What is a good mosquito repellent to use when touring Alaska?

Most all repellent contain DEET and how well they work and how long they last is a function of the percentage of DEET.





15-20% lasts for 1-2 hours works okay, often feels nicer because the other 80% is lotion.





30-40% lasts about 3 hours.





70-100% lasts about 4-6 hours and is the greasiest of the options. Also the most potent, so if you're traveling light, a small contain lasts longer.





Best deal I know of on 100% is at REI stores or at www.rei.com. Search on ';DEET'; It is a member-owned co-operative. I'd pick this one because it the (non-aerosol) pump is handy and 2 oz of 100% costs less than most companies charge for 1 oz. :





http://www.rei.com/product/669551?cm_re=鈥?/a>





Uncle Ben's 100% is just as good but usually double the price.





There is some concern about kids and high-percentage DEET. Some groups recommended 25% max on kids and reapplying more often.





Now the important, local insights:





Keep it in a zip-lock bag! It is oily and can dissolve some clothing. You don't want it all over your stuff.





You can't take aerosol cans on planes. You need to check it. Best to check any kind - you won't need it in the airport!





You can get it up here. There's an REI store in Anchorage (Spenard Blvd and Northern Lights), but any supermarket or Wallmart will have something. As will many gas station and all fishing/hunting supply stores.





Friendliest set-up I saw was in Cordova where the rental car company at the airport has a bin of all the stuff you can't fly with (bear pepper spray, fuel cannisters, aerosol DEET, etc). On a loaner basis. Take what you need, return what you don't use.





DON'T PUT IT ON until you see bugs. Many times, you don't need anything. If you're in town, or on a lawn, or airport there are no bugs. And if it's windy, they aren't hunting. I only put on DEET 3-4 times a year. If I'm hiking, I just keep moving and they don't bother me. Only when you're still and there's no wind, and you're near bushes and wet ground is a problem. Okay, that is MOST of the state, but, again, wait until you need it, just keep a 1 or 2 oz container in a ziplock in your pocket.





I'd suggest one 1- or 2-ounce container per person for the whole trip. If you are doing a lot of outdoor hikes, you can also restock on the way.





People report some success with Avon ';Skin so Soft';. Seems to help, but not as well as high percentage DEET in my experience. Skin so Soft is certainly cheaper per ounce and not as nasty if it spills on everything.What is a good mosquito repellent to use when touring Alaska?
I would use the same repellent regardless of where I was traveling. I live in British Columbia and use Off! whenever I go camping and have been happy with it. I know that many people swear by an Avon product called Skin-so-soft.What is a good mosquito repellent to use when touring Alaska?
I have found a couple. Off! is always good, Avons Skin So Soft is also wonderful, however Deet is the best I have found. We went in the end of June and no bug bites here! Good Luck!
Depends on where you will be. If you're in heavy mosquito areas, you should use deet. If you're just going to be in towns and populated areas, I'd say go with Off.
Anything with a high Deet content is best. Something like Deep Woods Off, would work well.