Sawyer Permethrin Insect Repellent
Sawyer Permethrin Insect Repellent

The Best Bug Sprays for 2022

Cutter, Proven, Natrapel and more: The best insect repellents for every outdoor need.

Whether you're adventuring in sweltering summer heat or raking up leaves in the fall, there are always parts of the world dealing with the one tag-a-long no one ever wants to deal with: bugs. I'm talking mosquitos, ticks, chiggers, gnats, biting flies and no-see-ums. Yuck. (And ouch and itch.)

I grew up in Louisiana and now I live in Florida, so I've spent a lifetime dousing my skin and clothes in insect repellent. Bug spray is a staple in the south, to say the least.

If you plan on spending any time outdoors fishing, hiking, or especially if you plan to go camping or visit any marshy areas, it's best to go prepared with insect repellent. But you don't want to waste money on bug repellent with minimal effectiveness. Here's a compiled list of some of the best bug sprays available right now, as determined by my testing of more than 20 products in the South Florida heat.

Read more details on the best bug sprays written by Amanda Capritto here.

Media Mentions

This spray protects you from tick-borne illnesses and is essential for outdoor adventure.

Hook & Barrel Staff
Website

Media Mentions

Streams, waterfalls, and rivers can quench your thirst in the wild, but they may carry dirt and impurities.

Dinal Jain
Writer

Media Mentions

Sawyer Squeeze is the longer lasting and more reliable filter, which should affect the choices of thru-hikers.

Jaeger Shaw
Owner & Managing Editor