For outdoor enthusiasts, scratch the itch when it comes to camping - without the insect bites

We love camping! It's one of the best ways to experience the outdoors. Amongst children and adults, nothing quite ignites a passion for nature or builds lasting memories quite like nights in tents in beautiful places. Founder of The Safari Store, Steve, is such a camping fanatic that he spends six months each year living in a tent in wild Southern Africa. With expedition testing at the core of our quality promise to our clients, this also serves the purpose of product testing our range of products in real-life - sometimes very wild - conditions. A less enjoyable element to camping is insects, which come with bites, stings, irritation, and sometimes disease. If you are planning your next - or first - camping trip, our carefully-selected range of camping bug repellent, anti-bug clothing, and insect protection accessories are the best way to build bite-free outdoor memories. Whether you are camping locally or heading to Africa on a self-drive camping safari, this guide should help with your insect protection planning as you pack.

Advice on Insect Protection and Mosquito Repellent for Camping

We recommend a multi-pronged approach when it comes to camping and insects. Central to this is your choice of insect repellent for camping, but it doesn't stop there. What you wear, how you wear it, and where you camp all play their part for insect protection. Read on to get insect protection and mosquito repellent for camping advice, find out what to look for when shopping for repellent, and shop the bestsellers in our shopping guide.

What to Look for When Shopping for Mosquito Repellent for Camping

The best insect repellent for camping comes down to active ingredients: The last thing you want is to get to your campsite only to find out that your insect repellent doesn't do what it says on the bottle. Selecting an insect repellent with the right formula and active ingredients is the best way to avoid mosquito bites on your next camping trip.

We rely on the best DEET mosquito repellent and natural bug spray with a citriodiol formula for camping, safari, and all outdoor pursuits. Across billions of applications over decades of use, DEET has been trusted to effectively repel insects. Organisations around the world also endorse and recommend DEET for insect protection. DEET is one of the best mosquito repellents for camping, but it also offers protection against an expansive range of insects. DEET is well-known to repel ticks, flies, leeches, sand fleas, sand flies, no-see-ums, midges, march flies, horse flies, bird lice, and other insects. In formulations with a DEET percentage of 50% or lower, you get the best balance of safety and effectiveness for every camping trip.

For anyone with sensitive skin or who prefers to go chemical-free, citriodiol is used in insect repellents worldwide. It has been trialled and approved for effectiveness and provides trustworthy levels of protection against mosquitoes, ticks, and midges.

Australian-made bug spray for camping: It has been reported that there are approximately 220 000 species of insect in Australia, with insects making up 70% of the country's biodiversity. They're also a nation with a strong outdoor and camping culture. This means Australians know a thing or two about insect repellent. They have been developed and tested - and are used daily - in this insect intensive environment, which translates into top performance around the world. Our 'old faithful' insect repellent is Bushman.

Look for time-release technology: The formulation of insect repellent determines things like longevity and performance. Bushman Ultra Insect Repellent and Mosi-guard Extra provide long-lasting protection from mosquitoes.

Comfortable wearer characteristics for camping: Protecting yourself from bites shouldn't come at the cost of comfort. The best mosquito repellents for camping are light on the skin, with a neutral or pleasant odour. It also helps to look for brands that are sweat, rub, and water resistant. Whether you are relaxing around camp or using it as your base for adventure activities, these properties help to achieve long-lasting protection.

Expedition tested to work: As mentioned above, we are no strangers to camping life. Our insect repellents and anti-insect clothing and accessories have been put through their paces in some wild African locations to get our stamp of approval for safari-goers, outdoor enthusiasts, and for home use. From poling the Okavango on a traditional dugout canoe to camping on the banks of the Zambezi River, our insect repellent brands have lived up to our expedition expectations.

More than Bug Spray for Camping: Extra Insect Protection Tips

Apply and Re-Apply Reliable Insect Repellent: When it comes to avoiding mosquito bites on a camping trip, your first priority should be a reliable insect repellent. Make sure you apply and re-apply frequently to prevent bites.

Wear Anti-Bug Clothing: Our BUGTech™ anti-insect clothing ranges give invaluable added defence against insect bites. Made from lightweight ripstop fabric, every garment has features designed for safari and outdoor adventures. Designed, tested, and refined to form the final product, BUGTech™ offers the rare combination of both moisture wicking and insect defence. BUGTech™ has been the subject of independent and many expedition tests and this quick-drying, sun protective, anti-bug clothing is an easy camping essential for insect protection. Dark coloured clothing also holds appeal for insects. Our range comes in a variety of neutral colours that should help with this.

Cover Up: The less skin exposed the better. Wearing long-sleeved shirts and trousers is good advice for your camping insect protection strategy. If you are camping in warm-weather months or if you are worried about heating up during camping activities, dressing smart by layering up will ensure you can adapt to conditions around camp. Our BUGTech™ long-sleeve shirts come with roll-up sleeve tabs to secure sleeves above the elbows as you heat up. Similarly, our zip-off trousers can quickly be converted into shorts without a full wardrobe change. This functionality is great for anyone who needs to pack light for camping for multi-day hikes or kayak adventures, for instance.

Protect the Ankles: Ankles are a sweet spot for mosquitoes, ticks, and other insects. Whether walking through grass or under the camp table, they seem to be a target for bugs. The best way to protect ankles is by wearing a pair of ankle gaiters and socks and boots.

Camp conditions: Damp, wet, and thick vegetation are some of the ideal conditions for insects. Keep this in mind when deciding where to set up your tent. When night falls, your light will in all likelihood become a beacon for bugs. Yellow light is attractive to insects. Using a lantern with a red light function like the LedLenser ML6 Rechargeable Lantern will illuminate your camp area sufficiently enough for most functions without attracting as many insects.

Moving air: Mosquitoes are attracted to carbon dioxide. If we are overlanding or road tripping and camping as we go, we pack a fan to use with our portable solar system or for electrified campsites to keep air moving. This isn't always an option for thru-trekking and multi-day camping hikes - and should always be a back-up in addition to bug spray.

The Best Mosquito Repellent for Camping and Anti-Bug Clothing Shopping Guide:

Shop our camping starter pack for insect protection from our range of bestsellers and favourites. Pair the best insect repellent for camping with BUGTech™ anti-insect clothing and insect protection accessories.

The Best Insect Repellent for Camping

Bushman Ultra Insect Repellent
• Safe and effective 40% DEET formula and top wearer characteristics
• Effective against mosquitoes for up to five hours, as well as a range of other insects
• Slow-release actives for long-lasting protection
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Mosi-guard Extra Natural Bug Spray
• Effective 40% citriodiol formula
• Suitable for adults, young children, and sensitive skins
• Up to ten hours' protection from mosquitoes and other insects
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BUGTech™ Anti-Insect Clothing: Shirts

Women's BUGTech™ Pioneer Anti-Insect Shirt
• Soft anti-insect, moisture wicking, UPF50+ ripstop fabric
• SilverPlus anti-microbial, quick-drying, fast wrinkle release
• Double roll-up sleeve tabs
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Men's BUGTech™ Explorer Anti-Insect Shirt
• Lightweight anti-insect, moisture wicking, UPF50+, ripstop fabric
• Anti-microbial, quick-drying, +Vent system for ventilation
• Double roll-up sleeve tabs
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Children's BUGTech™ Anti-Insect Shirt
• Anti-insect, UPF50+, and anti-microbial ripstop fabric
• Moisture wicking and quick drying
• Comfortable for camping and outdoor activities
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BUGTech™ Anti-Bug Clothing: Trousers

Women's BUGTech™ Anti-Insect Trousers
• Lightweight, moisture wicking ripstop anti-insect fabric
• Trousers can be converted into both three-quarter capris or shorts in one garment
• Quick drying, UPF50+, and anti-microbial
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Men's BUGTech™ Explorer Anti-Insect Trousers
• Lightweight anti-insect, anti-microbial ripstop fabric with built-in UPF50+
• Trousers convert into both three-quarter trousers or shorts in one garment
• Six pockets and a cargo pant design
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Children's Anti-Insect Trousers
• Lightweight, ripstop anti-insect fabric with SPF and anti-microbial properties
• Easily convert from longs to shorts
• Quick-drying for wash and wear camp clothing
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Anti-Bug Clothing: Jackets

Women's Pioneer BUGTech™ Anti-Insect Jacket
• BUGTech™ outer (double-layered on the arms) with premium micro-fleece core
• Built-in UPF50+ sun protection, moisture wicking anti-microbial properties
• Stylish, quick-drying, compact, and practical for camping
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Men's Explorer BUGTech™ Anti-Insect Jacket
• BUGTech™ outer (double layered on the arms) and lined with premium micro-fleece
• Built-in UPF50+, SilverPlus anti-microbial technology, and moisture wicking
• Lightweight, comfortable, and compact for camping and outdoor activities
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Camping Boots, Socks, and Ankle Gaiters

Men's and Women's Buffalo Chelsea Boots
• Hand-crafted in Africa from genuine leather
• Pull-on design for campsite ease of wear. Reinforced pull tabs and leather counter for durability
• Robust rubber soles and leather in-sole for reduced seepage in damp conditions
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Canvas and Leather Ankle Gaiters
• Made from safari-grade canvas and leather with antique brass hardware
• Worn around the ankle and lower leg for protection from insect bites
• Also available in heavy-duty suede leather
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Mara&Meru™ Everyday & Safari Anti-Blister Socks
• Double layered design for blister-free comfort and longevity
• Wick moisture and dry quickly for camping
• The simple way to add an extra layer of insect protection to vulnerable ankles
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