Unearth The Voyage
Ticks are more than just annoying—they can carry serious diseases like Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. When you head outdoors, the right clothing can be your first line of defense against these tiny hitchhikers. The good news is that today’s tick-repellent gear combines smart fabric treatments with comfortable designs that actually work on the trail. From treated shirts to protective gaiters, these expert-backed picks will help you enjoy nature without worrying about what might be crawling up your leg.
1. L.L.Bean No Fly Zone Long-Sleeve Shirt (Men’s/Women’s)
Every hiker needs a go-to shirt they can trust, and this L.L.Bean staple delivers exactly that. Combining UPF 50+ sun protection with a permethrin treatment, it stops ticks before they ever reach your skin. The fabric feels soft enough for all-day wear yet tough enough to handle brush and branches.
What makes this shirt stand out is its availability—L.L.Bean stocks tons of sizes, so finding your fit is easy. Long sleeves and a protective collar create barriers at the spots where ticks love to sneak in. Whether you’re day-hiking or traveling through buggy regions, this shirt becomes the reliable layer you’ll reach for every time.
2. L.L.Bean No Fly Zone Pants (incl. Zip-Off version)
Your legs are prime real estate for ticks climbing up from grass and leaf litter. These lightweight, stretchy pants come pre-treated to repel biting insects, and the protection lasts through roughly 70 washes according to retailer specs. That’s serious durability for a piece of hiking gear.
The zip-off version adds versatility for those unpredictable spring and fall days when temperatures swing wildly. One minute you’re chilly at the trailhead; the next, you’re sweating up a ridge. Quick conversions mean you stay comfortable without sacrificing tick coverage. Covering your lower legs is one of the smartest moves you can make in tick country.
3. Simms BugStopper Hoody / SolarFlex BugStopper Hoody
Anglers figured out buggy conditions long before most hikers did, and Simms built this hoody for serious protection. An airy knit keeps you cool while the hood shields your neck and ears—two spots ticks target when they hitch a ride. Thumbholes keep sleeves in place so there’s no gap between glove and cuff.
Insect Shield treatment is bonded right into the fabric, offering long-lasting defense that doesn’t wash away after a few trips. UPF ratings range from 30 to 50 depending on which model you choose. Originally designed for fly-fishing, this hoody translates beautifully to trails where mosquitoes and ticks team up to ruin your day.
4. Outdoor Research Bug Collection (Bugout Brim Hat, Bug Bucket, Rocky Mountain Gaiters)
Sometimes the smallest pieces of gear make the biggest difference. Outdoor Research’s Bug Collection targets the sneaky entry points ticks exploit—your ankles, hairline, and the gap where socks meet pant cuffs. Gaiters wrap around your lower legs to create a physical and chemical barrier when you’re brushing through tall grass or ferns.
The treated hats add a second layer of defense around your head and neck. Insect Shield technology in both gaiters and hats deters hitchhikers before they settle in for a meal. Together, these accessories fill the gaps that pants and shirts can’t cover, making them essential for anyone serious about tick prevention on the trail.
5. Insect Shield Field Hoodie / Field Tees (L.L.Bean collab)
Not every tick-defense piece needs to break the bank. These budget-friendly tops from the L.L.Bean and Insect Shield collaboration give you licensed treatment technology without the premium price tag. Solid UPF ratings add sun protection to the insect-repelling benefits, making them true multi-taskers in your pack.
Shoulders and arms are common transfer zones—ticks drop from overhanging branches or brush against you as you walk. A breathable, treated layer here acts as a simple barrier that’s always working. The field hoodie works great for cool mornings, while the tees handle warmer afternoons. Easy to wash, easy to pack, easy to trust.
6. RailRiders Eco-Mesh & Journeyman Shirts (with Insect Shield)
Long-distance hikers swear by RailRiders for one reason: these shirts breathe like crazy without giving up coverage. Aggressive venting and quick-dry nylon keep you cool on scorching days, while the woven construction stands up to miles of abuse. Select models come treated with Insect Shield, so you get airflow and protection in one package.
Full-coverage shirts matter because ticks don’t just land on exposed skin—they crawl across fabric looking for an opening. A treated, vented shirt stops them mid-journey while keeping you comfortable enough to forget you’re wearing long sleeves. If you’re logging serious trail miles in tick country, this is the shirt that won’t let you down.
7. Insect Shield Pants (Elements Lite Convertible & other cuts)
Sometimes you want tick protection without committing to a specific outdoor brand’s style. Insect Shield sells its own line of treated pants in multiple cuts, including convertible zip-offs that adapt to changing temperatures. Bonded permethrin treatment stays active wash after wash, so your protection doesn’t fade halfway through the season.
Convertible legs are a game-changer on hot days when you need ventilation but still want coverage during the buggy morning and evening hours. Your lower body is where ticks make first contact, so treating this zone is non-negotiable. These pants give you flexibility, comfort, and science-backed defense all in one affordable package that fits into any hiking wardrobe.
8. Insect Shield Socks (Crew/Compression)
Ticks start low and crawl upward, which makes your ankles and lower legs their favorite launching pad. Treated socks disrupt that route before ticks ever reach your skin or find a gap in your clothing. Insect Shield offers both crew and compression styles, so you can choose based on your hiking preferences and circulation needs.
Think of these socks as insurance for the gaps between your boots and pant cuffs. Even with gaiters or tucked-in pants, socks add another treated layer right where ticks make contact. They’re lightweight, easy to pack, and work under any pant style. For such a small upgrade, treated socks deliver outsized peace of mind on every trail.
9. Craghoppers NosiLife Shirts & Trousers
What if your tick protection lasted as long as the garment itself? Craghoppers built its NosiLife line with anti-insect technology woven right into the fabric, so it never washes out. The U.S. line uses permethrin, while some international versions highlight eucalyptus citriodora oil—either way, you’re covered for the life of the clothing.
UPF 50+ sun protection and travel-friendly styling make these pieces work just as well in town as on the trail. Full-coverage designs stay comfortable even in summer heat, so you won’t sacrifice protection for breathability. If you want to invest once and stay protected for years, Craghoppers delivers a lifetime-of-garment solution that’s hard to beat.
