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Best Bug Spray: Great Insect Repellents for Outdoor Adventure

Whether you're hiking, camping, or spending time on the water, bugs are unavoidable in the outdoors. And there's no surer way to ruin an outdoor adventure than being eaten alive by insects. Who among us hasn't been swarmed while camping or backpacking?

Bug bites are not only annoying, but they can also be dangerous. Mosquitoes carry everything from the West Nile virus to Malaria, and ticks can carry Lyme Disease.

To keep the bugs from biting, you need an effective bug repellent. We've done the research for you, rounding up the best bug sprays and lotions on the market. Here you'll find everything from the best all-around bug spray to our favorite mosquito repellent. We compare the pros and cons of each repellent to help you make an informed decision.

Next time you're planning an outdoor adventure, add one of these tick and insect repellents to your packing list. It could make or break your trip!

Read all of the top bug spray picks, written by Brandon Fralic here.

LAST UPDATED

October 22, 2023

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Brandon Fralic

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For a bug repellent that’s safe and effective—and that won’t stink or leave a puddle of oil on your skin—skip the DEET and get a picaridin formula, like Sawyer Products 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent.

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[Sawyer Picaridin] the best bottle of bug spray we found after testing over 25 repellents and talking to everyone from the EPA to the American Mosquito Control Association.

Wirecutter Staff
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