This post is sponsored by Mark’s.
If you’re as prone to mosquito bites as I am, you’ll be excited to hear about this! Mark’s, a popular casual and workwear retailer in Canada, has launched WindRiver No Fly Zone apparel, the first-ever line of mosquito repellent clothing in the country.
My Battle with Mosquitoes
Whether in my backyard or traveling through Southeast Asia, mosquitoes seem to be drawn to me wherever I go. I once counted a staggering 20 bites in just 20 minutes while watching a sunset in Cuba. It’s a genuine struggle; whether I’m with one friend or a larger group, there’s something irresistible about me to these pesky creatures.
Over the years, I’ve amassed a collection of insect sprays, trying numerous products on the market. However, most come with a pungent smell and can stain your clothes (my friend learned this the hard way when she accidentally sprayed OFF! on her outfit during our travels in Africa). Plus, they can be quite inconvenient. Who actually wants to reapply insect repellent every few hours? And how often has one of us forgotten to pack it for a weekend getaway or a longer trip?
Introducing Mark’s WindRiver No Fly Zone Mosquito Repellent Clothing
That’s where WindRiver No Fly Zone mosquito repellent clothing comes into play. As soon as I discovered this innovative line last month, I reached out to Mark’s to learn more.
This groundbreaking collection includes shirts, shorts, pants, jackets, hats, and bandanas for both men and women, all made from fabric treated with permethrin. This synthetic repellent mimics a chemical naturally found in chrysanthemum flowers, effectively incapacitating mosquitoes on contact and prompting them to fly away before they can bite.
The use of permethrin-treated fabric isn’t a new concept; the U.S. military has been utilizing it for nearly two decades, and similar uniforms are worn by members of the Canadian Armed Forces.
What sets No Fly Zone apparel apart is its longevity; the mosquito repellency remains effective for over 70 washes, making it last much longer than some insect-blocking shirts from other brands.
Best of all, the No Fly Zone clothing collection is lightweight, comfortable, completely odorless, and designed for durability while ensuring you look stylish and stay protected.
During a recent trip to Ontario’s cottage country, I had the perfect opportunity to test this clothing line. Not only did I go during peak mosquito season, but it also rained for most of the time, bringing those annoying pests out in droves.
Here’s what I wore:
- No Fly Zone Mosquito Repellent Pants
- No Fly Zone Mosquito Repellent Short Sleeve Shirt
- No Fly Zone Mosquito Repellent Bandana
- Kananaskis Hiking Shoes (not mosquito repellent, but very comfortable!).
The bandana provides neck or head protection, and the short sleeve shirt is well-made and features a back yoke with zippered vents on each side for breathability. (For additional protection from mosquitoes, consider opting for the long sleeve shirt.)
As a traveler, I love the hidden front pocket, perfect for stashing cash, my passport, or other valuables, especially when visiting areas known for pickpockets.
The lined pants are functional as well, featuring six pockets: four zip pockets at the front and two Velcro pockets at the back.
The waist features an inner drawstring for adjustments, and the leg openings can be tightened using stretch drawcords.
I did notice a few mosquito bites during my weekend getaway, but interestingly, none occurred while I was wearing my No Fly Zone outfit, even when I was sitting at the lakeside right after a rainfall. That’s quite impressive!
Is Mark’s No Fly Zone Mosquito Repellent Clothing Safe?
Mark’s has dedicated ten years to researching and testing their products in collaboration with government agencies to ensure safety. The No Fly Zone clothing line is also registered with the Environmental Protection Agency.
With a permethrin concentration of just 2%, Health Canada has confirmed that the clothing is both safe and effective. Unlike other repellents such as DEET, mosquitoes do not absorb permethrin from the fabric after contact, which prevents them from transferring it to animals that consume them (like birds).
Conclusion: Thumbs Up!
Mark’s No Fly Zone mosquito repellent clothing is perfect for anyone seeking outdoor protection while hiking, camping, relaxing at the cottage, or traveling abroad.
You can purchase it at Mark’s retail locations across Canada or directly from their website.