Image: Sawyer · source
Sawyer · Budget
Sawyer's SP564 is a 20 percent picaridin insect repellent lotion in a 4 ounce bottle, rated by the maker for up to 14 hours against mosquitoes and ticks and up to 8 hours against biting flies, gnats, chiggers and sand flies.
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We have not tested it ourselves: strengths and weaknesses below come from the tests cited.
Sawyer lists camping, backpacking, hunting, fishing, backyard barbecues, sporting events and days at the park as uses, and does not mention trains. The railfan case comes from the protection times. Waiting out a long light window at a park viewing area, a trailhead or a grassy public spot is the kind of stationary outing where a 14-hour figure for mosquitoes and ticks means one application can cover a whole day. Sawyer describes the lotion as non-greasy, fragrance-free and quick drying, with a low odor that evaporates when dry, which matters to someone who handles a camera and a tripod with the same hands. It says picaridin will not damage plastics or synthetic coatings, and names backpacks, watches and sunglasses among the items it is safe on. Repellent has nothing to do with track safety: it belongs with a day at a platform, park or public path, never with going closer to the line.
Sawyer recommends 0.5 ounces per application. At that amount a 4 ounce bottle covers about eight applications. Sawyer explains that lotions usually last longer than sprays because you control how much product is used, and that a lotion lasts roughly 2 hours longer than a spray of comparable concentration. Sprays have the advantage that they can be applied to clothing and remain effective much longer there than on skin, and repellents work as a barrier of about 3 inches. Sawyer also says it can be used with its Stay Put sunscreen, applying the sunscreen first, and in tandem with its Permethrin treatment for clothing and gear. The maker lists the product as safe during pregnancy and on children as young as six months, and says a Canadian advisory committee considers picaridin the repellent of first choice for travelers aged 6 months to 12 years. The label panel directs you to the back panel for additional precautions, and Sawyer lists a shelf life of more than 10 years if stored in a cool, dry place away from direct UV exposure.
Strengths
Weaknesses
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Form | Lotion |
| Model | SP564 |
| Volume | 4 fl oz (118 ml) |
| Shelf life | 10+ years, stored cool and dry away from direct UV |
| Active ingredient | 20% picaridin |
| Protection, mosquitoes and ticks | Up to 14 hours |
| Protection, biting flies, gnats, chiggers, sand flies | Up to 8 hours |
Adults and families who spend long, stationary hours outdoors at parks, trailheads and public viewing areas in biting-insect season and want a skin repellent without DEET.
Sawyer's 20% Picaridin spray in the same 4 ounce size, which Sawyer says is effective for up to 12 hours against mosquitoes and ticks and can be applied to clothing. Sawyer Permethrin Fabric Treatment, which the maker pairs with the picaridin for protection on clothing and gear.
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