Sawyer Products SP543 Premium Insect Repellent with 20% Picaridin, Pump Spray, 3-Ounce,Clear

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.

I’ve been very happy with this insect repellent. It keeps mosquitoes away for hours without feeling greasy or sticky on my skin. The spray is easy to apply, has only a mild scent, and dries quickly. The compact bottle is perfect for carrying in a backpack or keeping in the car. Great for hiking, fishing, gardening, or any time you’re outdoors. I would definitely buy it again and highly recommend it!

I often sleep outside and mosquitoes can be an issue, so a repellant is a must. I don't know this stuff is effective for 12 hours as Sawyer claims, but it keeps them away while I sleep for 8-9 hours. When you first apply it, it has a slight odor that smells kind of like cantaloupe, or at least that's the best comparison I can come up with. Within a few minutes, there is absolutely no smell. It isn't greasy at all, either. I'm allergic to high concentrations of DEET, so having something DEET-free that really works is great. The spray bottle isn't so great, but it's a good product despite that.

This is the best insect repellent ever!. A friend told me about it and praised it highly. She was right. Since I have been using it while gardening, I haven’t gotten any bites. This one barely has any type of odor , to me it’s odorless. After using Picaridin, I won’t ever buy those other sprays that make you smell. I totally recommend you try it, you won’t be disappointed.

I've done thousands of miles of backpacking and use either this or the Sawyer picaridin lotion every time. DEET is stinky junk and if you use a bear can you have to be careful to not get it on it. If DEET deteriorates a thick plastic bear can how is that good for your skin? Like there are plastic trash islands in the ocean that won't go away but DEET can hurt a thick plastic bear can while amplifying your outdoors-induced BO. I prefer the Sawyer picaridin lotion since I know how exactly much is applied but the spray is easier, especially for the face.

Although the odor is less overpowering and more tolerable than 'Repel', the price is way too high for the same functions as Repel. Additionally, the configuration of the spray button does not allow one to access hard to reach body parts.

Ticks can be anywhere and having an acorn last year in 2025, they are plentiful this year. I spray this on the bottom of my years and on my shoes or boots and if I’m headed into the woods I’ll wear an older shirt and spray some on there and maybe my hat. Newly hatched ticks are as small as a pinhead so they may not been seen and can crawl pretty quick. My neighbor thought she had a mole in her stomach and found it to be an embedded tick. PA leads the country in tick related diseases especially Lyme and it can be debilitating and last a lifetime if not caught and treated early. Take preventative action/ this stuff works.

All family members have used this, and not a single bite, once applied! Don’t miss a spot, or those 'no-see-ums' or skeeters will find it! No greasy feeling, we use both the spray & lotion. Works well at the beach, back yard, or in the woods. Sweating/wiping will wear it off a bit sooner, so may need to re-apply, but it easily lasted at least 6-8 hrs.

Its the best mosquito repellent I have ever used. Its more than 6 monts now, I havent been bitten once if I am wearing this.

I took this with me to Sri Lanka and there were bugs around me almost constantly, I didn’t have one single bite in 5 days of living in extreme natural conditions around tea plants. I even found a honey bee in my room that didn’t bite me because I always had the repellent sprayed on me at all times. The spray is oil based however it absorbs in the skin pretty quickly - plus for those who have dry skin. Additionally, I couldn’t smell it on me although I was wearing it at all times. 100% recommended

The best repellent i have ever used. Since the time I have discovered this, i haven't been bitten once

Me funcionó muy bien pero me duró muy poquito :(

Worked really well. No bites