Video screenshot of man spraying face with bug repellent
Video screenshot of man spraying face with bug repellent

These Are the Only Proven Mosquito Repellents

Amid a cloud of misinformation and useless products, Wes Siler explains four mosquito repellents that actually work.

When it comes to mosquito repellents, an endless number of products make bold claims but offer very little protection in the real world. According to science, only four substances can offer reliable protection against mosquitoes: DEET, picaridin, allethrin, and permethrin. Wes Siler is here to detail how they work.

Wes recommends:

  • Off Deep Woods Insect Repellent
  • Ben’s Eco Spray
  • Sawyer permethrin wadudu wa kufukuza
  • Thermacell Mosquito Repellent Device

You can watch the complete video on mosquito repellents here.

Majina ya Vyombo vya Habari

Why use a plastic bag when you can simply screw on this end cap, specifically designed for Sawyer water filters?

Mlango wa Zoe
Editor at Backpacker

Majina ya Vyombo vya Habari

In future, I’ll use gravity when I can, and squeeze when I have to.

Richard, aka "LowRange
Hiker

Majina ya Vyombo vya Habari

For longer hikes, it’s convenient to carry a small backcountry water filter, such as a Sawyer Mini or Micro, which allows you to replenish your water from natural sources like streams or ponds.

Philip Werner
Author and Backpacker