Best Bug Sprays For Hiking
The beautiful sights, the fresh air, the exercise… what’s there not to love about a good hike in the woods? Well, we will admit there is something – bugs! Pesky insects can drive many outdoorsy people crazy. That’s why so many hikers, bikers, and backpackers choose to arm themselves with the best bug sprays for hiking.
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just starting out, having the right bug spray can make all the difference in keeping those biting bugs at bay. Below, we will take a closer look at what we consider the best bug sprays for hiking and will explain what makes them so effective.
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Our Picks for the Best Bug Sprays:
Best Overall Bug Spray for Hiking:
Sawyer Products 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent
Sawyer is a popular brand that produces a range of bug sprays and insect repellents for outdoor activities, including hiking. This specific spray utilizes Picaridin, a synthetic compound that’s similar to the natural compound found in black pepper plants. It’s been shown to be highly effective in repelling a wide range of biting insects, including mosquitoes, ticks, and flies.
What makes this one of the best bug sprays is that it is odorless and non-greasy. Unlike some other bug sprays that leave a sticky residue on your skin, this one absorbs quickly and doesn’t leave any residue behind.
It also provides long lasting protection. According to the manufacturer, it provides up to 12 hours of protection against mosquitoes and ticks, and up to 8 hours of protection against flies, gnats, and chiggers. I’ve used this bug spray on several hiking trips and have found that it really does provide long-lasting protection, even in areas with high insect activity.
Best Plant- Based Bug Spray for Hiking
Repel Plant-Based Lemon Eucalyptus
Repel Plant-Based Lemon Eucalyptus insect repellent is a great alternative to traditional bug sprays for those who prefer natural ingredients. The active ingredient in this bug spray is oil of lemon eucalyptus, a natural oil that’s extracted from the leaves of the lemon eucalyptus tree. This oil is known to be an effective insect repellent, especially against mosquitoes.
Our favorite thing about this buy spray is its pleasant scent. Unlike traditional bug sprays that have a chemical smell, this one has a refreshing scent of lemon and eucalyptus. So you won’t end your hiking trip smelling like a mixture of sweat and chemicals!
In terms of effectiveness, we found that this bug spray worked really well in repelling mosquitoes. It also did a decent job protecting against other insects, but isn’t as effective as other insect repellent that contains DEET or picaridin.
Best Bug Spray for Hiking With Kids:
Off! Family Care Picaridin Aerosol
Another one to add to the list of the best bug sprays for hiking is Off! Family Care Picaridin Aerosol. It provides effective protection against a wide range of biting insects, including mosquitoes, ticks, and flies. Like the Sawyer bug spray, this spray uses Picaridin to repel insects.
The aerosol format makes it easy to use and provides easy, even coverage, which is important when trying to protect yourself against insect bites. It also dries quickly and doesn’t feel oily on the skin.
What we don’t love about this spray, specifically for hiking and backpacking, is that it comes in one size. The size is rather bulky and doesn’t have a lock on it, so it isn’t ideal for stuffing into a daypack or backpack.
Best 2 in 1 Bug Spray for Hiking
Bullfrog Sunscreen and Insect Repellent
If you like products that do more for you, this might be the right bug spray for you. This spray offers both sun protection and insect repellent in a single application. This is a great feature for ultralight hikers or hikers who want to simplify their gear and save time when getting ready for their outdoor adventures.
The sunscreen provides broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection and has a high SPF of 50, which is great for protecting against the harmful effects of the sun. The insect repellent, which contains 20% Picaridin, provides effective protection against a wide range of biting insects, including mosquitoes and ticks.
What we also love about this spray is that it is water resistant. So even if you are sweating or take a quick dip to cool off in a nearby lake, the protection stays on you.
Common Active Ingredients in Bug Sprays
If none of the sprays on this list suits you, we encourage you to explore other options that may be a better fit for you.
Before you go on your search, it is important to be knowledgeable about the active ingredients that are commonly found in insect repellents. Below are the most common and effective compounds you will find in bug sprays:
DEET
DEET is one of the most effective and widely used bug sprays for hiking. It’s a synthetic chemical that repels mosquitoes, ticks, and other biting insects. DEET is available in various concentrations, with higher concentrations providing longer protection.
However, there are concerns about potential toxicity when used in high concentrations or over prolonged periods of time. It can also cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some people
Pircaridin
Picaridin is a synthetic compound that’s similar to the natural compound found in black pepper plants. It’s a highly effective bug spray that repels mosquitoes, ticks, and other biting insects. Picaridin is odorless, non-greasy, and less irritating than DEET.
Permethrin
This is a synthetic chemical that’s used as an insecticide and insect repellent. It’s most effective when applied to clothing and gear, rather than directly on the skin. Permethrin repels and kills ticks, mosquitoes, and other biting insects.
Lemon Eucalyptus
A natural insect repellent that’s derived from the leaves of the lemon eucalyptus tree. It’s an effective alternative to synthetic bug sprays, and it’s safe for use on children and pets. Lemon eucalyptus repels mosquitoes, ticks, and other biting insects.
R3535
Another synthetic compound, R3535 is similar to the amino acid alanine. It’s an effective bug spray that repels mosquitoes, ticks, and other biting insects. IR3535 is less irritating than DEET and safe for use on children and pregnant women.
Cover photo by Shardar Tarikul Islam on Unsplash
