Individuals camping on a lakeshore
Individuals camping on a lakeshore

Best Mosquito Repellents to Keep Bugs at Bay

These bug-banishing products will help make the most of your spring and summer exploits—sans scratching.

Nature is awesome. Until it starts biting. We're talking about mosquitos—those pesky, almost invisible creatures that may serve some equally unseen role in our ecosystem, but from our backyards, they simply exist to ruin the great outdoors.

I live in the Southern Appalachians, famous for its moonshine and vibrant mosquito population. I can tell you from vast experience that nothing ruins a camping trip, backyard cookout, or stroll in the woods like an onslaught of mosquito bites. And it might get worse.

Some research suggests that as temperatures continue to warm as a result of climate change, mosquito season will start earlier in spring and last later in fall.  

The solution? Be vigilant about mosquito repellent. You could stay inside all summer long and just watch Discovery documentaries to get your virtual nature fix, or you could arm yourself out there with the best products designed to repel the peskiest creature on the planet. We'll opt for the latter.

Continue reading about the best mosquito repellents to keep the bugs at bay here.

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Streams, waterfalls, and rivers can quench your thirst in the wild, but they may carry dirt and impurities.

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Sawyer Squeeze is the longer lasting and more reliable filter, which should affect the choices of thru-hikers.

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