7 Best Insect Repellents

We tested the best insect repellents on the market for 2023 and this is how they performed.

We tested the best insect repellents on the market today according to price, weight, packability, and effectiveness. Read on to see how they performed, which is best for you, and receive some valuable buying advice.

Best Insect Repellents

The best insect repellents are:

  • Best Overall Insect Repellent: SAWYER 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent
  • Best Lightweight and Packable Insect Repellent: BEN'S 100 Max Pump Spray
  • Best Natural Insect Repellent: REPEL Lemon Eucalyptus Natural Mosquito Repellent
  • Best Insect Repellent for Clothing & Gear Treatment: SAWYER Permethrin Fabric Treatment

Learn more about each of these repellent options, written by Justin Sprecher here.

LAST UPDATED

February 10, 2025

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Greenbelly

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Ready-to-eat backpacking meals that provide about 1/3 of your daily nutrition. All natural ingredients. Darn tasty.

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The Sawyer Mini can filter up to 100,000 gallons—yep, you read that right—and fits in the palm of your hand.

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A favorite of ultralight hikers, backpackers, bikers, and travelers, the Sawyer Squeeze filter is the gold standard in water filters for anyone concerned about weight and universal compatibility.

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This popular repellent from Sawyer has 20% Picaridin, which protects against a wide range of insects, including mosquitoes, ticks, biting flies, gnats, chiggers and sand flies.

Amylia Ryan
Associate Editor