One of the problems you will face during summer vacations are insects – various midges, mosquitoes, gnats, and others. These small buzzing creatures bite, suck blood or just annoy during gatherings by the fire or a walk in the park.
And if you are going to the mountains or on a hike? You’ll meet them there too. In addition, any activity near water bodies, especially in summer, is also accompanied by mosquitoes or midges.
But with proper preparation, this problem can be solved. Manufacturers of modern equipment offer various solutions:
- Special mesh clothing. It is worn over the main one, allows air to pass through well, while protecting against insects. You can buy a mesh suit, which will be relevant when hiking in a humid climate, or simply choose a panama cape that can be used both on the campsite and in the mountains.
- Clothes threaded with special means. Such a technological solution is quite expensive in the process of creation. In addition, it is very important to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for care and washing.
- Various sprays and creams. Applied directly on skin.
- Fumigators. They work from a 220V network or on batteries, spreading the active substance.
Base Camp Insect Protection
Base Camp, a Ukrainian manufacturer of tourist and camping equipment, presented its line of protective equipment. It includes:
- Protective cream BaseCamp DEET 34% Cream;
- BaseCamp DEET 50 spray;
- Sprey for clothes BaseCamp MGP Spray;
- BaseCamp Max Repel fumigator.
How does Base Camp mosquito protection work?
The basis of most types of protection from BaseCamp is DEET. And to be more precise, diethyltoluamide (C12H17NO) is a substance that blocks insects’ receptors. When using products based on DEET, mosquitoes and midges simply do not smell a person, and therefore do not bite. Depending on the percentage ratio of the active substance in the composition, the tool can work from 4 to 8 hours in a row. This also affects the «aggressiveness» of its action – for example, means with the content:
- DEET up to 50% - mild in its action, suitable for protecting children. This includes BaseCamp DEET 34% Cream.
- 50% - suitable for the tropics, high humidity. Reliably protects against insect bites. In the Ukrainian manufacturer’s line, this category includes the Base Camp DEET 50 spray, which protects for up to 10 hours.
- Above 50% are the most reliable. Most often, they are used against mosquitoes in the tropics or in very humid climates. In recent years, such means have gained particular popularity among boating tourists and even those who go to the Carpathians in the summer.
In addition to products that are applied directly to the skin, it is worth noting spray for clothes. Most often, Permethrin is used in their basis. Such sprays are applied to clothes and equipment. «Working» times vary from a few weeks to a few months depending on the manufacturer. The BaseCamp brand has developed Base Camp MGP Spray spray.
BaseCamp insect protection features
BaseCamp DEET 34% Cream is a cream suitable for both adults and children. The content of the active substance is 34%, thanks to which the protection works for up to 8 hours. If we talk about the features of creams as protection, the following advantages can be highlighted:
- Savings in the process of use. When the spray is used, part of the protection is simply dispersed in the air. The cream allows you to use only the necessary volume.
- Equipment protection. When using some sprays, manufacturers indicate the danger of technological seepage of fabrics. The cream is applied only to open areas of the skin.
- Can be applied to the face. When using sprays, there is always a risk of protection getting into the respiratory tract. When using the cream, a small amount should be rubbed in the palms and applied to the skin.
The main feature of using the cream is its absorption time. Before leaving the house, you need to apply a protective agent to the skin and wait 20-30 minutes for the skin to absorb it completely. This will avoid stickiness and increase the level of protection. Another plus in favor of creams – they last longer on skin, they are not «afraid» of your sweat and moisture. Therefore, they are ideal for activities in the heat.
Base Camp DEET 50 – protection against insects in the form of a spray. Due to the content of the active substance in the volume of 50%, it reliably protects against mosquitoes, midges, midges, and is ideal for the tropics and humid climates. «Works» up to 10 hours. Not suitable for children, people who are breastfeeding and people with allergies. Usually, one application is enough for the whole day, but if you sweat a lot or spend time in the water, you will have to repeat the application procedure every few hours.
Base Camp MGP Spray – spray for clothes based on permethrin. Can be used both for finishing clothes and equipment. Provides protection for up to 4 weeks. In a humid climate, processing should be carried out more often. The average consumption is 300 ml per 3m2.
For processing, you need to apply the product evenly on the fabric, let it dry. In case of contact with eyes or respiratory tract, rinse with plenty of water and consult a doctor.
Among the cons, Base Camp MGP Spray is dangerous for bees.
BaseCamp Max Repel is a portable fumigator. It works on batteries, so it is perfect for picnics and camping near a reservoir. Thanks to its compact size and light weight, it will also be appreciated by hunters, fishermen and tourists. Designed for two standard «plates». For greater convenience, it has two modes of operation. In the process of work, it emits an active substance into the air that repels insects and is absolutely harmless to humans.
Who is BaseCamp Mosquito Repellent for?
When choosing a type of insect protection, it is important to pay attention to its composition and purpose. So, for example, some products are perfect for use on children and people with sensitive skin (BaseCamp DEET 34% Cream), while others will reliably protect in the tropics or near the river (Base Camp DEET 50).
The high content of DEET in the protection may cause an allergic reaction in people with sensitive skin. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to this.
If you are in the military or actively engage in outdoor activities and do not have the opportunity to often apply protection to the skin, pay attention to sprays with a high percentage of the active substance. In addition, manufacturers add so-called fasteners to the composition. Thanks to them, the protection works for a long time and is not washed away by sweat and water