Does anyone have experience with a ThermaCELL on wilderness trips?
I purchased one last year for turkey hunting in GA and haven't had a need to use it to determine if it works as well as they say. I'm taking a trip in the Q in late May/early June and I'm considering bringing it along in case we have an early spring and the black flies try to carry us away. I've read reports from black bear hunters in Canada who swear by them, but I'd like to hear from some Q/BWCA travelers. If need be I'll stick with my head net as I hate slathering myself in DEET.

Thanks ST. This will teach me once and for all to search for EVERYTHING before posting a question. I should have known this topic would've been discussed at some point in the past.

I think you'll find that any of the external bug devices are limited in windy conditions or if expected to cover large areas in calm conditions.

Of course if it's windy enough the skeeters are not a problem.

I think you would do well to use the Permethrin on your garments and then use the Thermacell as a additional barrier in camp if necessary?

I've tried a few different external bug products. I used this one on a trout fishing trip. Around camp in little or no breeze, it kept the skeeters at bay. I just clipped it to camp chair and it worked great.

(You need to Login or Register to view media files and links)

I use a 3 sided Dry-fly set-up in the Q. I set my solo tent up under the fly. I use these Mosquito sticks and they worked well as the dry-fly provided a semi-enclosed area for the repellent to collect. I'd light one a little before the skeets came out and put it close to my tent door. Once I go to bed, I extinguish it and if needed, re-light the next morning. They resemble giant kitchen matches. Just stick in the ground.

(You need to Login or Register to view media files and links)

I don't know the costs associated with Thermacell, butane fuel/bug repellent but the other items I mentioned are relatively cheap and convenient. Maybe bring them all and do a little field report