Summer time often means bug season for most parts of Canada. The WindRiver No Fly Zone shirt and pants use a permethrin-based technology built right into clothes. Permethrin protection is built into clothes to help repel insects, including: mosquitos, ants, ticks, chiggers, flies and midges.
Gear Review : WindRiver No Fly Zone Shirt and Pants
Mark’s Canada recently sent me the newest shirt and pants from their WindRiver line. The goal was to wear them on a few hikes and also hopefully find some bugs to put them to the test. They sent me the long sleeve plaid shirt and outdoor pants from their No Fly Zone selection.
No Fly Zone® Insect Repellent Technology is a permethrin-based technology that converts gear and garments into long- lasting, effective, and convenient insect protection. The main ingredient, permethrin, is a man-made, contact insecticide, structurally similar to a naturally occurring chemical derived from the dried flowers of the Crysanthemum.
WindRiver No Fly Zone Shirt
Official WindRiver specifications
- 78% Polyester, 7% nylon and 15% Spandex
- NO FLY ZONE TECHNOLOGY – Odourless and invisible. Effective through 70 washes
- CLASSIC FIT – Relaxed through the chest, body and arms for total comfort
- DESIGN DETAILS – Point collar, French Placket, Double chest pockets with flaps and hidden snap closures, Back yoke with vents, Long sleeves with roll-tabs
- EASY CARE – Machine wash and dry
- Mark’s Canada MSRP $89.99
WindRiver No Fly Zone Pants
Official WindRiver specifications
- SHELL: 93% Polyester AND 7% Spandex
- LINING: 100% Stretch Acetate
- NO FLY ZONE TECHNOLOGY – Odourless and invisible. Effective through 70 washes
- MODERN FIT – Sits slightly below waist, straight through hip, thigh and leg
- INTERIOR DRAWCORD AT WAIST
- PLACES TO STOW YOUR GEAR – Side front pockets. Welted cargo pocket on right leg. Back patch pockets
- EASY CARE – Machine wash and dry
- Mark’s Canada MSRP $79.99
Impressions of the WindRiver No Fly Zone Shirt and Pants
During the times I wore the No Fly Zone clothing I felt they were well made, comfortable and functional. As my good friend who joined me to help shoot the images can attest, I left completely bite free while the mosquitoes made a meal of him.
The shirt was a great design and I was a huge fan of the roll tab, I roll up my sleeves often and it kept them in place. The material is breathable and soft making it comfortable during your outdoor activity. Key feature is the vents across the shoulders on the back, great design detail.
I like the total package of what they put together but a few comments on my personal style preference. I like slim modern fit clothing for my activities so would have preferred the shirt to have a bit more taper in the chest and narrower at the bottom. The pants were awesome to just above the knee for me, I prefer a tighter calf and lower leg so a taper would have benefited here.
I am a huge fan of side cargo pockets as I use my smartphone for navigation and photos when hiking. Having a secure zippered side pocket like the pants had is a huge plus. For general camp activities and things like fishing for pliers and tools it will come in super handy. My only feeling is the pocket should be a few inches higher as to be more accessible without bending over. Being a bit higher above the knee will keep it from binding against the leg when kneeling or crouching.
Sizing and Fit
I am 5’8″ and 160lbs and for this review was wearing the medium shirt and the size 30″ waist pants in 32″ length. The shirt fit fine and no concerns there but note it is a relaxed classic fit not modern slim. The pants fit fine but would have been much better for me in a 30″ length so make note when ordering. For a 30 they were still a touch loose so they do fit a bit big. The pants do have an inner draw string so that helps get a perfectly dialed fit as well as the ankle draw string adjuster.
Final Thoughts : Mark’s WindRiver No Fly Zone Pants and Shirt
With the two layer system the clothes will be too warm for strenuous hiking or in very hot conditions. I feel it is best suited and honestly probably the best clothing you could find for those cool mornings out fishing on the boat or by the river. Around camp as well when you are relaxing from an active day in the outdoors you will be very happy you had the No Fly Zone shirt and pants.
I am completely confident in recommending the WindRiver No Fly Zone pants and shirt. They are great for outdoor enthusiasts who loves to go on weekend camping trips as well as avid fishermen.
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- Zip closure side pockets
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- Roomy cargo pockets
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- Adjustable ankle adjuster
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- No Fly Zone pants
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- No Fly Zone Shirt
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- Ready for the outdoors
For more reviews from jackets and pants to packs and trail shoes be sure to swing by my Gear Review blog page. Be sure to check out my current complete Gear List on all outdoor apparel as well as technical and camping gear.
Disclosure
I often review and support companies that support my efforts to continue to bring you photos, stories and adventures of the Mindful Explorer. This is a paid post in collaboration with Mark’s Canada. I was asked to test out their gear and provide honest feedback while letting you, my readers learn about their new product.
Interesting stuff Chris. With ticks and lyme disease so common here in the Eastern US I’m constantly paranoid and always looking for an edge on them. Those pants could be a good option, tanks for the review!
Follow the link near the top for the Permethrin technology and it speaks to the US studies on that very topic.
While the benefits of permethrin are well documented it is only a limited number of outdoor enthusiasts that know about the product. Good for marks for stepping into product development and you for the candid review. I’m with you on the fit as we all try to reduce weight by having wear that can be used on the trail and at camp
Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment and check out the review Murray. I was impressed when they reached out to me and learned about the fabric technology, it really did work. My son is the same size as me so he is putting it to the test on 5 days camping in Gold River this weekend, hope to hear his feedback. As for hikers like us, it will be nice if they come up with a slimer hiker backcountry style change.
With these clothes, do you need to spray also. For ticks and mosquitoes.
Hi Janer, if you have issues with reactions or are particularily concerned with ticks I would add a repellant to your wrists, ankles and neck if wearing the long leg/sleeve versions. Apply more if wearing the shorts and short sleeve shirt. The fabric itself is well protected and there is no need to use a repellant. This link will supply more info ; https://www.burlingtonfabrics.com/performance-technology/insect-repellency/nfz-canada/
The long sleeve shirt and full length trousers perform well, the hat on the other hand does not provide sufficient repellent to justify the cost.
It makes sense only if you need a hat already, I do agree Greg. I like that this year they came out with a hat that has a sun shade for your neck as an alternate option and possibly a bit more bug protection.
Hi! I’m so interested in this, hope I’m not too late to ask questions 🙂 1) Will wearing a short sleeve shirt provided sufficient repellants that the mosquitos won’t bite my lower arms? Or is the idea to still fully cover yourself? 2) Is the fabric light weight enough that it would be comfortable to wear on a hot & humid summer day? Warm summer evening?
Hi Lee-Ann, the clothing is definitely warm and if you are active it will be hot. If wearing the short sleeve shirt you will still need bug protection on your arms but the shirt itself will protect you nicely.