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I took the best bug sprays and repellents camping across the country from Wyoming to Maine.
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These are my top picks.
While serving in the Peace Corps in Indonesia, I took anti-malarial medication every night for two years.
When I left Indonesia, I continued to travel around the pacific and take medications.
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I thought since I was taking anti-malarials, I didnt need to also apply bug spray.
Every other day, the symptoms would disappear and I would feel fine.
Having malaria was one of the more frightening and certainly the most draining experiences Ive ever had.
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Here are the bug-repellents I wont travel without.
We wish the spray had a wider range so you dont have to rub it in.
Bug-repellents with 20 percent picaridin formulas seem to have the perfect balance between effectiveness and a gentle feel.
While others got bug bites sittingaround a campfire, I did not have any bugs around me at all.
A lot of repellent comes out per spray, so be careful to avoid drips.
Plus, the nozzle doesnt leak even if it ends up falling upside down in your bag or pack.
Best Gel
Off!
Clean Feel Gel
The spreadable gel ensures youll get all of your corners.
It can be a bit goopy, so you should wash your hands after utility.
is a household name when it comes to bug repellents, and for good reason.
I tested five different Off!
sprays for over two months.
While they were all effective, the Off!
Clean Feel Gel was my favorite for its unique design.
You will need to pack them out if you are camping or hiking.
I became quite obsessed with these wipes throughout my two-month test.
For daily use, special occasions, and forthose with children, these are my new go-to bug repellent.
DEET is an EPA-approved ingredientand some campers think it is absolutely essential to go out using DEET-based bug spray.
Still, DEET can stain fabric.
Since its so effective, you also dont have to reapply as often, which conserves the spray.
It cant be sprayed upside down or sideways, making it tricky to get hard-to-reach areas.
It comes in an aerosol can or push spray bottle, depending on your needs.
I will note that the push spray bottle cant be used upside down.
The initial purchase comes with only two repellent refills; youll have topurchase extras separately.
My family absolutely loved this little gadget.
The protection time is not specified, but the brand does recommend reapplying hourly.
The bottle is easy to use and doesnt leak when packed.
However, since its oil-based, it can be quite drippy when you spray it on.
Its best to rub it in to avoid getting oil on your clothing.
While many of them offered hours of protection, there were some features that we liked but didnt love.
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It has a wide program but is quite wet, which makes it prone to spills.
So you’ll definitely want to rub it in to avoid it getting on your clothing.
Clean Feel Insect Repellent II Spritz:This spray is just as effective as other Off!
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products, but its very drippy and needs to be rubbed in after tool.
You would have to use quite a lot of them for a whole evening outside.
After one hour, I examine each arm to determine if I had any bug bites and how many.
If you are in an area prone to ticks, verify you also select a spray that offers tick-protection.
Think about packing
Many bug sprays stain and can leave greasy messes.
I personally find that picaridin has a more gentle feel when sprayed directly on my skin.
Most bugs and insects dont like the smell of peppermint, citronella, lavender, and eucalyptus.
Sprays containing Picaridin can last between three and five years.
No, you should actively avoid putting human bug spray on dogs as it can be harmful to them.
Why Trust Travel + Leisure
Taylor Foxis an editor at T+Lspecializing in outdoor gear.
A lifelong camper and hiker, she used her first person experience when selecting and testing various bug-repellents.
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