Person spraying bug repellent on arm
Person spraying bug repellent on arm

Bugging out? Amazon's top-rated insect repellents are here to help: 'I can finally enjoy my patio again'

One of the best parts about summer is spending more time outdoors. But whether you’re camping, hiking, or lounging by the pool, pesky bugs might try to ruin your party—so protection is key.

Since we have to deal with everything from mosquitos to ticks, a reliable bug repellent is a must. Some of the more popular options include ingredients like Deet or Picaridin, which are EPA- and CDC-approved.

But which ones actually work?

We turned to Amazon shoppers and rounded up the mosquito repellents and bug sprays that fall into the best-seller and top-rated categories. Shop these wildly popular repellents to keep those pesky bugs at bay.

Sawyer Products Premium Insect Repellent

Great for use on skin and clothing, Sawyer’s Picaridin repellent staves off mosquitos for up to 14 hours and ticks, chiggers, flies and fleas for up to eight hours.

“Better than Deet,” writes one five-star reviewer. “This stuff works. I have been surrounded by a cloud of biting flies, mosquitos and gnats, and the insects can't stand landing on me after spraying this. It lasts much longer than Deet as well...If you're reading this and you've only tried Deet repellants, give this stuff a try.”

Explore more of Amazon's top-rated insect repellents written by Korin Miller here.

Media Mentions

Why use a plastic bag when you can simply screw on this end cap, specifically designed for Sawyer water filters?

Zoe Gates
Editor at Backpacker

Media Mentions

In future, I’ll use gravity when I can, and squeeze when I have to.

Richard, aka "LowRange
Hiker

Media Mentions

For longer hikes, it’s convenient to carry a small backcountry water filter, such as a Sawyer Mini or Micro, which allows you to replenish your water from natural sources like streams or ponds.

Philip Werner
Author and Backpacker