1. Off! Deep Woods Insect Repellent Aerosol with ~Even Spray Technology,~ so you always get even coverage. Reviewers agree it offers reliable protection even in heavily wooded areas and not only repels mosquitoes, but also ticks that may carry Lyme disease.

www.amazon.com

PSA: Do not apply to gear or clothes made of rayon, spandex, or synthetic materials other than nylon. 

Promising review: "Off! Deep Woods Bug Spray is my go-to for outdoor activities. Whether I'm hiking, camping, or just enjoying a backyard barbecue, this spray never lets me down. The protection is long-lasting, and I never have to worry about mosquitoes, ticks, or other annoying insects ruining my time outside. What I appreciate most is how well it works even in heavily wooded areas. The spray goes on evenly without feeling greasy or sticky, and the scent is much more pleasant than other bug sprays I've tried. It's also gentle on my skin, which is a big plus. If you’re looking for a reliable bug spray that really works, Off! Deep Woods is the way to go! Highly recommended!" —Lauren Hope Wells

Get it from Amazon for $6.98+ (available in two sizes).

2. Ben's 100 Tick & Insect Repellent — a 100% DEET formula that's made and tested in New Hampshire's rugged White Mountains. The long-lasting repellent is suitable for traveling, hiking, fishing, and hunting, so things like backyard BBQs and walks around the neighborhood are small potatoes. 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "This is HANDS-DOWN the best bug spray I have ever used. Don't waste your time with the other sprays that come in an aerosol. This product applies easily, stays on, and best of all, it works. If you buy it and use it, you will come back to this review and agree, I'm sure of it. I fish and camp often, BEST bug spray... Period!" —Bsavy

Get a pack of two from Amazon for$21.98 (also available in a set of four).

3. EarthKind Stay Away Mosquitoes Insect Repellent with a plant-based picaridin formula that — according to the brand — "smells offensive to insects but not humans" LOL. It's water-resistant, unscented, and offers eight to 14 hours of protection depending on the bug. 

Amazon

EarthKind is a small biz that makes all sorts of pest control products. 

Promising review: "Like most others, I absolutely hate the feel, smell, and residue of other mosquito repellents. Even unscented ones leave me smelling like a walking chemical plant. I practically live on my deck from April through December, where mosquitoes breed like wild under the cool protection of the deck’s shade. Not only does this do what it’s intended, but once it’s applied, you don’t even remember that it’s there… but the skeeters do. There is no smell, none of that sticky, oily ick on your skin that makes you want to rush to scrub yourself clean with a Brillo pad. I’m a morning shower person, and after using this product at night, I can go to bed without worrying about it ruining my sheets. I’ve shared it with friends and houseguests, and they are just as pleased with it. Try it!" —Marit

Get it from Amazon for $15.80 (also available as wipes).

4. Cutter Backwoods Dry Insect Repellent, a sweat-resistant formula with 25% DEET, so you can enjoy time outdoors without swatting away hordes of biting bugs. It also offers a dry feel, so no oily or greasy residue giving you the ick. 

Amazon

Promising review: "I live on a lake and have tried every kind of bug spray there is. Cutter is by far the best bug spray you can use. We not only spray it on us, but we also spray it all over our yard and have no problem with mosquitoes, flies, or any type of bugs. I would not use anything else." —Lisa W.

Get it from Amazon for $6.98.

5. Natrapel Tick & Insect Repellent for a gear-friendly option that won't damage your fishing, hiking, or outdoor equipment. Still, the 20% picaridin formula repels chiggers, mosquitoes, ticks, and other pests for up to 12 hours. 

Amazon

Promising review: "Best product on the market. I've tested it in the jungles of the Philippines and the backwoods of southern Oregon. Doesn't burn sensitive skin like DEET products. Does not melt plastic just in case you touch your gear after application." —PattyLU

Get it from Amazon for $23.97+ (available in two sizes and individually or as a pack of two).

6. Sawyer Products Premium Permethrin Insect Repellent — a fabric-safe SERIOUS formula that adheres to clothes for up to SIX WEEKS (or through six washings, whichever comes first). You can also spray it on your gear, like tents, sleeping bags, netting, etc., for ultimate protection. 

www.amazon.com

For the best protection, the brand recommends using 4.5 ounces per outfit consisting of a shirt, pants, and socks.

Promising review: "I'm an avid outdoorsman and don't like using too much insect repellent. I frequent tall grasses and often get ticks and chiggers, along with mosquitoes, if I go unprotected. Permethrin to the rescue. I've been using it for over two decades, applied to my clothes to keep the little varmints at bay. The Sawyer blend has very little odor once dried. They recommend applying 4.5 ounces to each whole garment, including shoes and socks, and reapplying every six weeks or six washings, whichever occurs first. Instead of applying it to the whole garment, I apply it around all the openings where ticks and chiggers (red bugs) can gain access, just to make it go further. That includes the pants waist, zipper, and cuffs, and the shirt neck, waist, and sleeves. I also apply it along the back of the shoulder to keep mosquitoes from biting. Overall, this stuff is great and I rarely get any bites from aforementioned bugs." —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in six sizes and multipacks).

7. Ranger Ready Repellents Picaridin Insect Repellent Spray, a quick-acting formula that's safe for the whole family and offers 70 full-body applications! It's unscented and ensures 12 hours of protection against ticks and mosquitoes, and 8 hours of protection against gnats, flies, chiggers, no-see-ums, and fleas.

Amazon

Promising review: "We have had the worst rainy, tropical weather, and the mosquito and bug population has exploded around here. I have been getting eaten alive by mosquitoes! This product really works to keep the bugs away. It has practically no odor and dries quickly after it is sprayed on. I have not had it stain my synthetic pants either." —S. Harper

Get it from Amazon for $12.99+ (available in five scents, five sizes, and multipacks).

8. Coleman SkinSmart DEET-Free Spray Insect Repellent — a lightweight, non-greasy, fragrance-free option that's proven effective against mosquitoes and ticks for up to eight hours. This pick is also safe for the entire family if your toddler is seemingly a walking, talking target for bloodsuckers. 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "This is the only bug spray I’ll use! It’s non-greasy, dries quickly, and doesn’t leave a sticky residue. Plus, there’s no strong odor, which is a huge bonus. Best of all, it actually works — unlike so many others I’ve tried. The fact that it’s DEET-free makes it even better. Highly recommend for anyone looking for an effective, comfortable bug repellent!" —Rackley family 4

Get it from Amazon for $4.69.

9. Off! Clean Feel Insect Repellent Clear Gel, which offers a serum-like consistency that dries quickly and won't stain clothes or leave behind any oily residue like aerosol repellents often do. Reviewers say a little goes a long way and that it's a lifesaver even in mosquito-ridden tropical locations like Belize!

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Does not have that terrible odor you normally get from bug repellent. Took this to Belize and it was perfect to keep the mosquitoes off! Doesn’t leave a sticky residue, and I did put this on my face and neck with no problems. Will definitely be buying more." —dietdr.becca

Get it from Amazon for $6.39.

10. Grand Tongo DEET-Free Insect Repellent — the choice for anyone who wants a scent that doesn't scream "I JUST DOUSED MY BODY IN BUG SPRAY." The natural DEET-alternative formula comes in pleasant fragrances like citrus and sandalwood, and green tea and mint. 

www.amazon.com

Grand Tongo is a small biz. 

Promising review: "As a native Floridian who gets devoured by insects 10+ months out of the year, (and camps frequently!) I am so grateful for Grand Tongo. Not only is it FAR more effective than I imagined a DEET-free repellent could ever be, it smells delightfully refreshing compared to sprays I’ve tried in the past. You can literally see the mosquitoes disappear upon spraying. It’s the only repellent I will use, and I’ve converted my friends and family into GT users, too. A total game changer and lifesaver. Thank you, Grand Tongo." —Jake Siewruk

Get it from Amazon for $14.99 (available in three scents).

11. Wondercide Insect Repellent, a plant-powered formula that offers head-to-toe protection against gnats, ticks, fleas, no-see-ums, spiders, and biting flies. As it has no DEET, artificial colors, or fragrances, it's also safe to use on babies. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Wondercide is a small biz that makes all sorts of pet, yard, home and kitchen, and family products. 

Promising review: "Wondercide has become a must-have in our home! It’s incredibly effective at keeping mosquitoes, ticks, and other pests away — and the best part is, it’s made with clean, natural ingredients, so I feel safe using it on myself, my kids, and even around our pets. No harsh chemicals, no overwhelming scent — just a pleasant, fresh smell that actually works. We love that it doesn’t leave a sticky residue and can be reapplied as needed without worry. It gives us peace of mind when we’re out in the yard, at the park, or camping. I’ve recommended this to so many friends already — it’s hands down the best natural insect repellent we’ve found!" —Adrien Hebert

Get a set of two from Amazon for $23.98 (available in four scents).

Read more about skin-applied repellent ingredients at the EPA (United States Environmental Protection Agency).

Reviews in this post have been edited for length and/or clarity.