You reach the campsite with the scenic natural beauty, set-up your tent, inflate your air mattress, and start a fire. Just when you closed your eyes and let the calm seep in, you felt a prick on your face. Ouch! A mosquito bite. One of the most dreadful side effects of camping in a lush green forest in summers is the army of mosquitoes waiting to attack you in full force.
In a Hurry? Here are Our Top Choices
Most mosquito bites might not be too painful, but they certainly are super annoying and super dangerous considering the full range of diseases that are spread through them. Mosquitoes, as notorious disease carriers, deserve some thought when packing for a camping trip. After all, you don’t want malaria to ruin your camping experience. Hence, you must invest in the best mosquito repellent for camping.
So, what makes the best mosquito repellent for camping? Firstly, it should be long-lasting, as you don’t want the trouble of reapplying it every now and then. Secondly, you should be able to use it on your skin as well as your belongings. Also, if you’re one of those who dislike the empowering scent of the overly-fragrant mosquito repellents, you should choose an odorless, fragrant-free mosquito repellent. Additionally, the bottle or container should be small and easy to pack and use. The presence of organic oils will be another plus.
The 3 Best Mosquito Repellents for Camping
With all these features in mind, we tried a range of products to choose the best mosquito repellent for camping. Have a look and save yourself the trouble of going through all the products available in the market.
1. Sawyer Premium Insect Repellent with 20% Picaridin
Premium Insect Repellent with 20% Picaridin, a product from the house of Sawyer products, is the most effective bug repellent spray and lotion and is equally potent for the nasty mosquitoes. Whether you’re camping solo, or with friends, this mosquito repellent is an ideal option. It is efficient and multi-purpose. It acts against all kinds of outdoor insects such as mosquitoes, chiggers, flies, and ticks. Hence, this insect repellant protects against diseases like malaria and yellow fever that are spread by pests like mosquitoes.
According to Consumer Reports List Of Safe and Efficient Insect Repellents, this premium insect repellent was reviewed as Sawyer’s “Fisherman’s Formula.” It is a well-suited product for all members of a family, including kids and the elderly. You can wear it for hours without worrying about mosquito bites. Available as an unscented lotion and spray, you can use it on your skin as well as apply it to your clothing and camping gear. It is a non-greasy formula with a slight odor. You can use it on clothing bags, watches, and other stuff as it quickly gets evaporated upon getting dry and won’t affect plastics or synthetic coverings. The spray saves you from mosquito bites for up to 12 hours, whereas the lotion provides 14 hours of absolute protection.
Sawyer Picaridin topical lotion is available in 2-ounce and 4-ounce lotion bottles, and the spray can be purchased in 0.5-ounce and 3-ounce travel-friendly pump spray bottles, which can be carried in a pocket, purse, or backpack.
Pros
- Small in size and easy to carry
- Sufficient for a single person
- Available with institutional-sized lotion pump dispensers.
- Long-lasting
Cons
- Low coverage
2. REPEL Plant-Based Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent
REPEL Plant-Based Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent Pump Spray is the finest DEET-free insect repellent, which provides you and your family protection from mosquitoes, whether you’re in your backyard or at a camping site. The primary ingredient of this repellent is the oil of lemon eucalyptus, an ingredient recommended by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. It is a sweet-smelling oil, which is extracted from the leaves of the Eucalyptus Citriodora tree. The oil acts as a barrier and creates a protective layer over your skin, which can’t be penetrated by the monstrous mosquitoes. It fully protects you for up to six hours so you won’t be interrupted while toasting your marshmallows or enjoying a bonfire. This repellent contains a cool and refreshing scent. One feature which we loved the most is the fact that this insect repellant is non-greasy, making it easy to wear even during warmer seasons. Keep in mind that this product can only be used on children three years and older.
What makes it the best mosquito repellent for camping is the dependable coverage. Whenever you are enjoying prolonged activities in the wild outdoors, easily apply it all over your skin and camping gear. It is available in four different forms: a spray bottle for easy application, an aerosol with various concentrations to meet your expectations, easy-to-use mosquito repellent wipes, and a portable bottle with the lotion. Choose one or more options to carry with you.
Pros
- Made with Lemon Eucalyptus Oil
- Non-greasy
- DEET-free
- Suitable for all ages
- Available in multiple options
Cons
- Strong citrus smell may bother initially
3. Avon Skin-so-Soft Bug GuardPLUS IR3535 Insect Repellent
As the name suggests, Avon Skin-so-Soft is a product that focuses on keeping your skin moisturized while protecting it from mosquitoes at the same time. It is supplied in a 4-ounce plastic bottle with smooth flowing, thick lotion. It is easy to carry and pack in your camping luggage. It has a gentle breeze scent that gives you a soothing feel. The formula also contains SPF 30, making it a great sunscreen lotion as well. There could be nothing better than being protected from dryness, the scorching rays of the sun, and blood-thirsty mosquitoes, all at the same time. It is free from DEET and PABA. The lotion contains aloe and vitamin E- two ingredients that make it a must-have skincare product while camping. There is no age restriction on the use of this product, so all the members can easily share it during a family camping trip. It is a quick-absorbing, nice-smelling lotion that won’t clog your pores or give your skin an oily sheen. It is also water-proof for up to 80 minutes.
Pros
- Great Insect Repellent
- Keeps the skin well-moisturized and soft
- Contains SP-30
- Great value for money
- Contains Aloe and Vitamin-E
Cons
- Slightly greasy
Our Final Thoughts
If it’s the best mosquito repellent for camping that you’re looking for, now you should have a much better idea of what products actually work. These are the three best mosquito repellents and will work for you. Choose the one that fits your needs the most.
