High Sierra Topix

Matthewkphx wrote:I should have mentioned that I don't use DEET

I quoted you to demonstrate that I read what you wrote, although you didn't say why you don't use DEET. At any rate, I agree with SSSdave that after you cover up with long pants, a long sleeved shirt, and a hat that usually the back of your hands and your face are still exposed when, for example, you have to eat and your headnet is removed. A little DEET completes the protection.

However, personally I find 100% DEET way too oily for my tastes. I use 3M Ultrathon, which is a cream (or thick lotion) containing 34% DEET. It is not nearly as oily as 100% DEET and according to experiments is just as effective as 100% DEET. Many sporting goods stores carry it now including REI. I believe Sawyer has a similar product, perhaps it is Ultra 30 Controlled Release Insect Repellent.

Since you are a LW backpacker you won't want to carry the whole heavy and necessarily large 60 ml tube. That is enough to last a lifetime. I repackage my Ultrathon into a small container. Typically I use about 300 microliters or less per application (about 1/16 of a tsp). For any given trip I don't remember having to use more than 1/2 tsp total. For peace of mind take 1 tsp.

Ska-T - I don't use DEET for lots of reasons. Mostly I don't like putting stuff on my skin. It feels icky. I wear long sleeves and sun gloves rather than sunscreen. I'm not particularly excited about the toxicity of DEET or its ability to degrade synthetic materials either.