Summer Survival Guide for Field Professionals

Working in the field comes with a wide range of challenges. From mosquitos and poison ivy to heat and dehydration, having the right gear and supplies is essential. Below is an overview of some of the most common challenges faced by field professionals during the summer — and how to persevere!

Let's dig deeper:

Mosquitos and Insects

When you work outside, insects are just part of the job description. As a field professional, you are likely to encounter insects that range from mild perturbances to potential hazards. Even tiny little mosquitos can carry dangerous diseases like West Nile virus or eastern equine encephalitis. As such, choosing the right insect repellent for your skin, clothes, and gear is essential.

Products containing DEET, picaridin, and lemon eucalyptus oil have proven to be both safe and effective when used in the right concentrations. Products containing 15% to 30% DEET offer long-lasting protection against biting insects like mosquitos, and insect repellent sprays containing at least 20% picaridin offer similar benefits. Lemon eucalyptus oil is most effective in concentrations of 30% or higher.

Recommended Products in this Category:

1. Sawyer Permethrin Clothing & Gear Insect Repellent – Designed for use on clothing, tents, and other gear, this insect repellent features the active ingredient permethrin, which is effective against ticks, mosquitos, chiggers, mites, and over 55 other insects.
2. Sprayon Insect Repellent II – Featuring a combination of powerful active ingredients, this insect repellent protects against insect bites for up to four hours under normal use.
3. Sawyer Picaridin Insect Repellent – Made with 20% of the active ingredient picaridin, this insect repellent has a similar effect to DEET but won't harm gear or equipment.

Many people assume mosquito season is during the hotter summer months; in reality, it starts much earlier and extends well into the fall. Take the time to learn the risks and find the right gear and supplies to protect yourself.

Poison Ivy

Everyone knows the saying, "leaves of three, let it be." This refers to the three-leaf conformation commonly seen in poison ivy. Poison ivy typically grows on the edges of woodland where there is plenty of sun. It grows in clusters of three leaflets connected to a main vine that can be seen climbing trees and poles (in addition to growing along the ground). Coming into contact with the oil on the leaves can cause an itchy, painful, sometimes blistering rash.

Though most field professionals are aware of poison ivy, there are many misconceptions floating around:

Myth 1: Poison Ivy Rash Is Contagious

If someone in your household develops a poison ivy rash, you cannot develop the rash yourself through proximity to that person; you must come in direct contact with the urushiol oil, which can come from the person's clothes or shared bedding.

Myth 2: Scratching Is What Causes Poison Ivy Rash to Spread

Scratching at poison ivy blisters is not what causes the rash to spread. The truth is that reaction time varies depending on the location — thicker skin takes longer to react, so certain parts of the body may develop the rash before others. You can also develop a secondary reaction through re-exposure to the urushiol oil on your clothes, bedding, or other surfaces.

Myth 3: Most People Are Immune to Poison Ivy

Only about 10% to 30% of the population does not react to urushiol oil — meaning 70% to 90% of people do react adversely. Regardless of which bucket you fall into, individual sensitivity to poison ivy can change over time, and multiple exposures increase your risk for developing an allergic reaction.

If you happen to get poison ivy, have no fear — we offer plenty of products that provide the itch relief you crave and keep the rash from spreading.

Recommended Products in this Category:

1. Tec Labs Tecnu Original Outdoor Skin Cleanser – This kit comes with everything you need to remove urushiol (the rash-causing oil from poison ivy, oak, and sumac) before the rash spreads and the itch drives you crazy. Apply to dry skin within 2 to 8 hours after exposure and rinse with cool water.
2. CoreTex Combo Ivy X Pre-Contact & Ivy X Post-Contact – In a convenient wall-mount box, you will receive pre-contact and post-contact towelettes to protect your skin against environmental irritants like poison ivy. Apply the pre-contact to exposed skin immediately before going outdoors and use the post-contact product to remove plant oils after you are finished.
3. Tec Labs Tecnu Rash Relief Spray – In a convenient 6-ounce bottle, this rash relief spray is easy to apply. It relieves itching, promotes healing, and prevents scars in a cooling, no-touch spray.

Poison ivy grows in every state except for Alaska and Hawaii. It is important you take the time to learn how to identify it and protect yourself in the field.

Venomous Snakes

As a field professional, you are likely to encounter a number of natural hazards, including venomous snakes. There are 20 different species of venomous snakes in the United States, and about 8,000 people are bitten every year. Though deaths from snake bites are rare, they can still be incredibly painful. When heading out into the wilderness, it is important to protect yourself with hiking boots, gaiters, leggings, or chaps, depending on your preferences.

Recommended Products in this Category:

1. CrackShot Corp Snake Guardz Gaiter – Available in four colors and patterns, these ultra-lightweight gaiters promote air circulation while protecting against snake bites. They are made from nylon, polyester, or cotton, and each pair comes with a water-repellent coating.
2. Turtleskin Snake Gaiters Reversible – These reversible gaiters provide flexible, windproof and waterproof protection against snakes in a lightweight, two-sided design made from high-strength ballistic fibers and polyester.
3. CrackShot Corp Snake Chapz FP – These full-protection chaps are completely snake-proof from ankle to thigh, manufactured in polyester or 1000 Denier Nylon. They are super lightweight and feature full-range height adjustment for a secure and comfortable fit.

For casual use, choose a lightweight material like soft-shell fabrics or coated nylon. For hunting, hiking, and climbing, the added benefit of abrasion-resistance is worth considering. For the maximum degree of protection, choose something waterproof and windproof like Gore-Tex.

Heat and Hydration

The heat of summer can make an already tough job even more difficult. When working in the field, you need to protect yourself from environmental threats but also against heat and dehydration. Up to 60% of the human body is made up of water, and even mild dehydration can result in some nasty side effects. It is recommended you consume 250ml of water every 15 to 20 minutes (about three 8-ounce servings per hour) to stay hydrated, and wear heat stress gear to keep yourself cool.

Recommended Products in this Category:

1. HexArmor ColdRush Hard Hat Insert – Offering both UPF and UV protection, this hard hat insert is made from fast-drying microfibers to keep your head cool under your hard hat.
2. ML Kishigo Safari Hat – Made from polyester mesh, this full-brim hat keeps your head cool and well ventilated while reducing glare. It comes in lime or orange colors.
3. HexArmor ColdRush Bandana – Featuring eVapora cooling technology to wick away sweat, this bandana offers a cooling effect that lasts for hours.
4. ML Kishigo Brisk Cooling Vest – Made from Ultra-Cool 100% polyester mesh, this cooling vest absorbs, stores, and releases water (while also improving low-light visibility).
5. OccuNomix MiraCool Neck Shade – This 100% cotton shade can be worn at the back of the neck to facilitate perspiration evaporation, worn alone or under a hat.

In addition to these supplies, don't forget to stay hydrated with Gatorade Single-Serve Powder Packets or fill an entire Rubbermaid 2 Gallon Victory Thermal Jug with your preferred hydration solution.