A day outdoors in the Lowcountry usually comes with a few guarantees. There will be plenty of sunshine, plenty of fresh air and, depending on where the day takes you, plenty of bugs. From mosquitoes buzzing around the backyard after sunset to no see ums along the marsh and ticks waiting in tall grass, insects have a way of becoming part of the outdoor experience. That is exactly where Shubug comes in. Built around the idea of modern insect protection for the places people live, play, grow and explore, Shubug offers a lineup of products designed to help keep bugs from taking over the day.

For anglers, campers, hikers, boaters, beachgoers and anyone who simply enjoys spending time outside, insect protection is one of those pieces of gear that can easily be overlooked until it is needed. You can have the right rod, the right cooler, the right chair and a perfectly planned day, but a swarm of mosquitoes or a relentless cloud of no-see-ums can change the mood quickly. Shubug approaches the problem with more than just a single spray. Its product lineup covers skin protection, gear, itch relief, kids and family products, plus home and garden solutions.

One of the products that stands out for serious outdoor time is Shubug Active. Available in pump and 360 degree spray options, the DEET free formula uses picaridin and is designed for people who expect to spend long stretches outside. According to Shubug, Active provides up to eight hours of protection against no see ums, ticks and chiggers, along with up to 12 hours of protection against mosquitoes. The formula is also designed to go on clean without the greasy feel or strong odor that can make some insect repellents unpleasant to wear during a long day on the water or in the woods.

That kind of protection makes plenty of sense around Charleston and throughout the Southeast. An early morning fishing trip can start before the sun comes up, and an afternoon spent exploring the marsh can stretch right into the evening. Mosquitoes and other biting insects do not exactly follow anyone's schedule. Having a product like Shubug Active in a tackle bag, boat compartment, backpack or camping bin can make it easier to stay focused on the adventure instead of constantly swatting at whatever happens to be flying around.

For those looking for a different approach, Shubug also offers its Natural Clean Mist. The DEET free formula is made with natural oils and features coconut MCT oil, giving it a light feel while also being positioned as a daily moisturizer. Shubug says the product provides up to 12 hours of mosquito protection, making it an interesting option for long days outside when comfort matters just as much as coverage.

The Kids and Family Clean Mist follows a similar philosophy. Outdoor adventures often involve more than just the adults, and Shubug has built products specifically with families in mind. The Kids and Family formula is designed to feel light on the skin and is made with coconut MCT oil. Shubug also offers fun wearable options, including citronella coil bracelets and its Shubug Glows bracelets. The glow bracelets combine colorful glow bands with citronella and geraniol charms, creating a product that can add a little fun to an evening outside while providing another layer of insect protection.

The Shubug lineup also recognizes that bug protection should not stop at the skin. Shubug Shelter is designed for clothing, tents, sleeping bags, bags, headwear and other outdoor gear. For campers and anyone who spends time in the backcountry, that adds another level to the brand's approach. A good outdoor setup often involves protecting more than just yourself, and treating the gear that surrounds you can be part of preparing for a longer stay outside. Shubug describes Shelter as an option for people looking for gear protection without relying on harsh, persistent chemicals.

Then there is the reality that sometimes the bugs win. Anyone who has spent enough time outdoors knows the feeling of discovering a bite after the fact. Shubug's Oops Pen is made for those moments, with a touch free applicator containing 10 percent benzocaine for itch and pain relief associated with insect bites, as well as poison ivy and poison oak irritation. The pen format makes it easy to toss into a backpack, tackle box or camping kit without taking up much space.

Shubug's product selection extends beyond personal outdoor use as well. The company offers home pest control products, plant protection and a 3 in 1 spray designed to work as an insecticide, fungicide and miticide on a variety of plants. Its Home Pest Control is designed for indoor and outdoor use and targets more than 25 common household insects, while the 3 in 1 Plant Spray is intended to help manage both insect pests and fungal issues throughout the growing season.

That broad approach is one of the more interesting things about Shubug. Outdoor life does not always fit neatly into one category. A weekend can include fishing in the morning, grilling in the backyard that afternoon and sitting around a fire later that night. The same goes for families who move from the beach to the backyard, or campers who need to think about both personal protection and the gear they bring along. Shubug has built its lineup around those different situations rather than assuming every bug problem needs the same solution.

For the Charleston.com Outdoor Series, Shubug is the kind of brand that fits naturally into the conversation about spending more time outside. The best outdoor gear is often the equipment that quietly does its job in the background, allowing the day to keep moving. A fishing rod helps put a bait in the right place. A cooler keeps food and drinks cold. A comfortable chair makes a long afternoon easier. Insect protection can serve a similar purpose by helping keep biting pests from becoming the main story.

Shubug's mix of Active, Natural and Kids and Family skin protection, along with wearables, gear treatment, itch relief and home and garden products, gives outdoor enthusiasts plenty of options depending on where the day takes them. From the boat landing to the campground, the backyard to the beach, bugs are simply part of being outside. With the right preparation, however, they do not have to be the reason the adventure ends early.

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Written by Nick Levine
Outdoor Enthusiast | Gear Reviewer | Fishing & Inshore Specialist