No items found.

What’s the Best Mosquito Repellent? We Tested Sprays, Nets, and Tech to Find Out

We trekked for miles along some humid Midwest trails and spent a few weekends in the woods with a variety of mosquito-repellent options — some chemical, some physical. Here’s what we found.

Hiking in the woods is magical. Between the shade, the earthy damp, and the scents of the green tunnel, it’s easy to get lost in the tranquility of putting one foot in front of the other.

That is, until the buzzing of gnats and mosquitos shatters your moment of serenity. It’s an unfortunate reality that, in order to get out and enjoy the summertime in the forest, you’ll often have to deal with the insatiable assault of bloodsucking insects.

In an effort to find some relief this year, I’ve been testing out a wide variety of bug repellents. These have ranged from nets to misting devices, along with the familiar sprays and topical lotions.

After several weekends in the woods, I set about weighing the strengths and weaknesses of each. Below are several of the top options, along with their pros and cons. Read it here.

LAST UPDATED

September 12, 2022

Written by
Photo thumbnail Blog Author

Josh Wussow

Gear Junkie

MEDIA MENTIONS

Apply the Sawyer Products Premium Permethrin Insect Repellent to clothing and furniture, not skin, to keep pests away.

Chris Thomas
Best Reviews Staff

MEDIA MENTIONS

Plus, everything you need to know about DEET, picaridin, and what's best for safeguarding against ticks and mosquitoes.

Good Housekeeping
Media Mentions from Good Housekeeping

MEDIA MENTIONS

Faster and more efficient than pumping or waiting for chemical treatments, the Sawyer Squeeze System offers on-the-go hydration at a good flow. This product is long-lasting, affordable, reliable, cleanable, and very user-friendly.

Alan Dixon
AdventureAlan