Sawyer Products Premium Permethrin Insect Repellent for Clothing, Gear & Tents

This is awesome stuff if you spend any time in bug and tick country. It is so much nicer (and probably healthier) to have this on your clothing than to have to keep re-applying bug repellent to your skin. Treat the tops of socks, cuffs of pants and shirts, waist and collar for ticks. I've gone an entire week at a heavy-tick-area camp and not found a single one on my clothing or body. Treat all areas of your pants and shirts for protection from mosquitoes that might bite through them. It also works on certain gear. Treating the underside of the brim of my hat seems to help somewhat for bugs that like to fly in your eyes. I used to get mosquito bites through my hammock, but after treating it with this, they hover, but never even land on it. Follow the instructions. Treat your stuff in advance and let it dry. For clothing I wash often, it lasts through several washes (maybe around 6?). For items kept in stuff sacks when not in use, it seems to last for years. Keep it away from your food and water if course.

I just came back from a nine-day trip deep into the Peruvian jungle -- into the reserve part of Manu National Park. It was an incredible journey! Fantastic nature, and incredibly isolated and pristine (an area never disturbed, and still inhabited by non-contacted peoples). But ahead of time I was extremely nervous about mosquito bites, because twice in the last ten years or so I have been to the emergency clinic with dozens of bug bites and a very strong allergic reaction to them. I practically obsessed over what to do to prevent mosquito bites as much as possible, because I have had such a strong reaction to bug bites, and the jungle is certainly full of mosquitos and other biting insects!. I am very happy to say that everything that I did worked -- I got very few bites, and I didn't even notice them until I searched for them. Everyone else in our group got plenty of bites, and they were itching like crazy, but not me!!! Here is what I did and what I brought: 1. I have a Peruvian friend who is a doctor. He told me to take Vitamin B complex every day for a week before the trip and every day in the jungle. I used these: Nature Made Super B Complex Tablets, Value Size, 360 Count 2. I bought two bottles of this Permethrin spray and very carefully sprayed ALL of my clothing, carefully following the directions on the bottle. I sprayed all of my clothing at home in my garage, and then packed it all in these giant ziploc bags: Ziploc Big Bag Double Zipper, Large, 5-Count (by the way, those bags were great for packing everything and really helped to keep things from getting too damp in the 100% humidity jungle!). I sprayed the three pairs of hiking pants I brought, three long-sleeved shirts, all of my thick hiking socks, and my sunhat (both sides). I put extra spray at all openings - pant cuffs, shirt cuffs, and shirt button seams.While there I always tucked my pants legs into my socks. The tour company had suggested wearing a cotton t-short under long-sleeved shirts because the mosquitoes bite through clothing, but I never did that; I didn't need to as I just didn't get bites through the Permethrin-sprayed clothing. This stuff really worked, as I did not get bites through my Permethrin-treated clothing! 3. I took the antihistamine Loratidine (generic for Claritin, this one: GoodSense Allergy Relief Loratadine Tablets, 10 mg, 30 Count Bottle ) as a prophylactic every morning, to prevent my strong reaction to bites. This worked GREAT -- I did get a few bites, as I could see the tiny red dots, but I didn't feel anything at all from them! I took only enough for the days that I was in the jungle. In the two days in Cusco before returning to the US I started itching a little on a couple of bites. In hindsight I should have taken a few extra tablets to take in the next few days after the trip. (Another hint - some people get drowsy on this stuff; I tested it first at home before going on my trip. There are other OTC non-drowsy antihistamines you can try if this doesn't work, like the generic for Zyrtec.) 4. I bought DEET. In my paranoia about insect bites and my prior reaction to them, I bought several different versions of DEET -- spray, wipes, and lotion, but I used only this spray, and only three times: Repel 94101 6-Ounce Sportsmen Max Insect Repellent 40-Percent DEET Pump Spray, Case Pack of 1 . That bottle is plenty for lots of people; to minimize weight and volume in your pack you might even want to put it into a smaller travel-sized spray bottle. I sprayed the backs of my hands, and then wiped from the backs of my hands onto my neck, cheeks, and forehead. 5. I had a mosquito head net that I purchased many years ago. Amazon has others but not the one that I have, so I can't give a link. I used this only two or three times when the mosquitos were especially thick. I had sprayed this also with Permethrin before leaving home. 6. I also brought with me an over the counter anti-itch creme (hydrocortisone), and a prescription-strength anti-itch creme (Clobetisol). I never used either one!!!!! But my travelling partners sure were happy that I had it so they could use it! I also had Sting Eze ( StingEze Max2 Insect Bite Itch Relief Dauber, 0.5-Ounce ), but this too I never needed, and my travelling friends were very happy to use. I worried a LOT before the trip about getting mosquito bites and my reaction to them. Really worried. I questioned my sanity for going! But with this Permethrin spray and everything else I did to prep, I had NO problems with mosquitos and I was able to totally enjoy the trip!!!!

I honestly cannot recommend Sawyer Products Premium Permethrin Insect Repellent for Clothing enough. If you spend any serious time outdoors, especially in areas with high tick and insect populations, this is an essential part of your gear preparation. The permethrin formula is designed specifically for treating clothing, tents, and gear, offering long-lasting protection that survives multiple washings. The spray is easy to apply (just follow the directions to let it dry completely), and it adds a powerful invisible shield to your fabrics. I recently put this product to the ultimate, unplanned test. While hiking in a heavily wooded area known for ticks, I accidentally stepped directly into what I can only describe as a tick nest. I was completely horrified, expecting to find dozens crawling all over me. However, after a thorough check of my treated pants, boots, and socks when I returned, I didn't have a single tick attached to me! That level of confidence and protection is priceless. This product is a game-changer for hunters, hikers, gardeners, and anyone who wants genuine peace of mind from biting insects. It works better than anything else I have ever tried. Pros: Extremely effective, especially against ticks. Long-lasting protection on clothing (lasts through washing). Easy to apply to fabric and gear. Essential for high-risk outdoor activities.

The Sawyer Products SP657 Premium Permethrin Insect Repellent has become indispensable to my outdoor adventures. Whether I'm hiking, camping, or simply enjoying nature, this repellent has proven to be a game-changer in keeping insects at bay. In this review, I'll share my experience with the Sawyer SP657 repellent and highlight its remarkable features. Effective Insect Defense: The effectiveness of the Sawyer SP657 is unparalleled. Treating my clothing, gear, and tents with this permethrin-based repellent has significantly reduced encounters with pesky insects, including ticks, mosquitoes, and flies. It provides an extra layer of protection, allowing me to enjoy the outdoors without the constant nuisance of biting bugs. Long-Lasting Resilience: One of the standout features of the Sawyer SP657 repellent is its long-lasting resilience. After application, the permethrin bonds to the fabric, creating a protective barrier that remains effective through multiple uses, even after exposure to rain or sweat. This durability is a testament to the quality of the product and its ability to provide continuous protection on extended outdoor trips. Versatile Application: The versatility of the Sawyer SP657 repellent is impressive. It can be applied to various outdoor gear, including clothing, shoes, backpacks, and tents. This adaptability ensures that every piece of equipment becomes a shield against insects, enhancing the outdoor experience. Ease of Application: Applying the Sawyer SP657 repellent is a straightforward process. The trigger spray bottle makes it easy to coat surfaces, ensuring thorough coverage evenly. The odorless and non-staining formula dries quickly, so there's minimal downtime before wearing treated clothing or using treated gear. Minimal Environmental Impact: The Sawyer SP657 repellent is designed with the environment in mind. Once dried on the fabric, its EPA-approved formula is safe for humans and pets. Additionally, by preventing insect bites, the repellent reduces the risk of insect-borne illnesses during outdoor activities. Travel-Friendly: The compact size of the Sawyer SP657 repellent bottle makes it travel-friendly. It's a convenient addition to my outdoor gear, ensuring I'm always prepared to defend against insects wherever I go. Room for Improvement: While the Sawyer SP657 repellent excels in every aspect, having different size options for the trigger spray bottle would give users more flexibility based on the duration of their outdoor trips. Conclusion: In conclusion, the Sawyer Products SP657 Premium Permethrin Insect Repellent has proven to be an essential tool for anyone venturing into the great outdoors. Its effectiveness, long-lasting resilience, versatility, and user-friendly application make it a top-tier choice for insect protection. With its minimal environmental impact and travel-friendly design, the Sawyer SP657 repellent is a must-have companion for nature enthusiasts seeking an insect-free and enjoyable outdoor experience.

This stuff is liquid gold if you spend any time hiking, camping, or just being in the woods. I treat my clothes, socks, shoes, and backpack with this at the beginning of the season, and the difference it makes is incredible. Application is straightforward. I just hang my gear outside, spray everything down until it's damp, and let it dry completely. Once it's dry, there's no odor at all. The most important part is that it actually works. I've gone from picking multiple ticks off myself after a hike to finding none at all. It's also extremely effective against mosquitoes and other annoying bugs. The protection lasts for several weeks and even through multiple washes, which is super convenient. Using this spray has become a non negotiable part of my outdoor prep. It provides peace of mind and lets me enjoy my time outside without worrying about ticks and bug bites. I can't recommend it highly enough.

Great product. I use this at the start of every hunting season and it keeps ticks and chiggers off all season long. Easy to apply and effective

we live in the county with a healthy population of ticks and other insects. I like that this can be sprayed on clothing, boots, sox etc. instead of the body. It is effective for a long time on clothing & gear. It really works and we depend on it.

I'm an avid outdoorsman and don't like using too much insect repellent. I frequent tall grasses and often get ticks and chiggers, along with mosquitoes if I go unprotected. Permethrin to the rescue. I've been using it for over two decades applied to my clothes to keep the little varmints at bay. Sawyers blend has very little odor once dried. I've tried the agricultural variety of 10% and it also works, but it has a distinct petroleum odor that Sawyers doesn't have. Sawyers recommends applying 4.5 ounces to each whole garment, including shoes and socks, and reapplying every 6 weeks or 6 washings whichever occurs first. Instead of applying it to the whole garment, I apply it around all the openings where ticks and chiggers (red bugs) can gain access just to make it go further. That includes the pants waist, zipper and cuffs, and the shirt neck, waist, and sleeves. I also apply it along the back shoulder areas to keep mosquitoes from biting. Overall, this stuff is great and I rarely get any bites from aforementioned bugs.