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These socks from Pac are supposed to repel ticks

Siri Schubert
5/6/2026
Translation: Veronica Bielawski

Pac’s socks, headbands and straw hats are supposed to keep mosquitoes and ticks off you – and do so without any harmful substances.

While shirts and shorts proudly sport the «performance wear» label, socks, scarves and hats have traditionally been more modest. They were simply supposed to be comfortable and do their job. Any recognition they got was – not to go too «Oscar» on you – as best supporting actors.

It was at the Outdoor Business Days in Riva del Garda that I was reminded, once again, that some of these garments can do more than you’d expect. For example, at the Pac stand. Some of the socks, scarves and hats are supposed to not only protect against cold and sun, but also repel insects.

Protection that’s woven into the fabric

As someone who often winds up covered in mosquito bites when hiking and camping, my interest is immediately piqued. Of course, you can always spray yourself with insect repellent, but it’s easier and more pleasant to have the protection built into your clothing. Some sprays mix with sweat on the skin and form a foul-smelling film of questionable effectiveness.

Insect-repellent sprays containing DEET can also cause skin irritation. At least it seems unlikely that mosquitoes in the wild could develop a tolerance to DEET, making it less effective – check out my colleague Anna’s article on that topic. With Pac’s socks and hats, there’s no need for the substance.

This hat and scarf could make summer a lot more pleasant.
This hat and scarf could make summer a lot more pleasant.
Source: Pac

What I like in particular is that Pac’s socks are supposed to protect against ticks too. I have a healthy respect for the bloodsucking arachnids – they can transmit serious diseases.

To repel insects, Pac treats the yarn of certain garments with ethylbutylacetylaminopropionate (EBAAP). The compound, marketed under the product name IR3535, was developed by Merck more than 30 years ago and is supposed to resemble the naturally occurring amino acid beta-alanine.

According to the pharmaceutical journal «Pharmazeutische Zeitung», no significant side effects have come to light yet in 20 years of use. The substance is supposed to be biodegradable and, according to the recommendations of US NGO Environmental Working Group and the World Health Organization, it’s supposed to be suitable for children too.

Protection is supposed to withstand washing

According to Pac, the insect repellent in the garments is supposed to keep insects and ticks away with its scent within a radius of 40 centimetres. The scent isn’t perceptible to humans – I can confirm that. The protection is supposed to last up to 100 washes.

Into the wash after a run – the insect protection should hold.
Into the wash after a run – the insect protection should hold.
Source: Pac

Pac – a family business with an in-house production facility based in Schweinfurt, Bavaria – offers socks, hats, caps and scarves for various activities. According to the company, most of its products are manufactured in Germany and Italy. Not all of them come with insect protection, so be sure to check the product description.

Schweinfurt: founder Lukas Weinmann with a sock-knitting machine
Schweinfurt: founder Lukas Weinmann with a sock-knitting machine
Source: Pac

I wore Pac’s insect-repellent socks – the Reflective Pro Mid Compression (quite the mouthful!) – while running by the lake. I haven’t had a single mosquito bite or tick bite so far, which could, of course, just be down to luck. But either way, the socks are comfortable to wear, don’t dig in and don’t slip.

These products may repel insects

If you’re after clothing that protects against insects, cold, heat and other environmental factors, here’s a selection from our range. I can’t say how effective they really are; you’d need to do a lab test at a scientific institute with mosquitoes and lab-bred ticks that can’t transmit diseases. So, just in case, here are Suva’s tips on how to protect yourself from ticks (in German).

If you’re already in the market for socks, hats or headbands and you like the look of the products below, the insect repellent could be a welcome bonus.

For hiking:

P.A.C. Kellii Classic (M, S)
Hat

P.A.C. Kellii Classic

M, S

P.A.C. Kellii Classic (M, S)
Hat

P.A.C. Kellii Classic

M, S

For trail running:

P.A.C. . Run Cap Nefun (One size)
Caps

P.A.C. . Run Cap Nefun

One size

P.A.C. . Run Cap Nefun (One size)
Caps

P.A.C. . Run Cap Nefun

One size

For everyday use:

P.A.C. Foam Trucke (One size)
Caps

P.A.C. Foam Trucke

One size

P.A.C. Lilen Bucket (M, S)
Hat

P.A.C. Lilen Bucket

M, S

P.A.C. Foam Trucke (One size)
Caps

P.A.C. Foam Trucke

One size

P.A.C. Lilen Bucket (M, S)
Hat

P.A.C. Lilen Bucket

M, S

Header image: P.A.C.

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Siri Schubert
Senior Editor
Siri.Schubert@digitecgalaxus.ch

Research diver, outdoor guide and SUP instructor – I love being in, on and around water. Lakes, rivers and the ocean are my playgrounds. For a change of perspective, I look at the world from above while trail running or flying drones.

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