If you want to avoid aerosol sprays, Proven makes a great picaridin-based pump spray insect repellent. Picaridin a synthetic compound derived from piperine, a chemical compound found in the family of plants that produce black pepper. It doesn’t smell like DEET, and according to some research, picaridin does is just as effective at repelling bugs as DEET.

The Proven picaridin pump spray is the only one I’ve found to be truly odorless in my testing. I might look crazy to the onlookers when they see me smelling my skin and clothes to breathe in these things.

For a pump spray, it doesn’t have a bad texture – plus, it goes on very lightly and I only need to rub it in a little. It is easily absorbed. Of all the bug sprays I’ve used in my life, this is my first time trying Proven, and I’ll probably buy it in the future.

For those who want to avoid chemicals altogether, lemon eucalyptus insect repellent is a gentle way to prevent bugs and their bites. I tried a few different lemon eucalyptus bug sprays, and Natrapel came out on top.

Neither of the two chemicals has been proven to repel insects, so it’s only natural to think that this bug spray isn’t as effective as its DEET- or picaridin-containing counterparts. the CDC and EPA identification of lemon eucalyptus oil as an effective insect repellent. Natrapel’s bottle says it offers up to six hours of protection compared to the average eight to 12 for DEET and picaridin products.

However, if you don’t want to apply frequently, Natrapel’s aerosol or pump spray is a good option. Despite the fact that the active ingredient is an oil, this bug spray is not as oily as you might expect. It’s a little harder to rub in compared to DEET and picaridin sprays, but it’s not bad overall. Both types of bottles are easy to spray. Plus, it smells great (if you like lemon eucalyptus).

I love these permethrin insect repellents from Sawyer. I sprayed all my patio furniture with fabric and the tarp that covers my gym equipment at home. Permethrin is an insect repellent designed for clothing and equipment — it should not be used on skin or on clothing while you are wearing it. Seriously, follow the safety guidelines.

Aerosol permethrin creates a nice broad, even, rapid spray. I covered my outdoor furniture with it easily in seconds. The pump spray is less convenient but still works.

While the bottles say the product is fragrance free, I did notice a slight scent while using the sprays. It smells like spray paint but not as strong. These bottles aren’t something I like to travel with — they’re quite bulky — so I recommend spraying your gear before you head out for a camping trip or other outdoor adventure.

Sawyer’s permethrin spray lasts up to six weeks or up to six washes.

Not a fan of sprays? Try Proven’s picaridin lotion. Like the Proven pump spray, the unscented lotion is truly unscented. The “soft scent” lotion smells so good that I would use it as regular lotion if I didn’t know it was an insect repellent!

This lotion uses the same 20% picaridin formula as the Proven pump spray. Conveniently sized, these bottles are easy to travel with, and the small bottle is even suitable for air travel.

I personally think lotion is better for hiking and backpacking trips because it absorbs into the skin. I feel like I sweat less on hot, active days.

For a highly effective insect repellent, try rubbing. I love Ben’s 30% DEET wipes because I know they are effective and easy to take anywhere. You can easily carry insect repellent wipes on planes, throw some in your day bag for unexpected bugginess and equip yourself with lightweight repellent for multiday outdoor excursions. On Amazon, you can get four packs of 12 wipes.

The wipes are also great if you don’t feel like spraying or applying lotion to your skin — instead of rubbing dirt off your skin while spraying, these wipes actually clean your skin while adding bug protection. Wipes also make it easier to protect your skin while avoiding damage to your clothing. (At higher concentrations, DEET can leave marks on some fabrics.)

Natrapel strikes again with picaridin insect-repellent wipes. The formula contains 20% picaridin and is almost odorless with protection for up to 12 hours. These wipes are a little softer than Ben’s wipes above, but still effectively wipe away dirt.

Like Ben’s wipes, they are extremely portable and can fit into any type of package you plan to carry. It’s a win-win all around.