The best mosquito repellent for hiking is a CDC-recognized active in a travel-friendly format that fits a backpack pocket. 20 percent picaridin lotion (Sawyer or Natrapel) for day hikers, 8 percent PMD spray (Superbloc) for families with kids 6 months and older, and 25 percent DEET for backcountry expeditions. Layer with permethrin-treated clothing for ticks and biting flies. Skip aerosol cans (weight, leak risk, TSA issues) and citronella products (they do not work in real trail conditions).
This guide covers what to pack for day hikes, multi-day backpacking, and family trail trips, plus what experienced hikers actually carry vs what the marketing suggests.
What hiking conditions demand from repellent
Repellent for hiking has different requirements than backyard or beach use:
• every ounce matters on long hikes
• spilled repellent in a backpack ruins gear
• you may not be able to reapply easily
• because wildlife
• must not damage backpack fabric, watches, GPS
• TSA-compliant if flying to the trailhead
• wipes generate waste you carry out
20 percent picaridin and 8 percent PMD both fit these requirements better than high-concentration DEET.
The hiker's mosquito-repellent kit
Day hike (4-8 hours)
• of 20 percent picaridin or 8 percent PMD (fits in backpack pocket)
• for face and neck reapplication
• (treat 2 days before, lasts 6 washes)
• (UPF 30 or higher)
• if biting fly conditions are expected
Total weight in backpack: about 3 oz.
Multi-day backpacking (3-7 days)
• primary repellent
• for face reapplication and the days you do not want to spray
• (full set treated)
Total weight: about 6 to 8 oz including the small first-aid additions.
Family trail hike (with kids 6 months and up)
• of 8 percent PMD (Superbloc) for shared family use
• (TSA-friendly for the drive or flight)
• (light long sleeves and pants)
• for kids in heavy-mosquito conditions
• for inevitable bites
Total weight: about 6 oz plus the kids' clothing layer.
Active ingredients for hiking compared
| Active | Best for | Hours | Backpack weight | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 percent picaridin lotion (Sawyer) | Adults, long days | 8-12 | 4 oz | The default outdoor industry recommendation |
| 8 percent PMD spray (Superbloc) | Families, kids 6 months+, sensitive skin | 4-6 | 4 oz | The plant-based option |
| 30 percent DEET pump spray | Backcountry, dengue zones, black fly season | 8-10 | 4 oz | Damages camera, watch, sunglasses |
| Permethrin-treated clothing | All hikers in tick territory | Lasts 6 washes | (clothing weight) | The tick foundation |
| Citronella wristband | Decoration only | <1 hour | 1 oz | Not worth carrying |
The layered hiking strategy
For trail use, layered protection works better than relying on a single product:
Layer 1: Permethrin on clothing
Treat your hiking pants, long-sleeve shirt, hat, and socks with Sawyer Permethrin Insect Repellent Clothing Spray 2 days before the trip. The clothing then kills ticks and mosquitoes on contact through about 6 washes.
This is especially important for tick territory. The CDC, U.S. military, and most experienced hikers use permethrin-treated clothing as the foundation of outdoor protection.
Layer 2: Topical on exposed skin
For exposed skin (face, neck, hands, forearms if rolled up):
• 20 percent picaridin lotion (default for adults)
• 8 percent PMD spray (plant-based option, family use from 6 months)
• 30 percent DEET for the highest-pressure days only
Apply 15 to 30 minutes before exposure starts, so the formula has time to dry.
Layer 3: Physical barriers
• Long sleeves and long pants (light colors)
• Hat with a wide brim or neck cover
• Bug net hat for fishing or sitting at camp
• Buff or neck gaiter for additional face coverage
Layer 4: Behavior
• Avoid peak mosquito hours (dawn and dusk for most species) when possible
• Move while applying repellent (reduces window where mosquitoes can land)
• Camp in breezier locations (ridgetops, lakeshores with wind)
• Avoid stagnant water sources for breaks
What to skip on a hiking trip
Citronella products
The Cochrane review of citronella found about 14 percent reduction in mosquito landings versus a control. On a still summer evening at camp, you will not notice the difference. Not worth the backpack weight.
Mosquito-repellent wristbands
Repellent zone of about 4 inches around the wrist. Mosquitoes simply bite your ankle, neck, or hand instead. Skip.
Ultrasonic devices
Cochrane review found no effect on mosquito biting rates. Skip.
Combined sunscreen-plus-repellent products
Sunscreen needs reapplication every 2 hours; repellent should not be over-applied. The two have different reapplication needs. Carry them separately.
Aerosol cans
Heavy, leak-prone, TSA-restricted in carry-on, hard to apply in wind, generate trash. A pump spray or wipes are better for trail use.
"Bug bracelets" with essential oils
Decoration only. No measurable repellent effect.
Regional hiking notes
Pacific Crest Trail (PCT)
Mosquitoes vary by section. Sierra Nevada sections in early summer (snowmelt, standing water in meadows) are heavy. Bring 20 percent picaridin lotion and permethrin-treated clothing. For PCT thru-hikers, the kit usually scales up in early summer Sierra sections and scales back in dry sections.
Appalachian Trail (AT)
Tick country, especially mid-Atlantic and southern sections. Permethrin-treated clothing is the foundation. Add 20 percent picaridin lotion for exposed skin.
Alaska and Canadian backcountry
Heavy mosquito and black fly pressure in summer. 30 percent DEET is the standard local recommendation. Pair with a head net hat for fishing or sitting hours.
Maine and Minnesota black fly season
Late May to early July is the worst. 30 percent DEET, head net, permethrin-treated clothing. PMD alone is not enough for these conditions.
Hiking with kids in tick territory
Permethrin-treated clothing is the most important layer for kids in tick areas. 8 percent PMD (Superbloc) on exposed skin from 6 months, or 20 percent picaridin from 2 months. Daily tick checks after every hike.
Trail reapplication strategy
Most hikers under-reapply because they do not want to stop. Practical approach:
• at home (permethrin lasts 6 washes)
• before leaving the trailhead
• (the natural pause)
• (when biting activity peaks)
• for mid-day touch-ups when stopping to spray is impractical
For 8 percent PMD, plan to reapply every 4 to 6 hours. For 20 percent picaridin, every 8 to 10 hours is usually fine.
Common questions about mosquito repellent for hiking
Is DEET safe to use on a hiking trip with kids?
The AAP allows DEET up to 30 percent on children from 2 months, applied to clothing not face. For most family hikes, 20 percent picaridin or 8 percent PMD is gentler and equally effective for typical conditions. Save DEET for heavy black fly or dengue zone trips.
Will my backpack fabric get damaged by repellent?
DEET damages many synthetic fabrics including nylon and some treated coatings. Picaridin and PMD do not. For backpack-safe application, choose picaridin or PMD, or apply DEET away from your gear and let it dry fully before contact.
Are sunscreen-plus-repellent combos worth carrying?
No. The reapplication schedules conflict (sunscreen every 2 hours, repellent every 4 to 8). You will over-apply one or under-apply the other. Carry them separately.
What about thermacells for backpacking?
Thermacells weigh about 4 oz and create a stationary 15-foot protection zone. Useful at campsite for cooking and eating. Not effective while moving (the protection bubble does not follow you).
Can I use natural repellent for a long backpacking trip?
8 percent PMD provides 4 to 6 hours of protection per application. Plan for more frequent reapplication than synthetic options. For multi-day trips in heavy mosquito country, picaridin's longer duration is more practical.
What if I get bitten despite repellent?
Cold compress, 1 percent hydrocortisone cream, calamine lotion. See your doctor for fever, severe swelling, or signs of tick-borne illness within 30 days of any tick bite.
Should I treat my tent and sleeping bag with permethrin?
Tent yes, sleeping bag no. Permethrin on the tent screen and fabric is safe and provides additional protection. Permethrin on the sleeping bag is not necessary because you are inside the bag.
How Superbloc fits
Superbloc's 8 percent PMD spray and wipes are formulated for family hiking. The PMD is CDC-recognized, the formula is alcohol-free water-based, and the products are labeled safe from 6 months. The wipes format is especially useful for trail use (no liquid restriction at airports, no leaks in the backpack, easier face reapplication for kids).
Browse:
• . The 8 percent PMD spray. 4 oz fits a backpack side pocket.
• . TSA-friendly wipes, easy reapplication on trail.
• . 2 sprays plus 2 wipes packs for a family trip.
For backcountry expeditions or heavy black fly country, layer with Sawyer Permethrin treated clothing.
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