Insect repellent?

[Cattrapper]

I'm just wondering what some of you use for insect repellent? I've never had much luck with DEET. I haven't tried REI's jungle juice, but from what I read in the customer reviews, I don't think I want to. There's just something about putting a product on bare skin that will eat plastic that doesn't appeal to me.

I've also tried a picaridin repellent made by Off, I think. It worked well for about 15 min after application, but seemed to wear off after that.

So, what works for the rest of you? Anyone have any luck with natural repellents?

[Delfiin]

I have had really good luck with Repel eucalyptus lemon repellent. It seems to last for a long time and doesn't contain anything too scary. I bought it at REI originally (link here). The kind I am familiar with was a cream, but it seems like they have switched to a spray now.

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[Waffle Stomper]

I've used REI's repellant and it worked okay for me. I have also used Burt's Bees repellant stick. It works but you have to reapply it frequently. I just read that lavender oil also works. I'm going to try that this summer. I'm a skeeter magnet and get bit when others don't so we'll see.

[Paul]

Sticky, smelly Deet (Jungle Juice) is the only one that really works for any length of time. Backpacker had a good test in an issue a year or two ago.

[Martell]

Deet definitely works. I feel like it's gotta be doing something bad to me, so I try to go without as long as I can tolerate though. Keeping moving and only stopping in windy spots seems to help a lot. If you are backpacking you can have dinner a little later than usual- it always seems like there is a time of night they go into hiding.

[Billc]

My first line of defense is long sleeves and long pants. I use deet on my hat but not on me if I can help it. I wear the kind that Giligan wore and I soak the brim all around. Your best defense is to find a hiking partner that they like more than they like you.
Bill

[chameleon]

The best insect protection seems to be achieved by using permanone on your clothes. It actually binds to the fabric and can withstand washings and last for 2 weeks. In addition, I like to take a lot of vitamin B and even Garlique tablets before and during a trip. Even then, I still often comb my hair with insect repellent (as that seems to be where ticks like to hide). But luckily I haven't had an imbedded tick yet this year! And I do a lot of bush-whacking so that says something - seems to be working!
-Zach

[Cattrapper]

I have had really good luck with Repel eucalyptus lemon repellent. It seems to last for a long time and doesn't contain anything too scary.

Delfin,
I've been thinking about trying this one. The customer reviews pretty much all complained that it has a very strong smell. Has the smell bothered you at all?

The best insect protection seems to be achieved by using permanone on your clothes. It actually binds to the fabric and can withstand washings and last for 2 weeks. In addition, I like to take a lot of vitamin B and even Garlique tablets before and during a trip.

I don't think I've ever heard of permanone before. Does anyone else here use it with success?

Thanks for all the replies so far, and please keep them coming.

Darin

[Paul]

I don't think I've ever heard of permanone before. Does anyone else here use it with success?

Thanks for all the replies so far, and please keep them coming.

Darin

PermaOne is a brand of repellent that uses permethrin. I've never used it, the clothes that have it built-in are expensive (Bug-Off).

[retired jerry]

Some tick authorities recommend permethrin (permanone). Like the military. You're supposed to apply it to clothes. It's an ingredient in some pet tick treatments. Humans aren't supposed to get it on there skin.

I got some from REI and applied it to my boots and gaitors. It smelled some initially but I can't smell anything now.

I hiked a bit around The Dalles and didn't get any ticks, but I likely wouldn't have had any ticks regardless.