Bug Mask
#1
Thread Starter
Guest

Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,606
Likes: 1,442
Bug Mask
Summer is coming.
I'm already riding through clouds of gnats and it's only going to get worse.
All I am asking is for a bug mask.
A Google search gets me:
neck gater
Filter masks
Baklavakatabakas- Bakla- Ski masks
Face shields
WWI Chem masks
Even saw a airsoft mask (mesh is just a tad too big)
I just need something like a medical mask, but a mesh that will stop gnats.
Not viruses, .0003 micron carcinogens or Captain Trips.... just gnats
Realistic and/or sarcastic replies requested.
(sarcasm will be graded)
I'm already riding through clouds of gnats and it's only going to get worse.
All I am asking is for a bug mask.
A Google search gets me:
neck gater
Filter masks
Baklavakatabakas- Bakla- Ski masks
Face shields
WWI Chem masks
Even saw a airsoft mask (mesh is just a tad too big)
I just need something like a medical mask, but a mesh that will stop gnats.
Not viruses, .0003 micron carcinogens or Captain Trips.... just gnats
Realistic and/or sarcastic replies requested.
(sarcasm will be graded)
#5
Senior Member

Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,890
Likes: 970
From: Kentucky
Bikes: 06 Lemond Reno, 98 GT Timberline
Maybe trim off part of horse fly mask, and if you know someone who can sew, have them sew some velcro around where you cut it. Or maybe you could glue the velcro. Amazon.com: Pro-Force Equine Fly Mask | Horse Fly Mask with UV Protection | Adjustable Fit for Comfort | Without Ears : Pet Supplies
#8
Facts just confuse people




Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 19,288
Likes: 7,035
From: Mississippi
Bikes: Tarmac Disc Comp Di2 - 2020
Chew and spit or chew and swallow. I tried a neck gator once and for cycling, it's hot as heck to wear when generating so much heat that needs to be carried away. Those bugs, though annoying will be gone soon anyway. But they are protein too!
You'll find that masks like we wore for COVID are hard to breath through when they get wet with sweat.
The netting, I don't know. How will you keep it from being blown against your sweaty face?
You'll find that masks like we wore for COVID are hard to breath through when they get wet with sweat.
The netting, I don't know. How will you keep it from being blown against your sweaty face?
#12
#13
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Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 30,447
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From: 25 miles northwest of Boston
Bikes: Bottecchia Sprint, GT Timberline 29r, Marin Muirwoods 29er, Trek FX Alpha 7.0
not for everyone but may I cue up my head-net?
I often ride thru a nature preserve w/ lots of water features including marshy areas. I use a standard head net in some areas that are thick w/ biting flies. during covid I even tried a combo approach


I can roll it up to uncover my face when I'm not in a bug cloud. with a hole for my camera mount, it stays in place

w/o the camera hole it tends to slide back. still works but moves around a bit

using a diff. camera mount now so I made a diff. opening but use the old opening w/ a little tape to keep it in place. had to remove the visor for the camera mount. a visor helps keep the net from touching my face. w/o the visor I occasionally pull the net away from my face

but if the bugs are swarming, it really works very well


Wifey uses one when she does her walks thru the woods
we don't wear them constantly, just where the bugs are bad
I often ride thru a nature preserve w/ lots of water features including marshy areas. I use a standard head net in some areas that are thick w/ biting flies. during covid I even tried a combo approach


I can roll it up to uncover my face when I'm not in a bug cloud. with a hole for my camera mount, it stays in place

w/o the camera hole it tends to slide back. still works but moves around a bit

using a diff. camera mount now so I made a diff. opening but use the old opening w/ a little tape to keep it in place. had to remove the visor for the camera mount. a visor helps keep the net from touching my face. w/o the visor I occasionally pull the net away from my face

but if the bugs are swarming, it really works very well


Wifey uses one when she does her walks thru the woods
we don't wear them constantly, just where the bugs are bad
#14
Senior Member


Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 11,475
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From: San Jose (Willow Glen) Ca
Bikes: Kirk Custom JK Special, 86 De Rosa Pro, '84 Team Miyata,(dura ace old school) 80?? SR Semi-Pro 600 Arabesque
Go with the flow, ride with your mouth open, bugs are good protein
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Life is too short not to ride the best bike you have, as much as you can.
Life is too short not to ride the best bike you have, as much as you can.
#15
Klaatu..Verata..Necktie?




Joined: May 2007
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From: SF Bay Area
Bikes: Litespeed Ultimate, Ultegra; Canyon Endurace, 105; Battaglin MAX, Chorus; Bianchi 928 Veloce; Ritchey Road Logic, Dura Ace; Cannondale R500 RX100; Schwinn Circuit, Sante; Lotus Supreme, Dura Ace
Maybe something like this?
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"Don't take life so serious-it ain't nohow permanent."
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"Everybody's gotta be somewhere." - Eccles
#16
Thread Starter
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Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,606
Likes: 1,442

using a diff. camera mount now so I made a diff. opening but use the old opening w/ a little tape to keep it in place. had to remove the visor for the camera mount. a visor helps keep the net from touching my face. w/o the visor I occasionally pull the net away from my face
but if the bugs are swarming, it really works very well
we don't wear them constantly, just where the bugs are bad
Used it in Alaska during the summers.
Yes it was necessary to breathe.
Not sure I could stab them all fast enough...
I'd be called: "The Gnat Stabber"

I settled on something like this. They come with filter inserts but I just leave those off.
The mesh is small enough for small bugs but not for dust and pathogens
(which isn't my focus)
Not too hot and not much restriction.
#18
Senior Member


Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 30,447
Likes: 4,541
From: 25 miles northwest of Boston
Bikes: Bottecchia Sprint, GT Timberline 29r, Marin Muirwoods 29er, Trek FX Alpha 7.0
#19
Senior Member


Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 30,447
Likes: 4,541
From: 25 miles northwest of Boston
Bikes: Bottecchia Sprint, GT Timberline 29r, Marin Muirwoods 29er, Trek FX Alpha 7.0
I guess we share a lot w/ horse riders. how about this?

https://www.bigdweb.com/cashel-quiet...yABEgLJnfD_BwE

https://www.bigdweb.com/cashel-quiet...yABEgLJnfD_BwE
#20
Commuter, roadie



Joined: Jun 2022
Posts: 2,755
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From: SE Wisconsin, USA
Bikes: Trek: Domane AL3, Checkpoint SL7; Priority Apollo 11, ZiZZO Forte + eBikes
I haven't read all the responses, so please forgive if this is a repeat comment: If you're not riding at full lung capacity, breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth.
I've eaten a few bugs already this year. Thank God none were yellow jackets or bees.
I've eaten a few bugs already this year. Thank God none were yellow jackets or bees.
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-Jeremy
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