to buy new. Insect Shield offers a mail-in service (via Per-Piece or Easy Pack) where you ship them your clean clothes or baselayers, and they’ll apply their factory-grade permethrin treatment. You will get it back smelling fresh and protected for up to 70 washes.
Final Thoughts
I don’t promote gimmicks. I’ve had Lyme disease twice, and it took me out of the game for two different seasons. I now build every early-season kit with insect protection in mind—because it’s one of the few things you can fully control.
If you want to stay focused, hunt longer, and stay off antibiotics this season, invest in one of these systems or treat your current gear. It’s worth every penny.
➜ See my full 2025 Early-Season Gear Rankings Here
FAQs
How long does Insect Shield last?
Up to 70 washes. It’s EPA-registered and built into the garment fibers.
Can I treat my clothes with permethrin spray?
Yes. It works well for 6–10 washes per application. Let clothes dry fully before use.
What’s the difference between Insect Shield and Burlington No Fly Zone?
Both use permethrin, but Insect Shield is EPA-registered and tested for 70 washes. Burlington’s version is effective but less standardized.
Is insect-repellent clothing safe on skin?
Yes. The treatment bonds to the fabric. It won’t transfer or absorb into your body.
Should I still use bug spray?
You can, especially on exposed skin. But treated clothing usually covers 90% of your needs.
Want to see exactly what I’m carrying this season? Check out my Personal Bowhunting Gear List for 2025!
