Several brands of insect repellent side by side
Several brands of insect repellent side by side

The Best Bug Sprays to Keep You Bite-Free This Summer

Whether you’re looking for an all-natural bug spray, one with DEET, or one with picaridin, we’ve rounded up our favorites.

FOR THE BEST SPRAY

Sawyer 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent

My personal favorite bug spray has to be this one. It doesn’t use DEET, but instead “has a 20% concentration of picaridin, which is as effective as DEET, and you don’t have to worry about whether it’s bad for you. It’s easy to apply as well. I find that pump sprays work better than their aerosol counterparts because you’re less likely to overspray. Instead, the pump on this one sprays superior bug spray evenly and accurately, for maximum protection. My favorite thing about this spray though has to be the size. At first, you’d think you’d want the biggest bug spray out there to just glob it in. But in truth, you don’t need that much, and what’s more important than amount is access and convenience.”


Continue reading Daniel Modlin's "The Best Bug Sprays to Keep You Bite-Free This Summer" here.

Media Mentions

It all starts with Sawyer Squeeze + Cnoc VectoX 2L, the best and most reliable filter-bladder combo and the core of my backpacking water storage and filtration system.

Jaeger Shaw
Owner & Managing Editor

Media Mentions

Our top water filter for thru hiking, the Sawyer Squeeze, is 15% off.

Naomi Hudetz
Chief Operating Officer & Online Editor

Media Mentions

People with alpha-gal syndrome show allergic symptoms such as rash, nausea and vomiting after eating such meat.

Stephanie Soucheray
Reporter