International Header

Spy: The Best Mosquito Repellents Allow You to Enjoy Nature Without Nature Enjoying You

The Best Mosquito Repellents Allow You to Enjoy Nature Without Nature Enjoying You

Spy: The Best Mosquito Repellents Allow You to Enjoy Nature Without Nature Enjoying You

Last updated:
September 16, 2021
|  5 min read

Spy: The Best Mosquito Repellents Allow You to Enjoy Nature Without Nature Enjoying You

Spy: The Best Mosquito Repellents Allow You to Enjoy Nature Without Nature Enjoying You

YouTube video highlight

The Best Mosquito Repellents Allow You to Enjoy Nature Without Nature Enjoying You

Read more about the project

Spy: The Best Mosquito Repellents Allow You to Enjoy Nature Without Nature Enjoying You

Thumbnail Slider Image
No items found.

The Best Mosquito Repellents Allow You to Enjoy Nature Without Nature Enjoying You

Written By: Jonathan Zavaleta

Whether you have an unlucky friend who always leaves the camping trip covered in mosquito bites, or you are the unlucky friend, it’s important to protect yourself when mosquito season rolls around. After all, just because you haven’t been bitten on this trip, doesn’t mean you won’t be on the next one. Besides unchanging factors like blood type and genetics, variables like how sweaty you are and whether or not you drank beer recently all affect your attractiveness to mosquitos.

Whether you’re camping, hiking or near still water, it’s important to apply an effective repellent to protect yourself from the gnawing demon spawn commonly called mosquitos (Since you’ll be outside, don’t forget the sunscreen. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says sunscreen first, followed by repellent).

Common sprays use a few different agents to ward mosquitos off. Two of the most common are DEET and Picaridin. DEET has been around for a long time, and it’s safe and effective. However, according to NPR, some studies have shown Picaridin to be even more effective. Not only that, but DEET can cause some irritation and it smells bad, while Picaridin doesn’t have that problem. If you want a natural option, oil of lemon eucalyptus products have been backed by the CDC (in synthesized form, the CDC doesn’t endorse the use of pure essential oils).

We’ve rounded up some of the best mosquito repellents to buy right now.

1. Sawyer Products 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent

While sprays are undoubtedly convenient, a lotion, like this one from Sawyer, helps ensure that you get the amount of protection you need where you need it. This option comes in a pack of two and each bottle is four ounces. This option features 20% picaridin, allowing it to work for up to 14 hours on mosquitos and ticks. The lotion is designed to rub in evenly and be non-greasy.

Finish reading the entire repellent list here.

Spy: The Best Mosquito Repellents Allow You to Enjoy Nature Without Nature Enjoying You

The Best Mosquito Repellents Allow You to Enjoy Nature Without Nature Enjoying You

Written By: Jonathan Zavaleta

Whether you have an unlucky friend who always leaves the camping trip covered in mosquito bites, or you are the unlucky friend, it’s important to protect yourself when mosquito season rolls around. After all, just because you haven’t been bitten on this trip, doesn’t mean you won’t be on the next one. Besides unchanging factors like blood type and genetics, variables like how sweaty you are and whether or not you drank beer recently all affect your attractiveness to mosquitos.

Whether you’re camping, hiking or near still water, it’s important to apply an effective repellent to protect yourself from the gnawing demon spawn commonly called mosquitos (Since you’ll be outside, don’t forget the sunscreen. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says sunscreen first, followed by repellent).

Common sprays use a few different agents to ward mosquitos off. Two of the most common are DEET and Picaridin. DEET has been around for a long time, and it’s safe and effective. However, according to NPR, some studies have shown Picaridin to be even more effective. Not only that, but DEET can cause some irritation and it smells bad, while Picaridin doesn’t have that problem. If you want a natural option, oil of lemon eucalyptus products have been backed by the CDC (in synthesized form, the CDC doesn’t endorse the use of pure essential oils).

We’ve rounded up some of the best mosquito repellents to buy right now.

1. Sawyer Products 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent

While sprays are undoubtedly convenient, a lotion, like this one from Sawyer, helps ensure that you get the amount of protection you need where you need it. This option comes in a pack of two and each bottle is four ounces. This option features 20% picaridin, allowing it to work for up to 14 hours on mosquitos and ticks. The lotion is designed to rub in evenly and be non-greasy.

Finish reading the entire repellent list here.

Photo thumbnail Blog Author
Media Mentions from Spy
Spy
SPY Before You Buy. Expertly curated product picks from the editors of SPY.com, Penske Media Corporation's shopping site.
Tips & Guides

Spy: The Best Mosquito Repellents Allow You to Enjoy Nature Without Nature Enjoying You

The Best Mosquito Repellents Allow You to Enjoy Nature Without Nature Enjoying You

Written By: Jonathan Zavaleta

Whether you have an unlucky friend who always leaves the camping trip covered in mosquito bites, or you are the unlucky friend, it’s important to protect yourself when mosquito season rolls around. After all, just because you haven’t been bitten on this trip, doesn’t mean you won’t be on the next one. Besides unchanging factors like blood type and genetics, variables like how sweaty you are and whether or not you drank beer recently all affect your attractiveness to mosquitos.

Whether you’re camping, hiking or near still water, it’s important to apply an effective repellent to protect yourself from the gnawing demon spawn commonly called mosquitos (Since you’ll be outside, don’t forget the sunscreen. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says sunscreen first, followed by repellent).

Common sprays use a few different agents to ward mosquitos off. Two of the most common are DEET and Picaridin. DEET has been around for a long time, and it’s safe and effective. However, according to NPR, some studies have shown Picaridin to be even more effective. Not only that, but DEET can cause some irritation and it smells bad, while Picaridin doesn’t have that problem. If you want a natural option, oil of lemon eucalyptus products have been backed by the CDC (in synthesized form, the CDC doesn’t endorse the use of pure essential oils).

We’ve rounded up some of the best mosquito repellents to buy right now.

1. Sawyer Products 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent

While sprays are undoubtedly convenient, a lotion, like this one from Sawyer, helps ensure that you get the amount of protection you need where you need it. This option comes in a pack of two and each bottle is four ounces. This option features 20% picaridin, allowing it to work for up to 14 hours on mosquitos and ticks. The lotion is designed to rub in evenly and be non-greasy.

Finish reading the entire repellent list here.

Photo thumbnail Blog Author
Media Mentions from Spy
Spy
SPY Before You Buy. Expertly curated product picks from the editors of SPY.com, Penske Media Corporation's shopping site.
Tips & Guides
browse all articles
Here at Sawyer
November 25, 2025
6 Min
Scary Mommy: 27 Things Dads Actually Want For The Holidays
Read More

Media Mentions

Sawyer has a longer-lasting permethrin-based solution. It impregnates fabrics with an odorless treatment for clothing and gear that lasts for up to six washes to repel or kill ticks, mosquitoes, and other bugs.

Best Products
Media Mentions from Best Products

Media Mentions

When I first started this blog in 2014, backpacking was one of the ways that I became immersed in the outdoor world.

Bearfoot Theory
Media Mentions from Bearfoot Theory

Media Mentions

The Sawyer Squeeze is a time-tested, on-the-go filtration system. This lightweight option is wonderful for personal use, providing great functionality on multi-day excursions and daily adventures in the backcountry.

Gear Lab
Media Mentions from Gear Lab
<<  Previous Post
No previous post!
Check out our Directory
Next Post  >>
No next post!
Check out our Directory