Pick The Best Mosquito Repellent for Camping & Say Goodbye to Itchy Bites
Planning a summer camping trip? Make sure you're prepared for any pesky bugs that might show up with our buyers guide to the best mosquito repellent for camping. We'll discuss what makes a good repellent and highlight some of our favorite products.
Planning a summer camping trip and want to make sure you're prepared for any pesky bugs that might show up?
We've got you covered! In this blog post, we'll review the best mosquito repellent for camping. We'll discuss what makes a good repellent and highlight some of our favorite products.
So whether you're planning a weekend getaway or an extended camping trip, read on for all the information you need to keep all the bugs at bay!
Purchase one of our recommended bug repellents today and be bite-free on your next outdoor adventure!
How We Picked The Best Mosquito Repellent For Camping
Mosquitoes are no joke while you are out in the wild, and they can easily ruin any outdoor adventure.
It's hard to relax when you're constantly being pestered by mosquito bites or other bugs, and it's even harder to get a good night's sleep.
We've got the solution for you - the best mosquito repellents for camping. Whether you're looking for all-natural bug repellents or something with more of a punch, we've got you covered. We have tried these under challenging environments, consulted with consumers, and read through reviews to bring you nothing but the best mosquito repellents.
Why You Will Love It
3M Ultrathon Repellent Lotion is here to keep those pesky critters away! Not only does it repel mosquitoes, ticks, biting flies, chiggers, gnats, fleas, and deer flies, but it also provides protection for up to 12 hours.
Plus, it's skin-friendly for all people of all ages - making it perfect for the whole family. So don't wait and pick up a 3M Ultrathon Repellent Lotion today!
What You Should Know
It contains 34.34% DEET for superb protection against insects. Additionally, it uses an Advanced 3M Controlled Release Technology to provide a continuous shield of protection from bugs. This technology utilizes a polymer to trap DEET and slowly release it over skin surfaces to provide long-lasting protection.
So, if you are looking for a mosquito repellent lotion that will give you long-lasting protection, the 3M Ultrathon Repellent Lotion is a great option to consider.
What Could Have Been Better
Though this lotion is effective for long hours, when you will apply it on your skin it will leave behind a greasy residue and if it is hot and sweaty then this can create a total mess.
But if you can ignore this, you will have skin-friendly and effective protection not only against pesky mosquitoes but also other bugs.
Why You Will Love It
Tired of feeling like you're being eaten alive every time you step outside? Sawyer Products has your solution! Sawyer's Picaridin Insect Repellent is safe to use on the whole family and repels a wide variety of pests.
This long-lasting repellent is available in several formats to choose from (lotion, sachet, continuous spray, or pump spray) so you can find the one that best suits your needs.
What You Should Know
Sawyer Products has a 20% Picaridin concentration that is more effective than DEET against mosquitoes and ticks. This repellent is fragrance-free and non-greasy and it also dries quickly, and it starts working within 10 minutes of its application.
If you're looking for an effective repellent that you can apply on your skin and also on your clothes to keep insects at bay, Sawyer Products has the perfect solution for you.
What Could Have Been Better
This bug repellent gives long-lasting protection against many kinds of insects. But if you are hiking through forests full of bugs, pair it with the Sawyer Clothing spray for the best results. This is because if you are camping in hot humid climates, its effectiveness as a standalone lotion deteriorates within hours.
Also, we found that this is a skin-friendly mosquito repellent and will not cause any allergic reactions. But, if you have very sensitive skin this Sawyer repellent might not be the best solution for you because of the presence of some amounts of Permethrin in it.
Overall, if you are buying this as a DEET-free alternative for protection against mosquitoes and other insects, you will not be disappointed at all!
Why You Will Love It
Looking for travel-friendly strong DEET-based mosquito repellents that are not harsh on your skin? Look no further than Repel 100. This powerful DEET-based pump spray comes in a handy travel-size bottle, making it perfect for packing in your carry-on or day bag.
Just a few spritzes will create a barrier against pesky mosquitoes and other annoying insects, giving you peace of mind when exploring the great outdoors.
What You Should Know
Repel 100 is a long-lasting, DEET-based repellent that provides up to 10 hours of protection against pesky mosquitoes, ticks, and other biting insects. It features a super strong 98.11% DEET concentration formula, ideal for use in heavily insect-infested areas.
Additionally, the repellent comes in a pump spray bottle for easy application. Simply spray the repellent onto exposed skin and clothing, be sure to avoid contact with the eyes and mouth, and enjoy your time outdoors without worrying about pests.
What Could Have Been Better
Repel 100 offers some serious protection against mosquitoes because of its very high concentration of DEET. It should be used in severe conditions only. If you want to use it in areas with a lower concentration of insects you can use the Repel Sportsmen which has a much lower DEET concentration of around 40%.
The strong smell and oily texture of the repellent can be a bit off-putting at first, but its effectiveness more than makes up for it. Once you see how well Repel 100 works at keeping insects away, you'll be glad you made the switch.
Why You Will Love It
Sawyer Products Premium Permethrin Insect Repellent will give you peace of mind no matter where your adventures take you. Just spray it on your clothing and gear, and you'll be protected from over 55 different kinds of insects - without damaging your clothes or gear in the process.
We also loved the fact that Sawyer Permethrin spray can also be applied to our furry friends, to keep them protected from mosquito bites or other biting bugs.
What You Should Know
Sawyer Products' Permethrin Insect Repellent for Clothing, Gear & Tents is a great way to keep insects away. It gives out an odorless spray repellent that bonds to fabric fibers and will last for weeks and even survive a few washes.
When an insect comes into contact with Permethrin, it absorbs a dose that will either repel or kill the insect. This product is ideal for use on clothing, gear, and tents as it will not stain or damage clothing, fabrics, plastics, finished surfaces, or outdoor gear.
What Could Have Been Better
This Sawyer Premium Permethrin Insect Repellent is one of the best bug repellents that are DEET-free and will repel insects and biting bugs no matter where your adventures take you. But, just be sure to use them with your gear, backpacks, tents, etc, and avoid getting in touch with your skin.
Although, permethrin is not harmful at lower dosages and is quickly broken down by our skin, It is not skin-friendly and might cause irritations.
Worthy Contenders
Sallye Ander “No-Bite-Me” All-Natural Cream
This all-natural bug repellent is made in the USA with a blend of 16 essential oils and is the safest natural mosquito repellent. This is the only repellent on our list, made without any added harsh chemicals, that actually works.
The strong herbaceous scent helps keep bugs at bay for up to 4 hours. It is safe for use on sensitive skin, and can also repair and soothe your skin in case of bug bites. However, it has a strong residue smell and might not be very effective in hotter climates with a severe concentration of different insects.
Ranger Ready Tick & Insect Repellent
This repellent will keep you safe from more than just pesky mosquitoes; it will protect you against ticks, gnats, chiggers, and fleas. Ranger uses a Picaridin 20% solution, which has been proven to be just as effective against insects while being much easier on your skin.
Despite its high effectiveness, this repellent didn’t make it any higher on our list because it does leave behind a greasy feeling residue that some users found to be uncomfortable. Especially in humid climates, this can result in a sticky mess.
Frequently Asked Questions
Mosquitoes are annoying, and they can carry some pretty dangerous diseases.
Not only are mosquitoes a nuisance, but they can also transmit some serious illnesses like the West Nile Virus, Zika virus, malaria, and dengue fever. On top of this, there are also several other kinds of bugs out there ready to attack you when you are camping.
Bug sprays are the best way to keep all these away from you while camping. But with so many different types of bug spray on the market, it can be hard to figure out which one is right for you. Based on our expert findings, we've compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions about the best bug repellents for camping that will help you make an informed decision.
Which Is the Best Type of Repellent Permethrin, Picaridin or DEET?
There are a variety of effective insect repellents on the market, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages, and choosing the best from them will ultimately depend on your individual needs and preferences.
Permethrin is a synthetic version of the naturally occurring Pyrethrum compound and is very effective against a wide range of flying insects, including mosquitoes. If you are looking for an effective mosquito repellent that has a long shelf life and don't plan on applying it to your skin directly, permethrin might be the best option
Picaridin is a relatively new repellent that provides protection against both flying and crawling insects. If you are looking for a repellent that is gentle on the skin, picaridin might be a better choice.
DEET is the most well-known and widely used bug repellent but can be harsh on the skin if used for extended periods of time. If you are looking for a bug repellent that provides protection against a wide range of insects, DEET-based repellents might be the best option for you.
How Do I Keep Mosquitoes Away From My Campsite?
One way to keep mosquitoes away from your campsite is by using mosquito coils, sticks, or repellent mats. These work by emitting chemicals that repel mosquitoes. Though this is not favorable, in the open woods or where there are several other bugs.
Another way to keep mosquitoes away from your campsite is by using mosquito repellent. Mosquito repellents work by emitting a chemical that repels mosquitoes. You can choose any of the products from our top picks to get good results.
Both of these work by emitting chemicals that repel mosquitoes. There is also natural bug repellent like lemon eucalyptus, citronella, and some other oils that will protect effectively from mosquito bites and other biting insects also.
Are There Any Natural Bug Repellents Available?
Yes, some people prefer to use a natural mosquito repellent, which can include things like essential oils such as peppermint oil, lemon eucalyptus oil, or tea tree oil. Garlic is also a natural repellent. You can either rub it on your skin or put it in netting and hang it around your campsite or patio.
You can also make a natural mosquito repellent by mixing water and acetic acid vinegar in a spray bottle. Though other than lemon eucalyptus oils, all of these have very little efficacy in an actual campground.
Are There Any Other Forms of Bug Repellents Other Than Lotion or Sprays?
There are other types of bug repellents available, but they may not be as effective as lotion or spray. Some of them are :
Bug Zapper work by attracting pesky mosquitoes and other insects with their blue-violet light and electrocuting them with a high-voltage grid. You can keep Bug Zappers on your patio but they are not meant for camping.
Mosquito Repellent Candles & Torches are made from natural oils that when burnt can repel bugs for some hours. A citronella candle is the most common among these, which can really set the mood but it is not that efficient in repelling mosquitoes. The best among these is Murphy's Natural Repellent candles.
Electronic Mosquito Repellent Device mostly uses some sort of DEET-free repellent mat, that when heated acts as a good mosquito repellent for your patio but not so much for your campsite. Thermacell Patio Shield is a good example.
Insecticide Treated Clothes are mostly pretreated with Permethrin and will protect you from mosquitoes. Insect Xtreme is one such brand making permethrin-treated performance apparel.
Bug Repellent Wearables like Cliganic are made from natural essential oils but they are not practically effective.
Bug Repellent Wipes are really effective if you are not in a severely insect-affected area. We loved the Cutter Wipes the most and would definitely recommend them.
Salt Guns are fun, even cool but are actually nothing but gimmicks when it comes to repelling bugs. You can try the Bug-a-salt gun, but we really don't think you will be shooting bugs with these on your camping trips!
Does a Mosquito Repellent Device, Like Thermacell Really Work?
They work to a certain degree, especially if you are using them on your patio. The problem is that mosquitoes are very adaptive and can quickly learn to ignore the repellent.
An electronic mosquito repellent device works by releasing a small amount of heat-activated repellent (mostly a repellent mat), which creates an invisible barrier that mosquitoes and other flying insects cannot cross. Well, that is the short theory behind it, and yes it works just fine in your backyard for some hours at max.
But you will find its limitations in repelling mosquitoes for outdoor camping. Even if you can manage an electrical output or find a gas-powered device, it will stop working after some hours, as the bugs can easily adapt to it.
Does a Mosquito Repellent Spray Damages Clothes & Other Gear?
Most mosquito repellent sprays contain chemicals that can damage certain fabrics. It is important to check the label of your mosquito repellent before using it on any of your belongings. Some bug repellents may be specifically designed for use on clothing, while others may cause damage to the fabric.
In general, it is best to avoid spraying mosquito repellent directly on your clothes or gear without testing it first for any adverse effects.
What is The Best Mosquito Repellent Solution For Our Pets?
Though you can use our top picks for your pets as well, it is better to use a product that is made specifically for pets.
There are a number of pet-specific mosquito repellents for camping with dogs, and most of them use citronella oil or some other essential oils as the active ingredient. Some pet owners choose to make their own repellent spray using essential oils. Whatever you choose be sure to read the labels on the active ingredients about any of their harmful effects.
What Is the Best Way to Apply Mosquito Repellents?
This will depend on the type of repellent you have at your disposal - whether it is skin-friendly, or is it meant to be applied on clothes or any other specific instructions pertaining to that product.
Though you can be safe and sure about using our top picks, every human skin is different and the same product might react differently to each one of our skin, so it is important to follow the instructions written on the label and try it a bit before actually applying it to your skin or any other fabric.
Also, remember that you should avoid spraying mosquito repellents on your skin directly just before going outdoors. You should always apply it after you have applied a sun protection cream and have allowed it to dry as this will not only protect your skin but will also increase its effectiveness.
How Often Should I Reapply a Mosquito Repellent?
The best way to keep mosquitoes and other biting insects away is to reapply bug repellents every few hours, especially if you are sweating or swimming. However, overusing or underusing will both lead to decreased effectiveness of these products so it is important to follow the instructions on the label of your mosquito repellent to ensure that you are using it correctly.
What Are the Precautions I Should Take While Applying Insect Repellents?
You should always read the instructions provided carefully and take precautions while applying insect repellents, especially if you are using a spray. You should never spray a repellent directly on your face, and you should always avoid contact with your eyes, nose, and mouth.
If you are using a spray, be sure to apply it in a well-ventilated area. Though the bug sprays are not toxic by themselves, the aerosol generated while applying them to clothes can be harmful to individuals with breathing problems.
You should also wash your hands after applying a bug repellent if they are not meant to be applied on the skin directly and avoid touching your face or eyes until the repellent has dried.
So, What Is the Best Mosquito Repellent For Camping
It’s time to gear up for your next camp trip by stocking up on the right supplies, which must include some sort of protection for repelling mosquitoes. With so many options available, it can be tough to decide which product is best for you.
Hopefully, our roundup of the best mosquito repellent for camping will help make your decision easier.
And if you need a shortlist to choose from, you can have the :
Best Overall Lotion - 3M Ultrathon Insect Repellent Lotion
Best Picardin Repellent - Sawyer Products Insect Repellent
Best DEET Solution - Repel 100 Insect Repellent Pump Spray
Best Permethrin Repellent - Sawyer Products Premium Permethrin Insect Repellent
Best Natural Product - Sallye Ander “No-Bite-Me” All-Natural Cream
And don’t forget to click through to Amazon to check prices – we’ve provided handy “Check Price on Amazon” buttons for each product.
Happy camping!
Look at some of the other articles we have written :
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