Sawyer Products SP5642 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent, Lotion, 4-Ounce, Twin Pack,White

This stuff is awesome. We purchased some waterfront land on the ocean in Va. and have an off-grid camp set up while we slowly build and upgrade the property into our eventual retirement home/farm. The tick, mosquito, fly and gnat populations in this area are insane. I despise ticks especially since one tried to kill me by infecting me with tick fever when I was 5 years old and another gave my son Lymes Disease and put him in intensive care when he was also 5. Both of us were sent to John's Hopkins as 5 year olds because of ticks.I also hate bugspray. It's expensive, the cans of spray don't last long enough and if you leave them sit they'll eventually become empty on their own so stocking up doesn't help much. I started looking for another solution and in 2021 I bought 1 quart of this Picaridin cream. I'm still using the same quart in 2024. Full disclosure, I was the only one in my family that had been using it because everyone else is lazy. You can't just spray yourself real quick and be done. You need to put it on like sunscreen but it doesn't take that much. I'm 6'-2" and 240lbs. I use maybe 2 1/2 squirts of the pump to cover my feet, legs, arms, neck and head. I even rub a little through my hair. I spray my shirt with some form of DEET before I put it on. That's it. It lasts pretty much all day, except the mosquitoes will get me through my shirt later in the day because the DEET will wear off. My family will go through several cans of bugspray to my 2 squirts of Picaridin. The last trip out they finally realized that bugspray actually kinda sucks. So I'm on here buying another quart because I don't want to run out.I bought some cheap rubber gloves from Harbor Freight that I've started wearing when I put on the cream so I'm not eating it off my fingers later in the day. It doesn't wash off really easy which is a good thing, especially if you are a sweater or get in the water. Getting in the water will deminish it's effectiveness but I think it sticks on to you better than spray without a doubt. This stuff also dries quickly, the feeling of it on your skin is much more comfortable than bugspray and it doesn't smell nearly as bad.Mosquitoes absolutely hate it. I've watched them turn complete 180's as soon as they make contact with me. Gnats will land on you but they will not bite. They can still be pretty annoying if you are fishing at night because they'll swarm and tickle you but they do the same with all the other repellants. It repels chiggers and ticks great but if you are spending time in the places I do, you still need to check your underwear band and the other nooks and crannies down in that area where you didn't apply anything.The value this stuff brings is undeniable. $50 for a quart that could last you years as opposed to an $8 can of OFF that will last 1 person a couple days at best and that is assuming you use it up before it dries up on its own, unused.That's it. It is good stuff. In my opinion, and I think I would know, it is more effective, last longer, feels cleaner and is way more affordable then the other altermatives. If you get into the outdoors a lot, buy a quart. You won't regret it.

Sawyer Products Picaridin Insect Repellent – Field-Tested ReviewI used Sawyer’s Picaridin Insect Repellent during a one-week wilderness survival course, and it absolutely delivered. While everyone else in the group struggled with tick bites and swatting at mosquitoes and deer flies, I came out unscathed—no ticks, no bites, no problems.What really sets this repellent apart is the scent—or rather, the lack of one. It’s not overly strong or offensive like some other sprays, which is a huge plus when you’re spending long days (and nights) outdoors. It dries quickly, doesn’t leave a greasy residue, and feels comfortable on the skin.This stuff works. Whether you’re hiking, camping, or testing your limits in the wild, Sawyer Picaridin is the real deal—effective protection without the stink or sticky mess. Highly recommend for serious outdoor use.

I bought this highly-rated product at the end of August,but won’t be able to test it in the bug-infested woods until October.Consequently, I’ll update this review after I’ve used it in the woods.Sawyer's picaridin does NOT have an expiration date because it’s an extremely stable molecule(Sawyer's customer service agent said it’s stable for 10 years from its manufacturing date)..According to information on the Internet, Picaridin (also known as Icaridin in some countries)is widely considered one of the safest and most effective insect repellents available today.• Pros: Longest-tested; 12–14 hour protection; trusted brand• Texture: Smooth, dries quickly, non-greasy• Fragrance: Low to none• Best for All-day coverage in tropical and temperate climatesLow Toxicity to Humans• Not classified as a carcinogen, mutagen, or reproductive toxin• No evidence of neurotoxicity, even in long-term animal studies• No significant skin absorption when applied topically (remains mostly on skin surface)• Safe for use on children as young as 2 months, per CDC and WHO guidelines________________________________________Skin and Eye Safety• Non-irritating to most skin types• Less likely to cause skin reactions than DEET• Does not damage plastics, eyeglasses, synthetic fabrics, or gear, unlike DEET• Mild eye irritation can occur if accidentally rubbed into eyes — rinse with water________________________________________Pregnancy and Breastfeeding• The EPA states that no reproductive effects have been observed in animal studies• Generally considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding, but as with all topical chemicals, use the minimum amount needed________________________________________Environmental Safety• Not considered toxic to birds or mammals• Low aquatic toxicity, though should not be intentionally washed into waterways• Does not bioaccumulate in the environmentPicaridin (20%) is considered safe to apply on most exposed skin areas, including:• Face (including nose, ears, forehead, cheeks, and jawline)• Neck• Arms and hands• Legs and feetBut as with any topical repellent, how you apply it makes a difference for safety and comfort.

I really like this product. I would say that it kept the mosquitoes and nats away 90% of the time. I’ve been in the woods and I assume that it is also keeping the ticks away as well. Have not had any ticks on me after a walk. It also doesn’t have a bad smell. I like the size and it will be easy to take with me on a carry-on traveling on a plane.