Early-Season Hunts Never Felt and Looked So Good: Forloh Insect Shield SolAir Shirt and Pants Review

A thick, dark buzzing cloud hovered overhead as I sat down on the edge of the marsh for an early-season teal hunt. As I heard the hungry mosquitoes, I instantly regretted forgetting the bug spray. After missing shots because I was trying to keep the mosquitoes at bay, I vowed to find a better option.

I headed to my dove field after slipping into the Forloh Insect Shield SolAir Shirt and Lightweight Pants. Wondering if I could stay insect bite-free without drowning in bug spray or sweating a swimming pool’s worth of water.

I chose the Forloh Insect Shield SolAir shirt and pants because they’re lightweight and combine two valuable technologies for early-season hunts and summer fishing trips: Insect Shield and SolAir.

Just as you would suspect, Insect Shield repels mosquitoes, ticks, ants, flies, chiggers, and midges without the potent smell of bug spray, and it’s expected to last the lifetime of the clothing. SolAir utilizes a special fabric that keeps you cool and dry while simultaneously blocking the sun’s harmful rays.

In short: I’ve found the Forloh Insect Shield SolAir Shirt and Pants to be comfortable while dove hunting, and they keep the pesky insects that love biting me at bay. I’ve walked through cut hay fields, tall grassy areas, and thick brush on my hunts. I wanted to see if they could withstand the abuse that the average hunter will put them through. So far, so good, but I’ve also discovered some things that will keep the average hunter from buying them.

Forloh Insect Shield SolAir Shirt and Pants Review

The first time I felt this shirt, I knew I was going to love it because I love most sun shirts. Hooded sun shirts like this one are my go-to while fishing, and I just added another for hunting. However, I was worried about the pants.

The pants feel very similar to the hooded shirt. I was afraid briars and thorns would rip them to shreds. I wanted to give them a fair chance before giving up on them. I buttoned them up and headed out on the opening morning of dove season.

Fit and Sizing

I’m not a large guy at 5’6” and 165 pounds. I received a large shirt and 32 Regular pants. The shirt fits a little loose (just like I wanted). Forloh makes it clear on the website that the shirt is a relaxed fit. If you want a tighter fit, then size down. The pants, on the other hand, are a little snug around the waist (a diet and harder workouts are in my future).

Comfort and Mobility

Despite the pants initially being snug, they were incredibly comfortable while sitting and walking for hours. The shirt and pants both have a good amount of stretch, which makes crossing fences and getting up pinch-free. I don’t feel restricted at all while wearing these.

In the Field: Performance

I’m a mosquito, tick, and chigger magnet. If biting insects are around, they find me first. In the weeks leading up to opening day, I mowed a couple of spots in my field. I ended up with several mosquito and chigger bites (I was not wearing the Forloh shirt and pants).

On opening morning, I had a mosquito buzz around my head for a little bit, but other than that, the insects didn’t bother me. After several hunts, I haven’t gotten a single bug bite while wearing the shirt and pants. Yes, I’ve walked through tall grass and brush while wearing them, too.

Speaking of walking through tall grass and brush. Briars and thorns will stab through, but the pants are tougher than I expected. I’ve walked into honey locust limbs, cockleburs, and other angry plants, yet these pants still look new.

September dove hunting in Oklahoma typically means sweating while baking in the sun, followed by some serious BO by the time you make it home. While I do sweat, it’s nothing like wearing my old hunting clothes. The sweat dries quickly, so I don’t become drenched in sweat. I have yet to experience a hint of sunburn while wearing these garments, despite hunting on multiple bright, sunny afternoons.

Versatility

The Forloh Insect Shield SolAir Shirt and Pants aren’t intended for cold weather. Bugs aren’t out, and the sun isn’t as harsh in the winter. So, I only wear these in warm weather. But, they’re still pretty versatile for outdoorsmen and women.

Another time I get eaten up with bug bites is while fishing, especially from the bank. If you’re like me and don’t mind wearing camo 365 days a year, then your warm-weather hunting clothes can be your fishing clothes. Forloh also offers other colors besides camo patterns, so you can wear gray or green while fishing.

Where I See Room for Improvement

The area I see the most room for improvement is in pricing. The hooded shirt is over $100, and the pants are $180, which is a bit expensive for my taste. However, it’s not overly expensive for hunting clothes. This gear is also 100% made in America, which increases the price. But I also expect it to hold up better.

The other con I found is that these garments won’t keep me warm as the weather turns cold, but I knew that going in.

Who Are They For?

These garments are for warm-weather hunting. I’ve found them an excellent fit for dove hunting, teal hunting, and early-season big game hunting. I wouldn’t be afraid to pack these for a September elk hunt. I’ll definitely wear them in the deer stand until we get a cold front.

With three different camo patterns and two color options, you’ll be able to hunt a wide range of terrain without sticking out like a sore thumb.

Forloh Insect Shield SolAir Pants and Shirt Review: Conclusion

The Forloh Insect Shield SolAir shirt and pants have impressed me with their comfort. Despite my hours spent soaking up the sun, I don’t come home sweaty and smelly. I finally get to spend more time looking for game than swatting mosquitoes while wearing this shirt and pants. I now come home with more memories than itching bug bites.

However, Forloh clothes are expensive, so be prepared to fork over some money to stay comfortable while hunting on warm days.