I love adventuring outside but one of the downsides is bugs! On my recent camping/paddleboarding trip I was bitten by a lot of insects. I tried DEET spray and the patches but the little critters seem to really love my blood!
So I was very intrigued to receive the new enhanced version of their bamboo anti-insect sleepwear from We Drifters. Made from lightweight bamboo fabric infused with treatment, the pyjamas claim to keep 90% of bugs away. I definitely believe I have the type of blood that insects seem to love so the more adventures I have, the more I could do with some anti-mozzie kit in my arsenal!
Sleepwear
All the clothing sets include a top with thumb holes, trousers with stirrups, socks, and a 2-in1 pillowcase and storage bag. The sleepwear includes odour-resistant technology, meaning you don’t have to wash them as often as normal clothing!
Travel sparked the idea for the brand's debut product. When travelling in South East Asia and bugged by mosquitoes, the idea for Anti-Insect Sleepwear was born. Tired of spraying insect repellent, wearing restrictive head nets and squeezing into sleeping bag liners, the comfy Anti-Insect Sleepwear was created from soft bamboo and anti-insect technology to keep the bugs at bay. The brand is for those of us who crave the freedom to live life on our own terms.
The clothing has been designed to be multifunctional, so that you can use them for sleep and beyond. They make for comfy loungewear and breathable base layers, plus have thermo control properties meaning they are versatile enough to use in different climates.
The clothing is unisex, XXS to XXL, and for women wanting a regular fit they recommend choosing one size smaller than usual.
Insect Protection
The reason that the innovative sleepwear is 90% effective against many biting insects - including mosquitoes, midges, ticks, bed bugs, sand flies and fleas - is that it is impregnated with HHL Technology Vital Protection – a revolutionary insect protection that is OEKO-TEX® approved. The treatment is invisible and odourless, with no unpleasant feel or effect to the fabric.
There are two versions are the sleepwear. With the Original pyjamas the anti-insect treatment is expected to last 20+ washes, depending on how you care for the clothing. The newest version of the sleepwear, which I tried out, is the Enhanced – the anti-insect treatment lasts for 70+ washes, longer than the lifetime of garments.
Wild Camping
With record-breaking temperatures for the UK at the moment (40 degrees+) this was the perfect opportunity to spend the night camping on the beach and try out the pyjamas. A friend and I decided to try "cowboy camping" - this is exactly what it sounds like: sleeping (almost) on the ground and beneath the stars, much like the cowhands of yore.
This was something I had always wanted to do but had never had the nerve to do without the protection of a tent. Armed with a sleeping bag, roll mat and pillow, I headed off to the beach with a swimming costume, torch, snacks and my new pyjamas.
After going for a 9pm sea swim I was keen to get straight into the pyjamas. They are nice and lightweight, making them ideal for packing into your bag or taking away travelling. They feel thick enough to keep you warm and protected though.
They were very comfy and felt really cosy, especially with the stirrups on the bottom of the trousers and little socks. When settling down for the night in my sleeping bag I felt very covered. Although it has insect protection coverage you can't smell anything different about them.
The storage bag features zipped pockets for valuables which is really handy, and it doubles as a pillow.
After star gazing until midnight and chatting, we settled down to go to sleep. I heard a few insects buzzing around in the night but didn't feel anything. In the morning I woke up with the sun rising. After a sunrise swim in the morning I put the pyjamas back on to warm up again and ward off any little critters. Upon getting home I was really pleased to discover I hadn't been bitten anywhere.
Making a Difference
When it comes to choosing natural materials for products and buildings that have a range of positive environmental benefits, there’s nothing quite like bamboo. This plant is a durable and natural sustainably sourced material that can be used for a variety of applications from flooring and walls in construction to towels, toothbrushes, and everything in between. Not only is bamboo exceptionally durable, but it’s also an affordable and environmentally friendly alternative to many other materials available today.
We Drifters have also partnered with Work for Good to donate £2 from every sale to Malaria No More.
I love this functional yet stylish clothing, and the ethos of supporting adventure seekers and weekend glampers to be fearless in the pursuit of what sets their souls on fire. To try out this product for yourself, here is a discount code for 10% off: Natasha10
PR product - gifted
