Sawyer Products SP5762 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent, Continuous Spray, 6 Fl Oz (Pack of 2)

Okay, I have what is known it the deep South as sweet blood. Bugs just cannot resist taking a chunk out of me. I have used every brand and type of OTC bug spray found in drug stores across the country. Most either had minimal or no impact, or lasted a very short time. I had pretty much resigned myself to a life of itching and scratching, not to mention passing up many outdoor activities. While looking for flea/tick medicine for my dogs, I decided to take a quick look on Amazon for something new. I came across this product and read the reviews. I decided to give it a shot, resigned to the likely fact that I was once again wasting my time and money. But, this stuff is amazing! After spending many hours at the local dog park fending off insect assaults, I sprayed this stuff on my exposed arms, my jeans and my baseball cap. First thing I noticed is that it didn't stink. It has a light, sort of lemon smell. Next thing I noticed is that it appeared wetter, but more evenly distributed, than I expected. But, it didn't feel greasy or uncomfortable. Nor did it seem to bother my dogs, although I did make a point of keeping them out of spraying range. Into the dog park we went. We spent about an hour there. No swatting away bugs and no bites. This stuff is great. And, this stuff lasts a long time. The next day, my wife and I had breakfast outdoors at a cafe. Again, no bug attack and my wife, who is very chemical-averse, said she did not notice any chemical smell. Depending on your use or preference, this could be good or bad. For me, it is great. After short order, it transformed from being wet to becoming a slightly sticky (but not annoyingly so) thin coating. And it stayed there until I washed it off. The jeans also had a slightly sticky coating, which remained until the next day. Although it was slightly sticky to the touch, it's not like things stuck to it and there was no residue on my leather car seat. I could se how this slight stickiness and extreme lasting power could present a problem in certain circumstances, hence the 4 (as opposed to 5) stars. If you have sweet blood and find other bug strays ineffective, I definitely recommend giving this stuff a try. If, however, you are not singled out by bugs, this may be more than you need. Update: We have been experiencing a number of unusually hot humid days, the kind that causes flying insects to come out full force. This is amplified at the dog park, where, apparently the well-protected dogs are shunned in favor of more tasty humans. The tiny black flying fangs were literally swarming. Yet, while others were fiercely swatting at the air, I sat calmly, watching the insects. Only one persistent troublemaker came near me and, while making an annoyance out of himself, did not land on or bite me. This stuff is fantastic. Although I didn't feel it while at the park, once I returned to my relatively cool home, I felt like I was coated in a thin layer of plastic. But, it easily washed off. A small price to pay not to spend the night itching and scratching. Given how well this product works, I have changed the 4 stars to 5.

Like the title says, it actually works! I’m a person who is a big magnet during the spring, summer and fall. I literally avoid the outdoors unless I’m at the pool with my kids. Unfortunately I have a ton of outdoor maintenance that I can’t push off any longer but I can’t deal with the bugs. I went searching on the internet and learned about Picaridin and why it’s better than DEET. I went to Amazon next to search and came across this. I figured why not? What’s the worst that can happen? So I hit “Buy Now” Well, today was test day. I went to the garage, sprayed my arms, legs, sprayed the air and did a little walkthrough/twirl, then said a little prayer. Let me tell you, I have never been so unbothered by bugs in my entire life! I could see a swarm of gnats and it’s like they could smell the spray on me and swarmed away! Nothing came within 10 feet of me! My skin wasn’t greasy feeling, clothes were not stained and the product is completely unscented. I also have sensitive skin and this did NOT irritate it. I plan on using this until the day I die.

Excellent. I will buy again. Why? It works for me and I get no complaints from my parents husband about a lingering powerful odor!!!

sawyer makes a good product, and I would recommend their bug spray. I prefer using it instead of deet so I don't need to worry about my synthetics and gear such as rain coats etc, and ruining the liner and stuff. plus I do worry about the repercussions of having deet on my skin for prolonged time. that said, I also don't enjoy ticks in my skin or mosquitos sucking my blood. So having to use some spray repellent is a necessity in the spring and summer. I took off 1 star from this because I can't understand why the can is so GIGANTIC. This is not a bug spray that you will want to throw in your backpack for a day hike or weekend backpacking. I understand that aerosol cans will be a little bit bigger than a pump bottle, because it has to be pressurized and such. but this can really is gigantic. Pictured here is the 6oz sawyer can, and the 6oz Off Deep Woods, both of them are 6 oz and aerosol cans (the Off is not missing the cover...it didn't come with one. thse are both pictured as they arrived). The other one is a 3 oz pump bottle of the Sawyer bottle, for size reference. I mean, I probably wouldn't want to hike with either of those aerosol cans in my backpack. They are both pretty large, and I would likely choose the 3oz pump to carry. But golly!! That Sawyer can is gigantic! nearly twice the size of the Off. That said, I do like the simplicity and ease of applying an aerosol to the skin over a pump that you have to rub in more and is a bit more messy. So the gigantic can will find it's way into my rotation, but will likely stay in the car or backyard and not travel with me on hikes as much.

This works just as well as 40% DEET. I have O+ blood and the minute I go out a broadcast announces to all bloodsuckers that I'm available. It's a bit sticky but it's better than scratching myself raw. No See Ums attack my legs while mosquitoes go for the rump. I HATE it. My friend is an entomologist and has verified 20% Picaridin is essential