Bug spray is a must-have for any traveler, whether you’re exploring bustling cities or serene natural landscapes. Forgetting it can quickly turn a dream trip into an itchy nightmare. My own experience with malaria after neglecting bug spray while traveling in Indonesia and the Pacific region taught me a harsh lesson: protection against bug bites is non-negotiable, regardless of whether you’re taking preventative medication. Now, I never leave home without it. Whether you’re heading to a malaria zone or simply want to avoid pesky mosquitoes and ticks on a weekend hike, having effective bug spray is crucial. To help you choose the best options for your travels, I’ve tested various bug repellents – sprays, gels, and wipes – focusing on those that are conveniently sized for travel. After weeks of testing across diverse environments, from Wyoming wilderness to Maine’s coast, I’ve compiled a list of the top travel-size bug sprays I wouldn’t travel without.
Our Top Travel Size Bug Spray Picks
Best Overall Travel Size Bug Spray:
Sawyer Products 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent, 3 oz Spray at Amazon $11
Best Travel Size Bug Spray for Backpacking:
Ranger Ready Picaridin 20% Tick & Insect Repellent, 3.4 oz Spray at Amazon $21
Best Travel Size Bug Spray Gel:
Off! Clean Feel Insect Repellent Gel, 3 oz at Amazon $9
Best Travel Size Bug Spray Wipes:
Murphy’s Naturals Mosquito Repellent Wipes, 15 count at Amazon $19
Best Travel Size Bug Spray with DEET:
Ben’s 100% DEET Tick & Insect Repellent, 1.25 oz Spray at Amazon $22
Best Travel Size Bug Spray for Families:
Natrapel 20% Picaridin Tick & Insect Repellent, 3 oz Spray at Amazon $26 (3 pack)
Best Travel Size Bug Spray for Groups (Device):
Thermocell E55 Rechargeable Mosquito Repeller, Travel-Friendly Size at Amazon $40
Best Natural Travel Size Bug Spray Spray:
Wondercide Cedarwood Natural Insect Repellent, 4 oz Spray at Amazon $24
Travel Size Bug Spray Reviews: Top Picks in Detail
Best Overall Travel Size Bug Spray
Sawyer Products 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent
PHOTO: Amazon
$11 at Amazon $9 at REI View on Sawyer.com
Why It’s Great for Travel: The 3-ounce size is TSA-compliant for carry-on luggage, and the double-cap design prevents leaks during transit, making it ideal for travel.
Things to Consider: The spray could have a wider coverage area; you might need to rub it in for even distribution.
Bug sprays with 20 percent picaridin strike an excellent balance between effectiveness and a pleasant feel, and the Sawyer Picaridin Insect Repellent is my top pick for both outdoor adventures and backyard relaxation. Its performance during trips to Wyoming, Maine, and my family home near Chicago was outstanding. While others suffered bug bites around campfires, I remained bite-free. A friend using the same spray even watched a mosquito land and quickly fly away, testament to its repellent power.
The pump bottle is simple and user-friendly. While the spray is somewhat localized, rubbing it in ensures complete coverage. Crucially for travelers, the double-cap system – an inner cap over the pump and an outer cap securing the entire top – is incredibly effective at preventing spills. Having flown with this spray at least four times in both checked and carry-on bags, I experienced zero leaks. Additionally, it lacks the harsh chemical odor common in many repellents, instead offering a subtle floral scent that isn’t bothersome.
Travel-Friendly Details: 3-ounce TSA-compliant size | 20 percent picaridin | 12-hour protection
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Taylor Fox
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Taylor Fox
Best Travel Size Bug Spray for Backpacking
Ranger Ready 20% Picaridin Tick & Insect Repellent
PHOTO: Amazon
$21 at Amazon View on Vitacost
Why It’s Great for Travel: The 3.4-ounce bottle is carry-on compliant, and the scent-free formula is ideal for sensitive travelers and backcountry use where strong scents can be disruptive.
Things to Consider: The spray dispenses a generous amount, so apply carefully to prevent drips and conserve product.
The Ranger Ready Tick & Insect Repellent stands out with its unique squeeze-style nozzle, allowing for easy, one-finger application with precise pressure control. This design is particularly useful for travelers on the go. The bottle’s ability to spray upside down without clogging is a significant advantage for reaching tricky spots like the back of your legs – essential for backpackers and hikers. Even when tossed around in a backpack, the nozzle remains leak-proof. Formulated to combat both mosquitoes and ticks using gentle picaridin instead of DEET, Ranger Ready is a reliable companion for backcountry adventures and travel in tick-prone areas.
Travel-Friendly Details: 3.4-ounce TSA-friendly size | 20 percent picaridin | 12-hour protection | Scent-free formula
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Taylor Fox
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Taylor Fox
Best Travel Size Bug Spray Gel
Off! Clean Feel Gel
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PHOTO: Amazon
$9 at Amazon $11 at Target $9 at Walmart
Why It’s Great for Travel: Gels offer spill-proof packing, and the 3-ounce tube is TSA-compliant. The controlled application is perfect for avoiding overspray in shared spaces like planes or buses.
Things to Consider: Gel application can be slightly sticky, requiring hand washing after use.
Off! is a trusted name in bug repellents, offering a wide array of formats from gels to fragrance-free sprays, backcountry formulas, and kid-friendly options. Among the five Off! sprays I tested, the Clean Feel Gel stood out for its unique application and travel convenience. For travelers who prefer to avoid sprays, this gel provides the same robust protection in a spreadable format, similar to sunscreen lotion. This ensures thorough coverage, giving you confidence that every exposed skin area is shielded from bugs.
Travel-Friendly Details: 3-ounce TSA-compliant tube | 20 percent picaridin | 8-hour protection | Controlled gel application
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Taylor Fox
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Taylor Fox
Best Travel Size Bug Spray Wipes
Murphy’s Naturals Mosquito Repellent Wipes
PHOTO: Anthropologie
$19 at Amazon View on Murphysnaturals.com $8 at Anthropologie
Why It’s Great for Travel: Individually packaged wipes are incredibly portable and TSA-friendly. They eliminate spills and are perfect for quick application on planes, hikes, or around food.
Things to Consider: Wipes generate single-use packaging waste, which may not be ideal for environmentally conscious travelers.
During my two-month testing period, I became a devoted fan of Murphy’s Naturals Mosquito Repellent Wipes. While I also appreciate their spray, the wipes proved exceptionally convenient and effective in various travel scenarios. These wipes became a constant in my purse throughout the summer, and I even shared them with guests at an outdoor wedding in Wisconsin, where they were a perfect, mess-free solution, avoiding any spray near food or other guests.
Formulated with a blend of lemongrass, rosemary, cedarwood, peppermint, and citronella oils, these wipes offer a light yet effective natural repellent. The wipe format ensures thorough application without missing spots. For everyday use, special events, and families with children, Murphy’s Naturals Mosquito Repellent Wipes are now my preferred travel bug protection.
Travel-Friendly Details: Individually wrapped wipes | Natural essential oil formula | Portable and mess-free application
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Taylor Fox
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Taylor Fox
Best Travel Size Bug Spray with DEET
Ben’s 100% DEET Tick & Insect Repellent
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PHOTO: Amazon
$22 at Amazon $8 at REI $8 at Backcountry
Why It’s Great for Travel: The incredibly compact 1.25-ounce size is perfect for minimalist packing and easily fits in pockets or small travel bags. High DEET concentration provides maximum protection in bug-heavy areas.
Things to Consider: DEET can damage certain fabrics and gear. Application requires caution to avoid eye contact and inhalation.
DEET is an EPA-approved ingredient considered essential by many for robust bug protection, particularly in areas with high insect-borne disease risk. Ben’s Tick and Insect Repellent was the trusted choice provided to Peace Corps volunteers in Indonesia for two years, highlighting its reliability in challenging environments. While DEET’s effectiveness is undeniable, it can stain fabrics, and careful application is necessary – spraying onto hands first and then rubbing onto the face, avoiding direct inhalation or eye contact.
For camping and travel, the small bottle design of Ben’s Tick and Insect Repellent is a major advantage. It fits easily into hip belt pockets of backpacks and even hiking pants pockets for immediate access. Its high concentration means less frequent reapplication, conserving the spray during longer trips.
Travel-Friendly Details: Ultra-compact 1.25-ounce size | 98.11 percent DEET | Maximum strength protection | Long-lasting formula reduces need for frequent reapplication
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Taylor Fox
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Taylor Fox
Best Travel Size Bug Spray for Families
Natrapel 20% Picaridin Tick & Insect Repellent
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PHOTO: Amazon
$26 for 3-pack at Amazon $5 at Backcountry
Why It’s Great for Travel: Available in a convenient 3-pack of 3-ounce bottles, perfect for family travel. The push spray bottle is TSA carry-on compliant.
Things to Consider: The push spray bottle cannot be used upside down, making it slightly harder to reach certain body areas.
Natrapel Tick & Insect Repellent is a great option for family trips, offering a light, non-drip spray with ample coverage for everyone, even pets. It comes in both aerosol and push spray bottles. The push spray version, while unable to spray upside down, is compact and TSA-compliant, fitting easily into carry-on bags. Its 20 percent picaridin formula effectively defends against ticks, mosquitoes, and other insects, with a pleasant, subtle scent. The availability in a 3-pack makes it ideal for sharing among family members, ensuring everyone is protected throughout your travels.
Travel-Friendly Details: TSA-compliant 3-ounce size | 20 percent picaridin | Available in family-friendly multi-packs
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Taylor Fox
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Taylor Fox
Best Travel Size Bug Spray for Groups (Device)
Thermacell E55 Rechargeable Mosquito Repeller
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PHOTO: Thermacell
$40 at Amazon $40 at REI View on Thermacell.com
Why It’s Great for Travel: Compact and rechargeable, eliminates the need for spray application on individuals, and provides protection for a group within a 20-foot radius. Great for travel picnics or hotel patios.
Things to Consider: Requires recharging after 5.5 hours of use and refills for extended trips.
The Thermacell E55 Rechargeable Mosquito Repeller is a fantastic travel-friendly device, loved by my family for its convenience. Its small footprint makes it ideal for picnic tables or hotel patios, offering protection without spraying repellents directly onto skin or food. Using metofluthrin refills, a non-toxic insecticide, each refill lasts up to 12 hours, while the device needs recharging after 5.5 hours.
This device is perfect for travelers in groups, providing a 20-foot protection zone, ideal for evenings outdoors, whether camping with friends or enjoying a resort patio. Its lightweight design makes it easy to pack in a backpack or tote bag. For group travel, especially where sprays are less desirable, the Thermacell E55 is an excellent solution.
Travel-Friendly Details: Rechargeable and portable device | Protects groups within a 20-foot radius | No sprays needed | Compact for packing
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Taylor Fox
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Taylor Fox
Best Natural Travel Size Bug Spray Spray
Wondercide Cedarwood Natural Insect Repellent
PHOTO: Amazon
$24 at Amazon View on Wondercide.com $14 at Chewy
Why It’s Great for Travel: The 4-ounce bottle is TSA compliant, and the natural, odorless formula is preferred by travelers seeking gentler options, especially for children or use around food.
Things to Consider: Reapplication is recommended hourly, and the oil-based formula can be slightly drippy.
For those preferring natural alternatives to picaridin and DEET, especially for children or use near food, Wondercide Cedarwood Insect Repellent is an excellent essential oil spray. It’s effective and, unlike many natural sprays, has a very mild scent. The bottle is travel-friendly and leak-proof. Being oil-based, it can be a bit drippy upon application, so rubbing it in is advisable to avoid staining clothes. While the protection time is unspecified and hourly reapplication is suggested, its natural ingredients and travel-ready size make it a solid choice for conscious travelers.
Travel-Friendly Details: TSA-compliant 4-ounce size | Natural essential oil formula | Mild scent | Suitable for families and food-adjacent use
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Taylor Fox
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Taylor Fox
Other Travel-Friendly Bug Sprays We Liked
During our extensive testing of 18 different bug repellents, from devices to gels and sprays, several others showed travel-friendly qualities, though they didn’t quite make our top picks for travel size.
Off! Deep Woods Insect Repellent V Aerosol: With 25 percent DEET, this offers strong protection suitable for camping, and while effective, its wetter spray and larger aerosol can are less ideal for strict travel packing.
Stem For Your Skin Mosquito + Tick Repellent: This spray’s light formula is non-sticky and non-greasy, appealing for comfort, but the slight lemon scent, despite being advertised as scent-free, might be a drawback for scent-sensitive travelers.
Off! Clean Feel Insect Repellent II Spritz: Effective like other Off! products, this spritz is quite drippy, requiring rubbing in, which is less convenient when traveling.
Wholesome Hippy Skeeter Spray: A natural, plant-based option, but its higher price and tendency to leave a white cast on skin might not suit all travel budgets and preferences.
Murphy’s Naturals Mosquito Repellent Incense Cones: While mosquito-repelling incense creates a pleasant ambiance for backyard use and could be travel-friendly for car camping, the short 15-minute burn time per cone makes it less practical for extended outdoor protection needed during travel.
Our Travel Bug Spray Testing Process
For ten weeks, I rigorously tested each bug repellent across various outdoor settings – camping, hiking, and backyards nationwide – to assess their travel-friendliness and effectiveness. Initial assessments included product inspection: shaking sprays for leaks, testing spray mechanisms for ease of use, and noting any initial odors. I specifically evaluated the travel-worthiness by packing each product in both checked and carry-on luggage for flights to Wyoming, Illinois, and Massachusetts, as well as road trips through Wisconsin, New Hampshire, and Maine. I’m pleased to report minimal leakage across all products, highlighting their suitability for travel.
During camping and hiking, I adhered to manufacturer guidelines for application, testing each spray on one arm and leg, leaving the others unprotected for comparison. After one hour and again at the product’s specified protection time, I checked for bug bites on both protected and unprotected limbs. Only repellents providing complete protection or very minimal bites over extended periods were considered for our final travel bug spray recommendations.
Tips for Choosing the Best Travel Size Bug Spray
Match Bug Spray to Your Travel Style and Destination
Consider your travel activities when selecting bug spray. For relaxed backyard barbecues or resort stays, a device like Thermacell might suffice. However, for active travel like camping or hiking, especially in tick-prone or high-risk disease areas, personal spray repellents are essential. Ensure your chosen spray offers protection against the specific insects prevalent in your destination, whether mosquitoes, ticks, or both.
Travel Packing Considerations for Bug Spray
Bug sprays can be messy and potentially damaging. Always ensure caps are tightly secured, and utilize any provided secondary caps. Packing sprays in sealed plastic bags or within a dedicated gear bag can contain any leaks. For air travel, remember TSA limits on liquid sizes and choose travel-size options to comply with carry-on regulations.
Explore Travel-Friendly Alternatives to Sprays
If you prefer to avoid sprays while traveling, consider alternatives like wipes or gels. Wipes are excellent for precise, mess-free application, and gels offer controlled coverage. These formats are particularly beneficial for travelers with children, pets, or sensitivities to strong scents, providing effective bug protection without the inhalation or overspray concerns of traditional sprays.
Frequently Asked Questions About Travel Size Bug Spray
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DEET vs. Picaridin for Travel Bug Spray: Which is better?
DEET, picaridin, and natural oils (like lemon eucalyptus) are all effective and safe bug repellent ingredients. DEET is EPA-approved and highly recommended for potent protection, especially in areas with high bug-borne disease risk, but some find its strong odor and potential eye irritation undesirable. Picaridin is a gentler alternative, equally effective and often preferred for its milder skin feel. For travel, both are excellent choices; consider DEET for maximum protection in high-risk areas and picaridin for general use and sensitive skin.
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What scents deter bugs most effectively while traveling?
Bugs generally dislike scents like peppermint, citronella, lavender, and eucalyptus. These are common in natural bug sprays and wipes, offering a pleasant-smelling alternative to chemical repellents. For yard bug control, even coffee grounds and bay leaves can help, but for personal travel protection, formulated repellents with these oils or DEET/picaridin are more reliable.
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Do travel size bug sprays expire?
Yes, bug sprays do expire, with shelf life depending on the active ingredient. DEET sprays are very stable but may lose effectiveness over time. Picaridin sprays typically last 3-5 years. If you notice changes in smell, appearance, or reduced effectiveness, it’s best to replace your travel bug spray, especially before relying on it for important trips.
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Can I use my travel bug spray on my dog while traveling?
No, human bug spray should never be used on dogs. Ingredients like DEET are toxic to dogs, causing irritation, vomiting, or seizures. Always use pet-specific bug repellents and consult your vet for safe travel bug protection for your animals.
Why Trust Travel + Leisure for Travel Product Recommendations
Taylor Fox, a T+L editor specializing in outdoor gear, brings extensive personal experience to bug repellent testing. As a lifelong camper and hiker and a malaria survivor from her time in Indonesia and the Pacific Islands, Taylor understands firsthand the critical importance of effective bug protection, especially for travelers. Her rigorous testing methodology and real-world travel experiences ensure our recommendations are both trustworthy and practical for your adventures.
Edited by Jasmine Grant [:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/JasmineGrant-c7aebf391faf4c1c8767a407a955548a.jpg)](https://www.travelandleisure.com/thmb/Ezsk5zHxeYYdng6NvxDvqOCKpOM=/75×75/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/JasmineGrant-c7aebf391faf4c1c8767a407a955548a.jpg)
Jasmine Grant
Jasmine is a Senior Editor at Travel + Leisure, expert in travel gear and accessories with over ten years in lifestyle and travel media. Her expertise ensures our content is both informative and tailored to the needs of modern travelers.
