ExOfficio BugsAway Sandfly Jacket

The ExOfficio Bugsaway Sandfly Jacket offers ventilated protection from a variety of troublesome insects, including mosquitos that expose us to the Zika and West Nile viruses. Its lightweight and small packed size makes it a valuable addition for any outdoor trip.

The ExOfficio Bugsaway Sandfly Jacket keeps pesky bugs away using Insect Shield technology. By bonding Permethrin, an insect repellent, to the fabric fibers, Insect Shield provides invisible, odorless protection from mosquitos, flies, ticks, ants, and no-see-ums.

The Bugsaway Sandfly Jacket is constructed of a lightweight stretchable polyester mesh with nylon reinforced shoulders, sides, and zipper. These materials provide both quick drying and full ventilation. The jacket features an adjustable hood, two side pockets, a zippered chest pocket and elastic cuffs and hem. Weighing just 7.5 ounces the jacket can be packed into its zippered chest pocket.

I field tested the ExOfficio Bugsaway Sandfly Jacket on two recent trips, one on land and another on water. The land trip was a two-night backpacking trip to Yosemite in June, the height of mosquito season. Wearing the jacket over a tee shirt while backpacking allowed me to concentrate on the trail rather than constantly swatting mosquitos. With the hood pulled up under my hat the only body parts uncovered were my face and hands. The voracious mosquitos would hover an inch or so above the jacket and then fly off. In camp, the Sandfly Jacket worked equally well in keeping me bug-free while my fellow campers suffered.

On a canoe trip down the Yukon River in Canada, the ExOfficio Bugsaway Sandfly Jacket was again put to the test. In addition to mosquitos, there were many small biting flies to contend with on the river. Again the jacket kept me bug-free. The jacket’s light weight and breathability allowed it to be worn even in the hottest weather. When the jacket became wet from the ever-present rain, it took only minutes to dry when the sun came out.

This jacket is a great addition to any outdoor kit and it goes with me on any trip into mosquito country.

ExOfficio Bugsaway Sandfly Jacket

• Size: Small - 3XL
• Colors: Five colors depending on size
• Cost: $63.99 - $80