Three bottles of insect repellent on a table.
Three bottles of insect repellent on a table.

The 7 Best Bug Repellents of 2025, Tested and Reviewed

Bug repellent is an easy and effective way to protect yourself from mosquitoes and other pests while you’re outdoors. To help you choose the best option, we tested twelve bug repellents with common active ingredients like DEET, picaridin, and IR3535. We tested these in real-world environments, including backyard gatherings, park outings, beach trips, and camping in the woods.

DEET is the most widely used and has proven to provide long-lasting defense against a wide variety of insects. Picaridin is another popular option, and while it’s as effective as DEET, it has a more pleasant smell and less potential for skin irritation. It is a better choice if you have sensitive skin or you’re looking for a less harsh, more comfortable insect repellent.

Continue reading to learn more about the best bug repellents, written by Sage McHugh.

दस्ते से

हमारे समुदाय के साथ कैम्प फायर वार्तालाप, स्क्वाड सदस्यों और राजदूतों से लेकर ब्रांड पार्टनर्स और सॉयर टीम तक।

मीडिया मेंशन

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

ज़ो गेट्स
Editor at Backpacker

मीडिया मेंशन

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

Richard, aka "LowRange
यात्री

मीडिया मेंशन

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.

फिलिप वर्नर
Author and Backpacker