I've hiked through tick-infested sections of North Carolina where you come out covered in them. I've also camped near rivers in South Carolina during mosquito season and learned that cheap repellent doesn't cut it. Bites aren't just annoying. They can carry Lyme disease, West Nile virus, and other problems you don't want to deal with far from a hospital.
What works is high DEET concentration or picaridin formulas that last through sweat. You need something that doesn't turn greasy or smell so strong it ruins the outdoor experience. Some sprays work on gear too, which is useful for treating boots and pack straps. The right repellent means you can focus on the trail instead of swatting bugs all day.
1. Off! Deep Woods Insect Repellent Aerosol
OFF! Deep Woods is a standard that works. The dry formula doesn't leave you feeling slick, which matters when you're sweating through a climb. It keeps mosquitoes and ticks off for hours without needing constant reapplication. The aerosol spray covers skin evenly, which beats trying to rub in a lotion while bugs are biting you.
The 4-ounce cans are compact enough to carry without taking up much pack space. The scent is noticeable but fades. It's strong protection for heavily wooded areas where bugs are thick.
Pros:
- Dry formula doesn't feel greasy or sticky
- Long-lasting protection through sweating and activity
- Effective in deep woods and heavy insect areas
- Compact size fits in any pack
Cons:
- Needs reapplication after swimming or heavy rain
- Strong scent may bother some users
- Skin application only, not for treating gear
2. Repel 100 Insect Repellent
Repel 100 has high DEET concentration, which means it lasts. Ten hours of protection is real if you're not getting soaked. The pump spray gives you control over where it goes, which is better than aerosol clouds that waste product. The clear formula absorbs quickly without leaving a film on your skin.
This is what I reach for on long day hikes or overnight trips where I won't have time to reapply every few hours. It handles ticks, mosquitoes, and biting flies without complaint.
Pros:
- Ten hours of coverage means fewer applications
- High DEET content for serious protection
- Pump spray wastes less product than aerosol
- Non-greasy and absorbs fast
Cons:
- DEET may irritate sensitive skin
- Strong chemical smell
- Needs reapplication if you sweat heavily
3. Sawyer Products Sp657 Premium Permethrin Insect Repellent
Permethrin is different because it treats clothing and gear, not skin. You spray your pants, boots, tent, and pack, let them dry, and the treatment lasts through multiple washes. This works well if you're hiking in tick country or anywhere bugs are relentless. It kills ticks and mosquitoes on contact instead of just repelling them.
The 24-ounce bottle treats a lot of gear. I've used this on multi-day trips where I knew bugs would be bad. It's a layer of protection that doesn't wear off with sweat. The trigger spray makes application easy and even.
Pros:
- Treats clothing and gear for lasting protection
- Kills insects on contact, not just repels
- Large bottle treats multiple items
- Lasts through several washes
Cons:
- Not for direct skin application
- Needs drying time before wearing treated clothes
- Chemical smell during application
4. Off! Clean Feel Insect Repellent Aerosol
Picaridin is an alternative to DEET that doesn't smell as strong or feel as harsh. This formula uses 20% picaridin, which is effective without the greasy residue. It feels lighter on skin, which I appreciate on hot days when everything already feels sticky.
The protection lasts long enough for most day hikes. It handles mosquitoes and ticks well without the overwhelming chemical scent that DEET-based sprays have. Good choice if you prefer something that doesn't announce itself.
Pros:
- Picaridin is less irritating than DEET
- Clean feel without greasy residue
- Long-lasting protection
- Milder scent than DEET sprays
Cons:
- Aerosol spray not ideal near open flames
- Some prefer natural ingredients
- 5-ounce size may be small for long trips
5. Sawyer Products Sp5432 Picaridin Insect Repellent Spray
Sawyer's picaridin spray comes in a pump bottle, which gives you more control than aerosol. The 20% concentration is strong enough for serious bug pressure. It's odorless compared to DEET and doesn't damage synthetic fabrics or plastics, which is useful if you're spraying near gear.
The 3-ounce bottles come in a pack of two, which is convenient. One stays in the car, one goes in the pack. The pump design means you can apply it precisely without wasting spray in the air.
Pros:
- 20% picaridin for effective protection
- Pump spray for precise application
- Odorless and non-greasy
- Safe for use on synthetic gear
Cons:
- Smaller bottles mean more frequent replacement
- Pump spray slower than aerosol for full-body coverage
6. Ben's 100 Tick & Insect Repellent
Ben's 100 is alcohol-free DEET, which means it's gentler on skin but still effective. Ten hours of protection is enough for most full-day hikes. The pump spray works well and the alcohol-free formula reduces the chance of skin irritation, which matters if you're using it daily on a long trip.
The 3.4-ounce size fits in a pack's side pocket. It's safe for kids and adults, which makes it a good family option if you're hiking with children who need protection too. While you're at it, take a look at our bug-proof tent. While you're at it, take a look at our hiking hat for sun protection. While you're at it, take a look at our first aid kit.
Pros:
- Ten hours of continuous protection
- Alcohol-free formula for sensitive skin
- Safe for adults and children
- Pump spray for controlled application
Cons:
- Needs reapplication after heavy sweating or rain
- Scent may not appeal to everyone
- Two-pack may be more than needed for solo hikers
How to Pick the Right One
- For long-lasting protection on extended trips: Repel 100 or Ben's 100 with ten-hour coverage
- For treating gear and clothing: Sawyer Permethrin spray for boots, pants, and tents
- For sensitive skin or milder scent: OFF! Clean Feel or Sawyer Picaridin formulas
- For heavy bug pressure in deep woods: OFF! Deep Woods aerosol
- For families with children: Ben's 100 alcohol-free formula
Bottom Line
High DEET or 20% picaridin works. Treat your gear with permethrin if you're going into tick country. Don't skimp on repellent to save a few ounces.
