Products SP5432 Picaridin Insect Repellent Spray, 20%, Pump, 3-Ounce, (Pack of 2) (Packaging May Vary)

TLDR: Sawyer's 20% Picaridin spray is a highly effective, non-greasy, and virtually odorless DEET alternative. It provides up to 12 hours of protection against mosquitoes and ticks, is safe for clothing and gear, and comes in a convenient, travel-friendly 3-ounce pump bottle. I purchased the Sawyer Picaridin spray for an extended backpacking trip, specifically because I wanted a highly effective repellent that would not damage my synthetic gear or have the harsh odor of DEET. The 20% Picaridin formula is the star here. It's a synthetic replica of a natural compound found in pepper plants and is widely recognized as one of the best alternatives to DEET. The performance against mosquitoes was excellent; they seemed to simply avoid landing on my skin. The protection is advertised to last up to 12 hours against mosquitoes and ticks and up to 8 hours against biting flies and gnats. While heavy sweating might necessitate a lighter reapplication after several hours, I found the initial spray held up remarkably well throughout the day's hiking. The spray is non-greasy and has a virtually unnoticeable, mild citrus scent that quickly evaporates. This makes it far more comfortable to wear than oily, strong-smelling traditional repellents. Crucially, it is safe for use on all clothing and gear, including synthetic fabrics, backpacks, and plastics, eliminating the worry of damaging expensive equipment. The 3-ounce pump bottle is TSA-friendly for travel and easy to pack. Pros Long-Lasting Protection: Effective for up to 12 hours against mosquitoes and ticks, and 8 hours against biting flies, gnats, and chiggers. Gear-Safe Formula: Will not damage plastics, synthetic fabrics, or other outdoor equipment like DEET can. Comfortable Wear: Non-greasy and has a very mild, virtually odorless scent that quickly dissipates. Highly Effective: 20% Picaridin is a top-rated, proven ingredient comparable to DEET in efficacy against a wide range of pests. Travel-Friendly Size: The 3-ounce pump bottle is ideal for carry-on luggage and is easy to store. Cons Reapplication in Heat: Heavy sweating may require reapplication sooner than the stated 12 hours. Tick Efficacy: While effective against ticks, some users prefer to pair it with Permethrin for clothing for maximum tick defense. Verdict This is a clear 5-star winner for outdoor enthusiasts. The Sawyer 20% Picaridin spray offers superior protection without the drawbacks of traditional repellents—no harsh smell, no greasy feel, and no damage to gear. It’s perfect for long days on the trail, fishing, or camping, and the twin pack of 3-ounce bottles makes it excellent for travel and ensuring you always have a backup. It is the definitive modern choice for insect defense.

Unscented means unscented. It works, and it smells better than Deet spray because it has no scent. Two weeks ago I went down to the local fishing pond to take photos of the sunset. I was eaten alive by the cursed mosquitos because I forgot the spray. Tonight I went to the same location to take photos of the sunset, however this time I remembered the Picaridin spray. No bites.

I bought this product because it is supposed to be safer to use around synthetic surfaces (eyeglasses, sunglasses, watch crystals, etc.). The instructions are quite confusing however, with statements like "avoid contact with clothing" and "do not use under clothing." I contacted the manufacturer for clarification about these statements and was assured that the statements were required by government agencies and that the product was quite safe. It was apparently formulated to use directly on the skin and must be able to be smelled by insects in order to be effective--hence the directive not to apply it beneath clothing. I have used the product on polyester/cotton blend clothing (I don't like to put anything at all on my skin) with no apparent damage to the clothing. It also seemed effective. After applying it I did not receive any chigger bites or tick bites when mowing my lawn, and I did not have to hide my eyeglasses, hold my breath or take off my watch when applying it, as I do with DEET-based products. The one problem I have with the product is the spray bottle itself. You are supposed to shake the product before applying it, and if you don't take the sprayer mechanism out and replace the cap, or at least put the clear plastic cap over the spray mechanism, it leaks all over your hands and droplets of the liquid fly everywhere. And I'm not talking about just a tiny amount either--the leakage is quite pronounced. That makes the product far less convenient than it could be. I have other pump-spray bottles of other repellant products, such as Ben's 100% DEET that do not have this problem and cannot understand why this manufacturer can't do better. I hope they can come up with a better applicator in the future. The four ounce bottle also is too large to take backpacking and I did not see an option to buy a smaller size bottle. All in all the formula itself seems quite good however and I can recommend it with this one reservation.

this product work so good it protects me from mosquitos, but the most important thing is it protect me from chiggers.

So far so good. Time will tell how well it works as the bugs get worse during the summer.

Smells better than other bug spray and seems to keep bugs away. I wish it was in a normal bug spray type container though. Every time I use this my hands and the bottle end up completely soaked in bug spray

Austin seems to be a 5 star feeding ground, with alot of people trying to fight fleas as well as mosquitoes. Rain is their time to lay and hatch both. I bought other repellents but I have COPD and their sets off coughing spells and is either sticky or greasy, this product is neither and actually works. I would this spray to anyone

Smells nice, not sticky, effective

The best out there! Used it in Mauritius and no bites. I’ve used other natural ones in the past (Incognito) and this is way better and doesn’t have a weird smell

Really works, and doesn’t leave that sticky feeling. Although has a slight smell. The lotion version is even better

I went for a trek in the Malaysian jungle and I used the product both on my skin and on clothes: very effective and no mosquitos or other insects punctures, nor any oily or sticky sensation during the trek.

Este articulo nunca me llego. Espere por meses y despues recibi un correo que no lo podian mandar. Gran decepcion

Awesome