While summer has been in full swing for quite some time in most parts of the country, it’s just starting to warm up here in the Pacific Northwest. And with those warmer temperatures come mosquitos, biting flies, and other pesky insects. However, with all the studies about the long-term effects of DEET, I started looking for a DEET-free alternative. All Terrain’s Herbal Armor is a 100% DEET-free and all natural insect repellent.
What sets All Terrain’s Herbal Armor apart from other natural repellents is that it comes with a claim that it’s 100% effective in repelling mosquitoes for up to two hours. At this point, you might be thinking, “Yeah, right!” but All Terrain backs up their claims with clinical testing. (You can read the test results yourself here.)
This is all well in good in a lab, but does it work in the field? We put it to the test on a few of our hikes, especially ones where we knew there would be lots of pesky biting bugs. I’m usually a biting bug magnet, but the last few times I have used Herbal Armor I have managed to only come away from a long hike with only one or two bites. And because Herbal Armor is DEET-free and all natural, you don’t have the super strong chemical smell associated with traditional bug repellents, or have to worry about your gear getting damaged during applications. However, it does have it’s own scent, due to the unique formula of five essential oils that the EPA recognizes as natural repellents to keep those pesky mosquitoes, gnats, black flies, ants, and ticks away.
Bottom line? If you are looking for a reliable alternative to DEET bug repellents, Herbal Armor is definitely worth checking out. Available in lotion or spray formulas, as well as a kids-friendly formula (for sensitive skin). $5-8, depending on size and formula.
Product sample provided by the manufacturer for review purposes.
