Recently, I saw an article on fall hiking. Talk about rushing the season.

We’re barely into spring and summer, and someone wants to talk about walking in the fall? Cold snaps still hang around, but it’s more properly time to consider how the summer months are going to be enjoyed or endured.

Another article I read recently discussed insect repellents. For several years now, the product DEET has been touted as the ultimate bug repellent.

However, little notice was given to the less desirable aspects of DEET. It’s a chemical that works well enough to chase off the flying chewers, but it doesn’t work as well to preserve different types of plastic. The properties of DEET can actually damage painted surfaces, nylon products, rubber in all of its many forms, and such plastic used in sunglasses frames and lenses, watch lenses and, of primary importance to fishermen, fishing line.

Fly line slick coatings also can be unslicked rapidly with DEET if given a chance, and can also work to louse up monofilament too.

It’s gotten to the point that I wonder about putting such dandy stuff on my skin any more after hearing all the horror stories of potential damage to various materials.

Now there’s a company called BugBand Products that uses the natural oil Geraniol. It seems to have the capability of setting up a pleasant-smelling vapor barrier that wards off insects (see information at www.bugband.net) without posing damage possibilities to plastic products.

I haven’t tried any BugBand products yet, but I plan to try it in some form, as it comes in a wrist band, pump spray and towelettes.

The product is reputed to be effective against mosquitoes, flies, gnats, fles, ticks and no-see-ums, so time will tell. I’ve verified the down side of DEET on plastic, but as it has protected me in the past from mosquitoes and black flies, I’ll probably not throw away my current supply unless plastic damage is a consideration. But I’m also going to try a spray or two of the BugBand product.

That fall hiking article did bring up some good thoughts on gear and clothing that also might apply to early summer use. One item was a comment on hiking poles, which immediately started me thinking about how truly handy such an item can be in many different situations.

Staying relaxed and upright as you walk in the outdoors, hiking poles help you maintain your balance on land and also in water, the latter being handy when crossing or fishing a stream.

There was also a suggestion that a walking pole could function as an excellent tent pole in emergency situations where shelter takes on a top priority for making it through a storm or even an overnighter. I would add that a bit of padding on whichever end is holding up your shelter fabric (tarp or poncho, etc.) would avoid a hole in the roof, and also keep your shelter in the erect position while needed.

Clothing comments that were made could be applied equally in early summer or late fall, as the right gear can easily make or break your trip, depending on your choice of fabric. Both waterproofness and relative warmth can combine to keep your comfort level high.

Clothing in layers is always the best way to go. Add layers for more warmth, and remove a layer or two to prevent overheating while moving over rugged terrain. The layer closest to your skin should be wicking fabric, then followed by insulating middle layers, and everything covered by waterproof, windproof and breathable fabrics. And remember that when I say clothing, I also automatically include head and hand coverings too.

Experience will teach you that staying hydrated even if the weather is on the cool to cold side is always the right way to go. You might not realize loss of hydration on cool, cold or windy and wet days, but it’s still happening. Water or electrolyte is always the right stuff to have with you, whatever the circumstances.

Everyone has their own comfort level with the right gear. If the shoe fits, find another just like it, and wear both. Proper fitting and waterproof footgear with suitable soles and insulating socks have equal importance for outdoor movement.

Different folks react differently to food types, but have something with you to eat in any event. You can give a person a fish and they’ll eat for a day. But if you teach them to fish, that’ll sustain them for several days, or they might just sit in a boat and drink beer too.

Local fishing and hunting expert Dick Hess can be reached at ColoradoHess@hotmail.com.