Review: Sawyer Insect Repellent
Insect-repellent is an essential item during Montana's short, parasite-laden summers. And when you're under assault by a fleet of dive-bombing deer flies, any ol' spray will do. But if you have time to prepare for said assault, load up on Sawyer insect repellent, which is designed to be safer for you and less harmful to the environment than other repellents. Which is all I need to hear.
The potent Picaridin Insect Repellent sends all manner of insect scurrying, without the risk of skin irritation that comes with DEET. To cover all my bases, I tote a triumvirate of four-ounce bottles: Continuous Spray, Pump Spray, and Lotion, each of which costs around $11. The Continuous Spray is akin to a classic can of OFF, for quick coverage of large areas. The Pump Spray focuses a small blast more precisely, so is great for slathering up before the bugs begin their evening attack. The lotion lasts the longest, for all-day protection from unwanted bloodsuckers. All three options are great for fishing, as the picaridin won't damage fishing line or other gear the way DEET does.
When you're headed into serious bug country, go all the way and infuse your clothes & gear ahead of time with Sawyer's Permethrin Insect-Repellent Treatment. A 24-ounce spray bottle costs $18.50 and treats everything from clothing to tents. Like picaridin, permethrin repels skeeters, flies, and any other vicious vermin trying to ruin your time in the woods. It also kills ticks on contact, so keep this bottle close come springtime, when these evil-doing arachnids are out & about.
On top of all that, when you buy from Sawyer, you're helping improve our runaway consumer economy, by supporting businesses that think beyond the bottom line. While the outdoor industry is no stranger to this ethos, most manufacturers of household products need to get with the program. The more money we give to their smaller, more responsible competitors, the more they get the hint.
All the aforementioned picaridin and permethrin products are available at sawyer.com.
