What is the best bug repellent?

[BriBri]

I couldn't find anything on the topic using the Search function, so here it goes:

While I am using Sawyers Permethrin for my clothes, I was wondering what is the best (or at least effective and reliable) bug repellent spray/lotion for the skin, particularly for use in a tree stand? While I plan on having the Thermacell going for my bear hunt in a couple of weeks, I don't want to have to run that thing all day, every day. Anyone have any thoughts/preferences on this? Would a simple DEET product work (like Deep Woods Off)?

[Tater]

Deep Woods Off will usually do the trick. When they get real persistent Ben's works every time. Course, Ben's us 98% DEET so I only use it when all else fails. Up in Alaska, Ben's was the only brand that worked. Skeeters up there are so big ATC had to squelch their radars

[BriBri]

Thanks Tater. I currently use Off Deep Woods Sportsman (w/ 98% DEET) No Fragrance Formula. But that stuff is so expensive (about $5 per 1oz pump bottle) that I am looking for something more economical.

I have seen the regular Deep Woods Off with 25% DEET, but I was wondering if the smell would scare aware the bear/deer, or if they would even notice.

[Dan Morris]

If you have West Nile in your area, stick with heavy DEET content!
Dan

[toxic111]

We found the thermacell mnore effective than the repellents.. plus the smell does not bother the bears...

Anything less than 95% deet I found to be just about useless...

[Swift]

DEET, the more the merrier!

[Ol` Joe]

DEET, the more the merrier!

Yep, DEET, just plain DEET.

I used to get 1 oz applicator bottles of it around here some years back. It did work better then anything I`ve tried before or since. It also desolved fishing line, nylon jacket cuffs, took the finish off gunstocks, and made my wife break out where ever she applied it. No bug bites though.
I now get by with Deep Woods Off or a similar product and a head net. If that doesn`t work I`ll just try to swat them as best I can.:)

[longdistanceoperator]

My Mother in Law...